Category: Days Out

Afternoon Tea at The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

Opened in 1867, The Imperial Hotel in Blackpool is a charming Victorian establishment steeped in history, having hosted notable guests such as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne, and even the Beatles. This grand hotel, with its impressive entrance, sits proudly along the seafront, a true reminder of Blackpool’s Victorian heyday when visitors flocked to enjoy the therapeutic seawater and Turkish baths.

The moment you step into the Imperial Hotel’s magnificent foyer, you are transported away from the bustle of daily life. The wood panelling and grand staircase set a refined atmosphere, promising an experience of timeless elegance.

We enjoyed afternoon tea in the Palm Court Restaurant, where the restaurant manager warmly welcomed us and led us to a table with a stunning view of the sea. After introducing us to the menu, he brought us each a glass of prosecco and a pot of tea. Once the tea had brewed, a classic three-tier cake stand appeared alongside a savoury plate featuring a small cup of delicious soup, a mini tomato and mozzarella quiche with beautifully crisp pastry and a homemade sausage roll with cranberries and thyme, served warm with wonderfully flaky puff pastry which was absolutely delicious.

The bottom tier of the cake stand was arranged with a selection of finger sandwiches on white and brown bread, with fillings of maple-cured ham with grain mustard, egg mayonnaise with watercress, mature cheddar with spring onion and roast turkey with smoked bacon, red onion, and mayonnaise. The sandwiches, served on soft, fresh bread, were full of flavour and very tasty. They weren’t sparing with the fillings either, which always gets a tick in my book.

The middle tier presented freshly baked scones with an array of accompaniments -clotted cream and strawberry jam for the cherry scones, and onion jam and chive butter for the Lancashire cheese scone. This savoury twist was a welcome change, particularly enjoyed by my husband, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth and really enjoyed his cheese scone. The scones were excellent with the perfect mix of crisp outer shell and soft (but not dense) centre.

On the top tier, a beautifully arranged selection of bite-sized pastries and cakes awaited. We were treated to a lemon Madeira drizzle with raspberry gel, a banoffee tart garnished with crisp banana and chocolate shavings, a mixed berry mess topped with mini meringue, and a mini-Eccles cake with candied orange. Each was delightful, with the Eccles cake emerging as our favourite.

By the time we had sampled all three tiers, we were pleasantly full and content to linger and soak in the elegant surroundings. And, for those who can’t quite finish, the hotel thoughtfully offers to box up any remaining treats for you to enjoy later.

We really enjoyed our afternoon tea at The imperial Hotel and being in such lovely surroundings made this afternoon tea experience that little bit more special.

With Blackpool Illuminations in full swing, now is the perfect time to experience this iconic seaside resort. Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea, then stroll through the world-famous Illuminations – you won’t be disappointed! To add a festive touch, a Christmas-themed afternoon tea will be available starting November 25th. Or, make a weekend of it by booking a stay in one of The Imperial Hotel’s charming rooms.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 14:00 – 16:30 and costs £20.50 for adults and £12.00 for children. If you are in the mood for something fizzy then a glass of prosecco can be added for an additional £5.00 per head.

Malibu Sun Lotion and High Protection Sun Care

beauty, Children, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Stocking Fillers, Summer

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

It may be that the cooler months of the year are upon us, but many are still going to sunnier places and everyone, regardless of the season, needs to look after their skin with SPF. Malibu Sun has a range of products, not just sun lotion, which can protect your skin from harmful rays. We were sent the Malibu Kids 50 SPF Lotion, Malibu 50 SPF lotion, Malibu SPF 30 Clear Hair and Scalp Protector, Malibu 50 SPF Roll-On Lotion and Malibu 30 SPF Lipcare Vanilla flavour.

The Malibu Kids 50 SPF Lotion comes in a handy spray with 300ml net and is UVA and UVB protective. The spray makes it super easy to ‘zap’ kids who don’t want to be covered in lotion and it’s a lighter spray than what you find in the bigger bottles. It’s water resistant too so great for the beach or pool and contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera to be kinder to skin. The Malibu Kids 50 SPF Roll-On Lotion is just as light and has as high a protection factor as the spray but for when it’s windy or you have a smaller child or baby and you want to ensure coverage, the roll-on lotion might help. It’s also UVA and UVB protective, and water resistant.  I love the spray for the whole family for when we go out but the roll-on is great for keeping in your beach bag and topping up the lotion or for days when you think you don’t need it, but it turns out you do!

There’s the classic family Malibu 50 SPF Lotion too, which is what I would take on an adult only holiday. I don’t need a fancy spray as an adult, and I find it quite reassuring having the old-fashioned 100ml bottle with me when I go on holiday! That size doesn’t last long by the way, so it’s enough for a week for two people if you’re out by the pool daily. It has a light fragrance to it too, which again is reassuring and like the others is UVA/UVB protective.  I love having the SPF 50 factor on so that I know I’m getting a proper coverage and won’t burn easily too.

Lastly, there are some ‘treats’ from Malibu too. For the times when you sit by the pool or on the beach and, “I wish I had thought of that…” here are two products you won’t want to forget next holiday. The Malibu SPF 30 Hair and Scalp Protector and the Malibu SPF 30 Lipcare.  When your scalp starts to burn and you don’t want to make your hair greasy from the sun lotion, Malibu have the solution. Same goes with your highlights that you don’t want to get bleached; the Hair and Scalp Protector maintains a barrier with the sun so that you don’t have to worry about your hair drying out, scalp burning and peeling or your colour dissipating.  I was really grateful for the Malibu Lipcare as well because on the days when we were out but not by the beach, my lips were getting dry from the sun but with eating and drinking, lotion wasn’t doing it. The vanilla flavour helped remind me when I needed to reapply the Lipcare too! Malibu Lipcare and the Hair and Scalp Protector are both UVA and UVB protective and water resistant.

Did they work as sun protection products though? Well no one got burned! We had nice tans but more importantly there was no long term damage, the lotions stayed on and everyone was happy in the sun. The Malibu Sun Protection range would be a fabulous gift for a family at Christmas, or a stocking filler for that trip of a lifetime next year. Who’s coming with me?

(Some products aren’t available online)

Malibu SPF 50 Lotion £4.99:

https://www.malibusun.com/spf50-lotion-protection-49-p.asp

Malibu SPF 30 Lipcare £1.99:

https://www.malibusun.com/spf30-vanilla-lip-care-241-p.asp

Helly Hansen Crew Insulator Jacket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, hiking, National Walking Month, 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.

As autumn approaches and the days grow shorter, the crisp morning air signals it’s time to bring out the layers again. A lightweight insulated jacket, like the Helly Hansen Crew Insulator Jacket, becomes essential at this time of year, offering warmth without bulk. With the unpredictable British weather, conditions can change quickly so having a warm lightweight jacket, that doesn’t take up much room in my rucksack is very important when I’m going out hiking.

For early autumn hikes, when there’s still some warmth from the sun, this jacket is perfect to throw on over a t-shirt to keep the breeze at bay. On colder days, it works well as a standalone top layer over a base layer or fleece. It’s also useful as an insulating layer beneath my waterproof coat, making it an excellent choice for the ever-changing weather of the season. Whether you wear it as a top layer or under a shell, this jacket is designed to handle the varied conditions that autumn throws at you.

As someone who’s 6′ tall with long arms, I often have trouble finding a jacket that fits comfortably. I typically go for men’s coats to ensure the sleeves and body are long enough, and I’m thrilled with the fit of this one. It provides the length and room I need without feeling bulky, offering a tailored fit that allows for easy movement, perfect for women like me who need extra length but still want a flattering fit.

In terms of functionality, the jacket comes with two zipped hand pockets and a convenient zipped chest pocket, ideal for keeping essentials like your phone or keys within easy reach. Made with PrimaLoft® Black insulation, it’s lightweight and packable, yet warm enough to handle the chillier mornings that autumn brings.

This jacket really ticks all the boxes for autumn adventures. Its tailored fit, especially for those who need more sleeve length, combined with durable fabric makes it a fantastic choice for any outdoor activity. As we move into autumn, with its cooler and unpredictable weather, this jacket offers the perfect combination of warmth and versatility.

Available in five different colours, the jacket is priced at £150.

Beef Brisket at Smith’s Bar and Grill, Paddington

Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant, Summer

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

Paddington in London is more than just the Bear we all love… the whole area along the canal has been transformed in recent years to be a vibrant, social place with lots going on. One of the inhabitants there is Smith’s Bar & Grill, right on the canal and a stone’s throw from Paddington Station.

Mondays are Beef Brisket day at Smith’s Bar & Grill. That means £40 for a whole sharing platter (for 2) of tender beef, corn on the cob, macaroni cheese, sweet potato fries and gherkins, along with a couple of sauces to go with the mix.  The offer is only available on Mondays so we went along for a taste and to see what else they had on offer!

Smith’s Bar & Grill is on the canal but has both indoor and outdoor seating. If you’ve ever walked to Little Venice, you’ve probably walked past Smith’s and not realised – I know I did recently. Their menu is a mix of Italian, seafood and grill with an impressive salad menu too.  We chose the Beef Brisket but started with Burrata and Salmon Tartare.

The delicious Burrata was served with an olive oil dressing and red and yellow cherry tomatoes. It’s a generous size serving too and absolutely divine, especially if you’re a cheese lover.  The Salmon Tartare is smoked salmon served on a bed of avocado, with a lemon dressing. The salmon is just right; light and well dressed and the avocado is creamy and soft to go with the lemon dressed salmon.

The Beef Brisket (which we had both been waiting for!) came out on a giant wooden platter, complete with beef pieces dressed in a BBQ sauce an accompanied by macaroni cheese, sweet potato fries and gherkins. There’s also pesto and BBQ sauce dips to accompany as well.   The beef is cooked then cut so there are some pieces which are well done with the majority of the joint being medium rare, so there’s a choice for both of you who are sharing. There’s ample there to be able to get enough food for only £20 a head, and I liked how there was enough vegetables to give you a whole meal as well as a huge helping of beef.

To top off the meal, we had Tiramisu and Chocolate Fondant, which is served with vanilla ice cream.  Going with the Italian theme, the Tiramisu is incredibly light but also very velvety and has a delicious hit of coffee with it.  The Chocolate Fondant is also very well baked with the gooey chocolate filling and a beautiful vanilla ice cream on the side. Served warm, it gushes chocolate from the centre when you cut into it and is again a good size portion.

We came for the Beef Brisket (which is only available on Mondays after midday but Smith’s Bar & Grill also has half price premium wines) but there were so many other choices on the menu that we had to choose more.  The Italian theme is not all they do – there’s steaks and a great range of seafood as well and plenty to choose from all round. We really enjoyed the Beef Brisket, which is a brilliant idea to get people out on a Monday and enjoying the Paddington area and what the canal has to offer. The atmosphere, even with a few people on what was a miserable afternoon weather-wise, was just as enjoyable.  I wonder what they’re going to do for Christmas?

Beef Brisket is available Mondays only, 12:00 until closing and is available for £40 for two to share.  Desserts and starters are additional.

See menu and details here: https://www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk/hidden-gems/brisket-wines?utm_source=smiths_internal_email&utm_medium=smiths_internal_email&utm_campaign=smiths_internal_email

Smith’s Bar & Grill: 0207-286-9458, 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London, W2 6EY

Fruit Snacks from Whitworths

Autumn, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks

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

It’s back to school in a few weeks and the dreaded lunchbox needs filling! Whitworths has some lovely snack ideas of dried fruits, perfect for the lunchbox, after school or for yourself at any time!

The Whitworths Sunny Raisins come in a pack of 6, each of 42.5 grams. One pack counts towards your child’s 5-a-day quota for fruit and vegetables so this is a brilliant way of getting nutrition into them especially as raisins are so tasty which is always the challenge with children’s food. These Whitworths raisins aren’t dried up at all, but have a very sweet taste and juicy too. One pack is enough for me to have with a sandwich at lunchtime and makes it feel like I’ve had something sweet instead of a chocolate bar or cake!

Whitworths also have the Sunny Snacks of Fruit Mix-Ups; Strawberries & Sultanas and Apricots & Mango. The packs are smaller at 18 grams each so don’t fill you up as much but they do give a hit of dried fruit.  The Apricots & Mango have no added sugar, but both are very sweet without anything added. The tiny pieces make these good for cooking too if you’re adding dried fruit to a cake mix or for tiny hands to decorate cupcakes with you in the kitchen. These are great snacks for a lunchbox or taking on days out as they’re easily transported too and it doesn’t matter if they get hot.

The second sunny Fruit Mix-Ups flavour is Strawberries & Sultanas. These are no added sugar too and have loads of flavour. The dried strawberries are particularly tasty as you get the burst of strawberry flavour as you bite into them, then the texture of all the seeds!  These are great for toddlers and smaller children who don’t like fruit as they’re super sweet but without the sugar.

It’s never been easier to get more healthy options into children’s diets with snacks like Whitworths’ Sunny Fruit Mix-Ups and Sunny Raisins, but always a good idea to test them yourself before they go back to school…

Fruit Mix-Ups £1.25 for 4: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/308099031

Raisins £2.40 for 6: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/258141777

A Scaretastic Time at The London Dungeon

Birthday Gifts, Children, Days Out, Family Life, Halloween, Summer, Theatre

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

Housed on the South Bank in the shadow of the London Eye, The London Dungeon is a walk-through attraction of some of London’s darker historical moments. Very easy to get to – a tube ride to Westminster and walk across the bridge, taking photos of the London Eye and the Big Ben on the way.

At the entrance you are greeted by ‘decorated’ staff who guide you in, depending on your ticket. There is an opportunity for a nice selfie here, on a throne with a portrait of the King. A few security checks, a bag search then into three staged photo selling areas. The staff here weren’t part of the attraction and are very matter of fact – stand her, hold this etc, so don’t let this put you off the rest of the attraction.

However, then the ‘fun’ began. A jester gave us a few rules – don’t touch, we won’t touch you and it’s dark with light effects. Then we met a Royalist in the intro to the ‘Rotten Royals’, where we learnt about King Charles I and how we were to help rescue him from execution! This part of the Dungeon was quite historical and involved an executioner and a torturer and some wanted (or not!) interaction from the attendees. Then we went into Plague London, Mrs Lovett’s Pie shop, met a helper of Sweeny Todd and finished with Whitechapel and Jack the Ripper. Our final visit was to a judge who sentenced us all to death. Unfortunately, we weren’t hanged as the finale of a ‘death drop’ was closed due to maintenance. Slightly disappointing as it felt the tour had led to this scary ending. Instead we just got herded into the photo room.

Was it truly scary? I think this depends on whether you have experienced these tours with actors before and possibly your age. And whether you like ‘taking part’? We overheard one young girl gleefully talk about her dad being chosen as a prisoner and torture victim. Most of it is in the dark with well-timed light effects and ‘bits’ that move and water that sprayed you in lieu of blood. Very young children wouldn’t like it at all, but teens and family groups would enjoy the interactive nature of it. Rather than read or listen to information, you are addressed by actors who play the parts – an executioner, Mrs Lovett, a Jack the Ripper victim. This is good and entertaining and they try to get you involved and certainly ham it up for all it’s worth. We particularly liked the witch in Newgate prison – very creepy and in the dark with strobe lighting. I was impressed how they could move around in pitch black and jump out in front of the unexpected (me!).

You walk through in about an hour so have to be prepared to be on your feet although there were three rooms where you sat for a while. The tour is in groups so you move from area to area – no time for looking at the set dressing along the way, which would have been nice. And if English isn’t your first language you may have difficulty following all that is said – there were some ripe Cockney accents flying about.

At the very end there is a tavern, with a self playing piano and skeleton. The prices for drinks weren’t at all bad, so this could be a quiet stop for refreshments before exiting.

Tickets are £35 per adult, £29 for children, which although a little steep they do multi-attraction tickets which includes the London Eye, for example, and these work out at much better value, especially for anyone in London for a couple of days. If you are visiting London’s sites I would buy the multi ticket and do the London Dungeon as part of this.

https://www.thedungeons.com/london/

Afternoon Tea Week at Brown’s Covent Garden

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, Restaurant, Summer, Vegetarian, Women

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

As if we need an excuse for an Afternoon Tea, 12-18 August is Afternoon Tea Week across the UK and Browns Brasserie & Bar invited us to their Champagne Afternoon Tea at their luxurious Covent Garden restaurant to sample their new Moet & Chandon menu. Available now in all Browns Brasserie & Bars, the classic meal is enhanced by a glass of classic or pink Champagne courtesy of Moet & Chandon and set in the fabulous ex-courthouse building in Leicester Square.

Upon arriving, the Judge’s Court room is upstairs (staircase or lift, in case you’re wondering) which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downstairs and one of the busiest parts of London. There’s no noise and no passing trade to disturb you or your photos, but the decadent décor, the parquet flooring and almost complete inside of the court from when it was a working court is still there. There’s even the judge’s chair left at the front of the room and ‘TO THE CELLS’ sign on the door! It’s beautifully decorated with plenty of room and no rush to contend with.

The Afternoon Tea Menu is both traditional and delicious. Starting with the Moet & Chandon Champagne, we had a classic glass each, which was slightly dry but totally appropriate with an Afternoon Tea. The sandwiches include an open sandwich of rye bread and salmon pate, lobster brioche, salt beef and horse radish and a lovely mix of cheese, pickle and crunchy apple – a combination which I will be trying at home! Each of the sandwiches was so fresh and so delicious we wanted to have more, but Browns had other ideas, judging by the amount of cake that was also on the stand.

Each of us had a plain and a fruit scone for the second course, with cream and both strawberry and blackcurrant jam to accompany. The crumbly scones were obviously baked that morning and fresh on the plate, as were the four different cakes which we enjoyed. Starting with the Blackcurrant Victoria Sandwich which was light and fluffy and featured the fruity blackcurrant jam which featured with the scones, it was definitely the first one to try before the stronger flavours kicked in.  The Carrot Cake was also fresh and baked with cinnamon to give the tangy yet rich flavour which is so often found in Afternoon Teas.  The Brown’s Black Forest Chocolate Pot also requires a Highly Commended mention because this was the richest of all the rich desserts with a Black Forest centre, chocolate moat and a cream filling on top. This one was definitely one to be eaten slowly!  The final cake was a delicate lemon meringue tart with edible violet flower on top, to remind you that it’s still summer.

All of this was accompanied by a tea of your choice including loose leaf English Breakfast or Earl Grey and teabags of Green Tea, Elderflower & Pear or Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon.  The tea is endless with more pots being brought out whenever you ask for them and the jams and cream are bottomless too.

Browns Brasserie & Bar have put on a super Afternoon Tea this year and not only is it available throughout the summer but there are vegetarian and Gluten Free versions too.  Classic Afternoon tea starts at £30 with Moet & Chandon Champagne costing £40 and Pink champagne at £45. We certainly enjoyed our 2 hours stress free and were more than full from their Afternoon Tea! https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/afternoonteamenu#/

Higgidy Snacks for Summer

camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Snacking is not just for picnics anymore, the working from home culture means that more of us are not only eating from home but treating ourselves when we grab a bite between meetings or for the school run. Higgidy have an increasing range of snacking foods which appeal to all tastes and ages thanks to their variety of vegetarian baked goods, as well as sausage rolls, quiches and muffins.  We were gifted a lovely range (available in all big stores) to sample whilst watching the tennis, football and of course, sheltering from the rain this summer.

Starting with the Higgidy Beechwood Smoked Bacon & Mature Cheddar Quiche, this is a great lunch, snack or even dinner for the family thanks to the protein from the bacon and cheese!  The combination of the thick-cut bacon with the rich, mature cheddar lends it perfectly to a more substantial snack or as part of a bigger meal. It’s great for picnics, or for taking as a gift to a summer gathering where you can choose your portion size.   The quiche is yummy too with béchamel sauce in the mixture. 

If a large quiche is too much to handle then the Higgidy Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche (also with béchamel sauce) might hit the spot.  At 155 grams it’s more of a single serving for either lunch or a snack and can be warmed up or eaten cold.  I had this for lunch one day with some deli favourites, which work beautifully with the poppy seeds in the pastry of the quiche crust.  There are other quiches in the Higgidy range but I think the Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche is probably my favourite.

Onto the sharing snacks, and Higgidy do a lovely range of mini muffins, like these Mature Cheddar & Spinach with a pinch of cayenne.  These muffins are slightly lighter than quiches but have the same dough-like consistency of muffins, just more protein heavy. The Mature Cheddar & Spinach Mini Muffins are bite-sized and can be heated or eaten straight from the sharing box but with the spinach included, and the cayenne for extra taste, these are healthier than their flour-made sweeter counterparts.  They’re great to add to lunchboxes or to have as a sharing snack when watching a movie too!

The Higgidy range of rolls includes these Great British Pork Sausage Rolls and vegetarian Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls. These packs of 6 mini rolls each have tasty fillings fit for any picnic and add something different that you can’t normally buy in the shops. The Great British Pork Rolls have the meaty centres where the Porcini Mushroom & Spinach have the mixture of mushroom and greens to give a slightly different edge to a British classic and which everyone can enjoy as they’re plant based.

Speaking of plant based, Higgidy also have a range of other vegan snacks which are widely available.  These are the Higgidy Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls and Higgidy Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices. If you haven’t tried the Little Lattice sharing range, these are filled pastry treats especially for sharing and have a pretty lattice pastry design on top so your picnics will look great too. I like these as after school savoury treats or to add to a salad or soup at lunchtime. The katsu curry taste is very different to other snacks on the market and the sweet potato makes a change as it’s not as dry as other fillings and has that sweeter taste too.  The Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls are similar to their counterparts but the cheese is on top too, giving a crunch coating to add a little texture.  The sweet onion filling makes a great accompaniment to any meal or picnic.

There are more items in the extensive range at Higgidy but I think you get the idea of what yummy things they have out there for you to try.  It doesn’t matter that the weather isn’t great, you can still enjoy good company and snack on the go with Higgidy’s fabulous range!

Available in most big supermarkets, smaller supermarkets may have a limited range. See online for details of ingredients: https://www.higgidy.co.uk/our-food/

Altruist Sunscreen

beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

It is finally time to start summer and to do it right, Altruist have a range of sunscreens for the whole family. We were sent some to sample and in true British Summer spirit, it was a few weeks before we could go out and try it!

Altruist sunscreen were developed by Dermatologist Dr Andrew Birnie to be a high quality sunscreen but at an affordable price. The reduction of marketing costs and a slim profit margin were the key to Altruist being not just effective but safe and affordable to everyone.

The range includes sunscreens at SPF 30 and SPF 50 in different bottles (with an increasing amount of bottles being produced with recycled materials) and SPF 30 and SPF 50 Face Fluids, all of which we were sent to try.  We were also gifted the Altruist 50 SPF Face Primer to accompany the Face Fluids.

Starting with the Altruist Sunscreens, we tried the SPF 30 and SPF 50 varieties, each graded as 5-star UVA protection. That’s not all, as all of the varieties are vegan, coral friendly and cruelty free. That means the chemicals used in the Altruist Sunscreens won’t affect sea coral if they get into the ocean and they’re not tested on animals either.  It’s telling that the Altruist Sunscreens start at SPF 30 and nothing less, as SPF 30 is a good starting point for sun protection no matter which climate you’re wearing it in.  SPF 50 is what is sold in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to give the maximum protection against the sun. The Altruist SPF 30 and SPF 50 are easy to absorb and go a long way. I can’t say we’ve been able to test their sun blocking ability in this British Summer so far though!

The Altruist Face Fluids at SPF 30 and SPF 50 work in a similar way to the sunscreens but are lighter for the face.  They are also 5-star UVA and UVB blockers which exceed EU standards, but are moisturising antioxidants too, which are beneficial for the face. Both Face Fluids also contain Vitamin E to prevent cellular damage and are designed for sensitive skin.  Additionally, they are all fragrance free, paraben free, hypoallergenic and water resistant!  

Finally, the Altruist Primer SPF 50 is worn under make up (foundation, moisture tint etc) to give extra SPF protection.  Just as light as the Face Fluids, it can also be worn under the sunscreens if you need extra heavy sun protection or your skin needs moisturising.  If you’re not just sunbathing but going out socially in the sun, Altruist Primer SPF 50 is much lighter than sunscreen and allows you to wear whatever make up you prefer, with no residue or stickiness. It’s also water resistant so you can be around the pool or at the beach and not have to re-apply too often.  It’s lovely and light too, so if you’re in the garden it can also be used for short periods of time.

Lots of lovely options for everyone this summer at the Altruist website, and even better, they start at £5.25!

Altruist Sunscreen and Sun Products are available online at: https://altruistsun.com/shop/

Helly Hansen Walking Gear

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, National Walking Month, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Winter, Women

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

Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your health and fitness, it’s an excellent form of exercise that anyone can do and walking regularly offers a lot of health benefits – both physical and mental. Walking briskly is a great cardio workout, helping to lower blood pressure and regular brisk walking can also burn around 300-400 calories an hour which is a great way to help you lose those unwanted pounds. Walking also helps strengthen bones and muscles and being outdoors will top up your vitamin D levels – a vitamin a lot of people in the UK are deficient in. On top of all this walking also releases endorphins in your body, creating a general feeling of wellbeing which also helps boost your mood. If I’m feeling stressed I go for a brisk walk on the fells and it never fails to make me feel better!  

You don’t have to walk for hours either – a brisk 10 minute walk contributes to the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. Try going for a walk at lunchtime, either alone or with colleagues, it’s a great way to clear your head and get some fresh air and you’ll soon feel the benefits.  

Obviously going for a walk is free but once you start walking regularly it is worth investing in some walking gear to keep you warm and dry. We’ve been trying out some Helly Hansen gear over the last couple of weeks and with the mix of weather we have been having recently we’ve been able to really put them to the test!  

A good pair of boots are a must if you are going to do a lot of walking and if you intend to walk regularly on rocky and uneven ground then a full height boot offers more ankle protection than a shoe. Another advantage is the higher fronts keep your feet drier when walking through wet grass or boggy ground!  I walk hundreds of miles a year so need a pair that not only support my feet but keep them warm and dry no matter what the terrain. The Helly Hansen Roamfree HELLY TECH® Hiking Boots have the HH Max-Comfort insole, an outsole built with maximum grip and traction and are waterproof and breathable too so tick all the boxes on my ideal boot list!  

On my first walk I quickly decided that they are a great pair of boots – the sole feels very strong and has the right balance of flex and rigidity, helping me feel equally confident on both rough ground and wet grass. The boots have plenty of padding around the ankle and comfortable on long walks. The HELLY TECH® Waterproof technology, combined with HH Quick Dry and HH Max-Vent makes them waterproof while ensuring maximum breathability, keeping my feet happy no matter what the weather and ground conditions are.

These are boots that are made to last and I’m looking forward to covering thousands of miles in them over the coming years.

RRP £150 available in sizes 6.5 to 12.5

If you’re planning on going for longer walks, then a rucksack is a must to carry essentials which in my case is usually food and a waterproof coat! The Generator Backpack is a 20 litre rucksack which is available in a choice of two colours – deep canyon (a dark orange colour) and black and it is the perfect size for a day hike. The rucksack has one main compartment, handily split into 2 sections, the thinner pocket is intended for a water bladder but it’s also the perfect size for a couple of sit mats. The bladder hanger loop is a great place to fasten my keys to so I don’t need to hunt for them in the bottom of the bag when I get back to the car! I especially like the small front pocket which has a soft fabric lining which is ideal for protecting cameras and phones. The main section is plenty large enough for waterproofs, maps and a lunchbox and if you need more space there is an expandable stuff pocket on the front which is great for stuffing a jumper in when you get too warm. All the zips have large zip pulls making them easy to open, even when wearing gloves.

The back panel, shoulder straps and waist belt are covered with 3D air mesh for comfort and ventilation when walking. The belt helps to stop any sideways movement and transfers some of the weight from my shoulders which makes a big difference on longer walks. The belt also has two small zipped pockets which are perfect for keeping money for an ice cream as well as some sweets and tissues. 

The addition of some clever features like the reflective webbing attachment for a bike light and a sternum whistle means this rucksack is ideal for both walking and cycling.

RRP £100

I always carry a lightweight down jacket when I’m hiking as whilst it might be lovely and sunny when you set off it’s surprising just how cold it gets when you reach the top of a mountain. The Verglas Hooded Down Hybrid is an ideal coat for hiking as it can be worn as an outer layer but it’s also thin enough to wear under a waterproof jacket. It’s great when you’re hiking as it squashes up nice and small inside it’s own pocket meaning it doesn’t take up much space in your rucksack.  

The coat is made of down, PrimaLoft® insulation and a 20D Nano ripstop fabric and has large panels of breathable softshell throughout. The combination of these materials gives a super cosy and breathable insulated jacket that keeps you nice and warm when you’re walking. The jacket is water-resistant and made with certified bluesign® materials.

The cut and fit are good, it is a nice length and the adjustable elastic cords in the hem help give a perfect fit. It has a decent sized hood and once it is fully zipped up stays in place, even in windy weather. The jacket isn’t too bulky and you’ll be nice and snug whether you’re walking the dog, climbing a mountain or sitting by a campfire on a chilly night.

Available in a choice of four colours this jacket will keep you warm and cosy on all your adventures.

RRP £200 but currently on sale at £140

Now the sun has finally made an appearance I like to walk in shorts, in addition to being more breathable and quicker to dry than trousers, shorts don’t restrict movement quite the same as trousers do so you can confidently scramble up boulders, climb over stiles and walk for miles in them.

The Women’s Tech Trail Shorts are available in four different colours in sizes XS to XL and are made with a 4 way stretch fabric which makes them really comfortable to wear. The wide elastic waistband is easy to pull over my hips and they have an interior drawcord so you can tighten the waistband. There is a zipped back pocket which, whilst not large enough for a phone is useful for keeping your keys or a tissue in.  The shorts are very light and loose fitting and the fabric is breathable, moisture wicking and has UPF30+ sun protection meaning they are great for walking in hot weather. If you’re going abroad this summer then you need to make sure you pack a couple of pairs in your suitcase as they’re really lightweight and dry really quickly.

RRP £50

Whilst we’ve not seen a lot of sun yet this summer it is important to wear a hat when walking as it will help shade you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The Roam hat is a broad brim hat that can be worn in two different ways, with a wide brim, or you can fasten the sides up using the two poppers on either side of the hat. The hat has a handy removeable cord which is useful for keeping the hat on your head in windy weather or it can be used to attach it to your rucksack so it doesn’t get lost when you’re not wearing it.

The hat is made of a quick dry polyester fabric and it’s as it’s been wet quite a few times over the last few weeks I can confirm it does dry quickly!  The hat provides great protection from the sun, keeps the rain off your glasses when it’s raining and is lightweight, comfortable to wear and holds up extremely well to being folded and crushed inside a rucksack.

Available in Navy and Aluminium the hat has a RRP of £40

A decent pair of socks are essential to keep your feet comfortable and free from blisters when you’re out walking. It’s definitely worth investing in some proper hiking socks rather than just wearing any old pair of socks as hiking socks are designed to increase ventilation, wick moisture and offer support to your feet in all the right places. The Unisex Hiking Quarter Socks are made of 44% polyamide 37% polypropylene 17% merino Wool and 2% elastane and are incredibly comfortable to wear, providing a snug fit and feeling very supportive on my feet. The cushioning underfoot gives excellent shock absorption, especially on rocky ground and even when walking in warm weather my feet didn’t feel hot or sweaty.

I’ve worn these quite a few times now and on longer walks these are my “go to” socks as they are so comfortable to wear and I haven’t had a single blister when wearing them – even on 15 mile walks!

RRP £20

With these basics you’ll have everything you need for a summer of adventuring so lace up those boots, grab your rucksack and make the most of the light evenings – happy hiking!!

AA Road Guides and Walking Guides

Birthday Gifts, Books, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Summer

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

As summer is finally here and the school holidays are less than a month away, we’re all looking for the last few pieces to plan that holiday. AA have long been the favourite and most trusted of all the road companies and their extensive bookshop isn’t apparent until you delve into what’s available online. We were sent a selection to look at for this summer including their new Walking Guides of Great Britain, the AA Big Road Atlas of Britain, the spiral bound Road Atlas of Britain and the Traveller’s Atlas of France for 2025.

The AA Big Road Atlas of Britain is a staple in most cars. This lightweight but comprehensive atlas covers the whole of the British Isles including the Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly and the whole of Ireland. The majority of the map is on a scale of 3 miles to 1 inch with Ireland having a scale of 16 miles to 1 inch. There are 68 close-up town, city and port plans to work from and a very handy distance and journey times chart on the inside back cover. If you’re into camping, then there are 300 AA-inspected caravan and camping sites also included. It’s very handy but if like me you love maps, it’s really interesting too!

The AA 2025 Road Atlas spiral-bound is the same map with the same scale of 3 miles to 1 inch and 16 miles in Ireland to 1 inch but this includes over 100 city, town and port plans. There’s slightly more about the ports in Northern France but it also includes the same index of camping sites details of traffic signs.  I have images of small children memorising these traffic signs in the back of the car on very long journeys! I really like the directory of restricted junctions all over the country that would be invaluable in planning a journey. That’s not something you get on Google! The spiral bound atlas makes it easier to turn pages if you’re travelling long distances, but it is heavier than the AA Big Road Atlas.

We were also sent the AA Traveller’s Atlas of France. Now I haven’t driven in France for a long time and even then it wasn’t a distance that needed a map, but if you’re travelling to France this summer then this map is a must.  It has recently been updated and unlike the British Atlas it has varying scales on the map to accommodate the small roads of big towns and cities and the vast roads of the French countryside. It includes the whole of France and Corsica but the scaling changes when you get to a whole map of Europe with major roads. It’s invaluable when driving through countries where you’re crossing lots of border and this map also includes Iceland, if you’re travelling there too! There is an extensive index in the back of French places and where to find them in the maps.

Lastly, we had a lovely collection of AA Walking maps of Great Britain. These are fold-out Ordinance Survey-style maps which can fit into any backpack or suitcase to go off exploring with.  One side of the plan is a huge map which takes up the inside of a car but if you’re outside walking, they are great for planning routes and sitting on the grass so that everyone can see where you’re planning to go. The other side is an index of roads within certain town and city centres included in the map, so there’s no excuse for getting lost when you stop walking and start pub finding!

The AA selection of maps is available online and throughout the year. They’re great for gifts but also for every day working out how to get about, or whilst you’re on holiday and don’t necessarily have the phone signal you’d be expecting.

Walking Guides are available from the AA shop on Amazon for £14.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/theAA/Bookshop/page/71AD8493-1145-44D5-BE1F-4C5AB5D2DFD2

AA Big Road Atlas Britain is available from £10.95 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-Atlas-Britain-2025-Paperback/dp/0749583940/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2ZVQ9I8D0RQBK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sCcaOW4uKsDFVWZTNNe5S4s8UBykPrHEat34r_eK3Ni0QpwhpevbJUlBRSeeFKV39hkIyzo0T_-mLWbTkiZJbXeXr3d4r8YVuaEKoLa5jjvN_ETbvxhaUxq4GDgJRUMA3ECptya2ILGhRyaTew6haJF_jhXFpR4GCGELzydQ-9Tx-Qo2AL3XxYWidSRKWbY3vdUuSwvP4dAyibxAX3i4DxhDat_49GOcOdB_r-pcNTQ.WVxVi2i7174b6dHz8OKrGvRvVMmQ3EVST-Z0yWb34IM&dib_tag=se&keywords=aa+big+road+atlas+britain+2025&qid=1718612225&sprefix=AA+big+road+a%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-3

iWalk Portable Phone Charger for iPhone

Birthday Gifts, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mobile Phone, Summer

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

Most people are off to some kind of outdoor event this summer whether it be a concert, festival, picnic or even camping so if you’re taking your phone, you’d be prudent to take some extra battery charge for your phone too. The iWalk Portable Phone Charger for iPhone (Android also available) holds 4800mAh of charge for your phone, and all in this tiny little charge bank you can take anywhere!

Available in white, pink or black, the iWalk Portable Phone Charger takes around 90 minutes to charge but gives more than 100% of charge to an iPhone. So if your phone is down to 0%, the iWalk Charger will charge it up to 100% with a little charge left over to charge again, or hand to another friend to charge instead! (This is from me testing the charger, not official statistics from the manufacturer.) This particular iWalk is USB-C so fits newer iPhones and nowadays there are multiple other devices which aren’t phones but still have USB-C connections which can also charge from the iWalk. It’s handy to have around so I keep it in my handbag so that I can charge my phone if it goes low.

As the iWalk Portable Charger is so small (it measures approximately 3 inches long or 7.5 centimetres) it is roughly the width of your phone so you can still either type or talk on our phone as it’s charging at the same time. The compact size also makes it easy to pack away or even put in your hand luggage so that you never run out of charge. It is charged with a USB-C cable which comes with the packaging and as it doesn’t take long to charge, you can add it to your laptop as you work or even use an adapter and plug it into the wall. The two items together are so compact you can take them anywhere and the extra charge they provide will be invaluable if you lose charge.

The iWalk Portable Phone Charger also differs to other chargers because there’s a handy display on the front. When you press the button on the side, the front display shows you how much charge the device holds as a percentage.  As it charges, the number goes up until it’s 100%, which doesn’t take as long as you think. The charger is lightweight but also really robust so you can keep it charging whilst moving around, even if you’re doing sports or on bumpy transport. 

I really like having the iWalk Portable Charger on hand and knowing that it will reliably keep charge and then transfer it to my phone whenever I need it, and it’s especially handy as it charges as you use your phone. Not all the portable chargers can do that. Makes a great gift for a teen or for someone going travelling too.

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/iWALK-Portable-Charger-Charging-Compatible/dp/B0CFL1Z99Y?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Kingsmill Competition to win tickets to Peppa Pig World

Children, Days Out, Family Life

In an exclusive 2 for £2 promotion, running from 16 May – 5th June with the supermarket giant Asda, UK bread-makers Kingsmill are giving parents or guardians the chance to win one of three prizes of tickets for four people to Peppa Pig World plus 100s of other Peppa Pig prizes!

The lucky families will be able to meet their favourite Peppa Pig characters and spend a day at her popular theme park in the New Forest, Hampshire.

For a chance to win, Asda customers need to buy two Kingsmill products included in the promotion while the offer runs between May 16 and June 5.

Peppa Pig World, based at Paultons Park, brings the world-famous TV series to life. Families can visit Peppa’s home, ride Grandpa Pig’s little train, jump in muddy puddles, and much more.

Paultons Park opened in 1983 and is home to other themed worlds like Tornado Springs, Lost Kingdom and Critter Creeks and has live daily shows and a huge variety of animals to see, from birds to mammals and reptiles.  

The prize draw will commence at the end of the promotional period with qualifying products being listed on the two for £2 promotion. Customers must have two listed products on their receipt to enter.

As well as the family tickets, Kingsmill has hundreds of premium collectable prizes that will be drawn weekly throughout the special eight-weeks promotional period. Prizes include 100 lunch bag sets, 100 cutlery sets, 100 lunchboxes and water bottles.

Kingsmill have been providing deliciously-made bread since 1935 with products like their 50/50 sliced bread which is a hit with parents for over 30 years containing 50% white flour and 50% wholemeal flour.

To enter, visit the website here and upload your receipt for your chance to win, good luck!

The following products are included in the promotion

Soft White Medium 800g
Soft White Thick 800g
50/50 Medium 800g
50/50 Thick 800g
50/50 Vitamin Boost Medium 750g
Tasty Wholemeal Medium 800g 
Tasty Wholemeal Thick 800g 
6pk Large Soft White Rolls
4 Mixed Berry Fruit Fingers
4 Apple and Raisin Fruit Fingers
4 Muffins

Fieldtrip 10oz Field Cup Set

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, National Walking Month, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

May is National Walking month and we’re trying to go for a walk every day, some days it’s just a quick walk after work but at the weekends we are heading further afield and enjoying longer walks in the beautiful countryside.

On our longer walks we always carry a flask of tea or coffee, in winter it’s just what you need to warm you up and there’s nothing better than sitting in the middle of nowhere enjoying a breathtaking view with a brew in your hand.

In the past we’ve just taken a couple of plastic mugs but the arrival of the Field Trip 10oz Field Cup set has certainly upped our game. The double walled stainless steel cups are available in stacks of 4 or 5 and come in a very practical 6oz waxed cotton bag which is hand finished with a stainless steel cord slider.

The insulation is just right for a quick hot drink or even a more leisurely coffee  and most importantly they are really comfortable to hold, unlike the old fashioned metal cups that burnt your hands and lips – most hikers have had at least one bad experience with that style of cup! At 10oz the cup is a good size and is the equivalent to a normal mug that you use at home.

The metal doesn’t hold onto flavours so it can be used for any drink without the flavours being tainted and can also be used as a handy bowl for soup or porridge when camping. The cups are solid, durable, well-made, and a pleasure to drink out of and as they can be stacked in the purpose made bag, they don’t take up much space making them easy to throw in the rucksack or car so we can enjoy a nice brew when we’re out on our adventures.  

We generally only take 2 cups with us so we have found the waxed cotton bag is a great place to store biscuits to enjoy with our brew!

At £59.95 for the 4 cup stack and £67.95 for the 5 cup stack they’re certainly not the cheapest set of cups around but they are made to last and I guarantee you’ll be using these cups for many years to come.

Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites for Father’s Day

Birthday Gifts, Children, Days Out, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Halloween, Lunchbox Fillers, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Vegan

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

Think back to the sweets you had when you were young. Were Refreshers among them? What about Drumsticks and Love Hearts?  Swizzels Sweets have a treat for Dads this Father’s Day with a bumper selection perfect for Dad; or Grandad to keep him occupied during the weekend. We were sent a huge assortment of Swizzels sweets to test before the big Father’s Day onslaught of chocolate, sweets and treats so we hope you get some inspiration from these for your Dad!

First up is the big box of Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites. At 650 grams net it’s a pot pourri of favourites including Parma Violets, Refreshers, Double Lollies, Fizzers, Fruity Pops and Love Hearts. There’s also Drumsticks and Drumstick Squashies which are the same flavour but the Squashies are obviously softer on the teeth! Each of the sweets are as you remember them as a child and in this enormous round box, you can share them out within the family too.  They’re great for dipping into when you need to get a sugar rush or to give out after dinner. Dad will love them for the memories too.

Also in the review package were variety packs with a packet of another favourite – Swizzels Luscious Lollies.  There’s 16 lollies in this 176 gram pack which include Drumsticks, Fruity Pops and Double Lollies. Yes, there are some repeats here from the box of Sweet Shop Favourites but they are delicious and you probably don’t want to be taking a whole box out with you when you picnic or go on days out so 16 in a pack is ideal. All the lollies featured in this pack are also vegan and free from artificial colours.

There’s two more similar packs of sweets with the Swizzels Curious Chews at 171 grams and Swizzels Scrumptious Sweets at 173 grams.  The Curious Chews contain Drumsticks (again), Refreshers, and then Sour Refreshers, Puds (sticky toffee pudding flavour) and Fudg-eee Fudge Chews. None of those are recognisable to me so I’m guessing they’re new in the last few decades. They are indeed very chewy! I would stick to one at a time for these if you have anywhere near loose fillings but they are very addictive and the Fudg-eee and Puds really do taste as they’re supposed to.  The Scrumptious Sweets are some of our familiar Swizzels favourites including Drumsticks, Refreshers and Fizzers which again, are universally liked.

Finally, we have the Love Hearts! Everyone knew these sweets growing up so it’s only right that Dad gets them on Father’s Day too. The messages are slightly changed from the less-politically correct ones we might have had but the sentiments are the same. Love Hearts are vegan and free from Artificial Colours and this pack weighing 127 grams has approximately 12 little packs of sweets included, each with love messages on each sweet.

If you’re looking for a fun treat for Dad for Father’s Day, Swizzels Sweets are definitely going to be a favourite for any sweet tooth Dad!

Available from Ocado and other supermarkets: https://www.ocado.com/products/swizzels-sweet-shop-favourites-tub-456465011?ds_rl=1291426&ds_rl=1290929&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0YGyBhByEiwAQmBEWjC2y6gjspdSz9BGgxRlILm2GTFhSTK2j7tZBBr6UK68eS0CDAGBNhoCUosQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

TermaBurn Post-Sun Aloe Wrap

beauty, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Summer

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

If you’ve ever had sunburn you know what it feels like to have burning skin and your underlying fear of what comes next once the skin dries out. It inevitably isn’t pleasant and isn’t healthy either.

If you find yourself burned this year, especially whilst on holiday, TermaBurn Post-Sun Aloe Wrap combines the healing properties of aloe vera with a revolutionary wrap format which makes it easy and much quicker to apply than aloe vera gel.  The 100% organic aloe is combined with Vitamin E, and Green Tea for anti-inflammation to create a moist web which when placed over the sun burnt skin can help healing. It can also prevent further burning as the aloe and ingredients take away the damaging heat and also leave your skin moist to prevent peeling too.

The whole roll is 52 inches (1.32 metres) which you can cut to any size. So if the burn is on your face, across your back or chest or even on your hands, you have plenty TermaBurn to use liberally to cool your skin. It can be worn under clothes and doesn’t leave a residue and doesn’t need to be refrigerated first. 

Even if you’re not going on holiday, many people find TermaBurn great for grazes and household burns, itches and allergies and generally keeping cool in the summer especially for children and the elderly.  There are no drugs involved so you can use as much as you need and keep it on your skin for as long as needed. Rashes and insect bites are often soothed as well, especially if you put any ointments on underneath and let the TermaBurn do the cooling and sealing on top. 

Whoever came up with this brilliant idea has obviously had some serious sunburn in the past, but hopefully it won’t be as serious anymore with TermaBurn around.

Available from £19.95 at: https://termaburn.co.uk/products/termaburn-aloe-wrap

My Little Sudocrem

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Sport, Summer

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

It’s that time of year again, when we start to think about the summer beauty products we need. Probably best not to rely on what’s left of last year and instead start anew with some beautiful, yet practical summer products.

My Little Sudocrem 22 gram pots are great for summer, family, taking to work and even better for taking on holiday!  The hand-held pots are filled with Sudocrem but their size makes them so much easier to carry around and to use. Not only for children, I use my Sudocrem as a hand cream when I’m sitting at my desk, or after a bath or shower on any skin area but particularly on hands and feet when they’re dry. You can rub it into knees and elbows too and with a bit of work, any area of skin to create a barrier as well as deep hydration.

If you’ve never used Sudocrem before, let me explain. Sudocrem includes zinc oxide which helps reduce the loss of moisture from the skin. It’s incredibly rich, not like a face cream, but this richness which eventually works into the skin will create a barrier to reduce fluid loss but also create a barrier. Great for the child who loves to amble through the long grass or bracken.  Sudocrem also contains benzol alcohol, which has local anaesthetic and antiseptic properties so if you are out in nature, it allows for the odd scrape or irritant to touch the skin. It’s also packed with Anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin to both soften and soothe skin, which is great for outdoor life, children and even in the kitchen.

The small 22 gram pot might not sound like much, but as it’s so rich and so powerful, it’s the perfect size for a small area of skin because it goes a long way. Just a tiny dab on the back of the hands needs real effort to work in but when it does, it covers both hands and leaves them smooth and mega hydrated.

I’ve currently got my office using the My Little Sudocrem pots as we are in our busiest time of the year for paperwork.  The dry fingers and chapped thumbs from using so much paper is much soothed by Sudocrem, and even a super dry face enjoys a little hydration, although I use it sparingly as it leaves a bit of a film on softer or more delicate skin!

There are other Sudocrem items available online, but the My Little Sudocrem pots are all-rounders in the summer when virtually anyone can use them from day to day.From £5.95 each at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOSARA-PHARMA-My-Little-Sudocrem/dp/B07MXR26G3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BISM2WA5U3J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Hp2noYSexjFvxATmJJ5Oxo4NcP2ZtCRH7KtFl-goMRlSYm4MvY0Rs-cKYa5GBQDfRK9o0YXHQlL8okbLJX_Pcjh6GT0O0yOz7POfdx1E-8yrs_sfoWji1BwRAp7J_GpqdPjFY4d5Iae3RyHxLYuFMlxBfufoPxLKky_y3-lfWf2vat1FvIS6qgfeR2mDdFaP7zdt-L_f6zIHrsjTIcp7RbTiEimreILQdVdRy8BOhjkpNkQaLhGm1qzLLj0E95ZIPdeKZPRqwYm8g7C12qRx0DDiuhWv8e1YJmKiSz3SO40.j4p4X5gH_-WvHSOQ-xA77BZjesaxN3jG02f4Y8ZC2cQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+little+sudocrem&qid=1715275193&s=drugstore&sprefix=my+little+sudocrem%2Cdrugstore%2C157&sr=1-1

AA 2024-25 Walking Guides

Birthday Gifts, Books, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, National Walking Month, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Summer

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

May is National Walking Month and is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore our beautiful countryside. If you’re new to walking or just on holiday, then a guide book is a great way to discover the best routes in the area. The AA have recently launched a new series of walking books covering some of the most beautiful areas of England, each featuring 50 walks to suit all abilities. The walks are numbered and it is easy to see their locations on the handy map at the start of the book. As well as being numbered they are also colour coded according to the difficulty of the walk – easy (green), intermediate(orange) and hard (red).

Each walk has information about the distance, time, gradient, type of surface and accessibility, landscape, dog friendliness, parking, and public toilets as well as the OS map that covers the area. They also give useful information about the area, a little of the history of the area and things to look out for. There is a map of each walk with the route clearly highlighted making it easy to follow the written instructions. As the guide is meant to be taken out on a walk with you it fits perfectly in a map pocket or rucksack, making it easily accessible when walking.  

There are two books covering Yorkshire and there is a great selection of walks in them, some we already know like Malham, Pen-y-Ghent and Grassington and lots for us to discover over the coming months.

Whether you want to explore country lanes, the coast or the fells these handy guides offer plenty of walks for novices and experienced walkers alike.

The new 50 Walks In guides are £13.99 and feature Devon, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire.  

Available from Amazon and all leading bookstores.

My Beautiful Laundrette

Days Out, LGBTQ+ and Pride, Theatre

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

If you were around in the 80’s then you may remember Hanif Kureshi’s Oscar-nominated film  “My Beautiful Laundrette” an unlikely love story featuring Omar, a young Pakistani and Johnny, a white skin-head and fascist gang leader. The popular film has now been adapted for the stage and we went to see it last night on the final leg of the tour at The Grand Theatre in Blackpool.  

In 1985, Omar was played by Gordon Warnecke and it is great to see he is now part of the stage version – this time playing Omar’s father, Papa. Once a noted journalist he is now a shadow of his former self having turned to alcohol following his wife’s suicide. He asks his brother Nasser (Kammy Darweish) to find work for his son before he goes off to college and before long Omar (Lucca Chadwick-Patel) finds himself working at his uncle’s rundown laundrette. Whilst out with family friend Salim, they are set upon by a fascist gang but when the gang leader Johnny (Sam Mitchell) recognises Omar – his old school friend – he stops the altercation and the pair rekindle their friendship and Omar persuades him to help  transform the laundrette into a thriving business. 

Set in Margaret Thatcher’s 80’s Britain the ground-breaking film explored violence, racism, homosexuality as well as the friction between the new generation of young British Pakistanis and their parents, who were struggling with the different views on gender equality. 

Whilst Nasser reflects the age of prosperity and the Thatcherite reforms, the 80’s was also a decade of violence and unrest and we felt Paddy Daly was brilliant as the racist thug Ghengis, his costume and attitude bringing back memories of news reports of the time.

Despite the gritty subject matter there is plenty of humour in the play with some excellent one liners and double entendres dotted throughout the performance. The whole cast were excellent with all of the actors portraying the characters so well, especially Lucca and Sam who had a great on stage chemistry.  

The play had a real 80’s feel, the Pet Shop Boys music and fantastic costumes – especially the sharp pink suit of Salim transporting us straight back to our youth! We really enjoyed the show and were pleased that the stage version hasn’t lost any of the impact of the original film.  

The current tour is at its end, with a final performance Blackpool on 6th April so be sure to grab a ticket now before it is too late!

Tickets from £19.50 with concessions and group rates available, plus extra special offers for Grand Theatre 1894 Club Members.

Tickets are also available at £15.50 for 18 to 26-year-olds as part of the national ticket scheme to encourage young adults to experience all forms of live theatre.

To book tickets call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.BlackpoolGrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information.

HJ Hall Pro Trek Socks

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Easter, Family Life, Fashion, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Winter, Women

Spring is in the air and with the Easter holidays fast approaching it’s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore the countryside. There are many forms of outdoor exercise that you can do but my favourite is hiking, a great all-round exercise that is suitable for everyone and best of all doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment.

If you are planning on starting walking then my advice is to invest in some decent socks, it really is amazing the difference a good pair of walking socks makes, having cushioning in the right places and wicking materials to draw moisture away from your feet is really important, helping to keep feet nice and comfortable and also prevent blisters – every walkers nightmare! I’ve been trying out a couple of pairs of HJ Hall socks over the last month and I’m really impressed, they’ve kept my feet incredibly warm and comfortable (and blister free) and I’m looking forward to covering many miles in them this year.  

The Mountain Climb socks are a heavyweight sock with extra padding on the heel, toe and Achilles tendon areas. Made with an ultra durable, moisture wicking, scientific wool blend, the socks offer warmth and long lasting comfort and are the perfect choice for colder days. The socks are lovely and thick and keep your feet nice and toasty when the temperature drops. They are comfortable to wear, the arch support and ankle bracing keep the socks from moving about on your feet and they are a good length, coming up higher than the back of my walking boots. The socks are also long enough to tuck into trousers if you wish.  This sock is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a heavy duty hiking sock, especially if you walk a lot in cold weather as they will keep your feet warm in sub zero temperatures.

The Adventure Trek are a middleweight sock, they are thinner than the Mountain Climb socks and are suitable for both boots or shoes. The breathability is excellent thanks to the mesh zones that run across the top of the sock and along with the cushioning underfoot they are very comfortable to wear in both warm and cold weather. The socks hug my feet nicely and I have worn them on both long and short hikes with no discomfort. Whether I’ve been on the fells, the park or a recent trip to London, when we walked an average of 12 miles a day, they’ve never slipped, sagged, or bunched up and my feet have been comfortable all day long.

I would highly recommend the HJ Hall socks for anyone who enjoys walking and hiking, they are good value for money and your feet will certainly thank you for putting them in socks as warm and comfortable as these are. So whether you’re exploring the local fells, conquering mountains or walking the dog make sure you have a pair of HJ Hall socks on your feet. Happy hiking!

Mountain Climb Socks RRP £16.50 available in sizes 4-7, 6-11 and 11-13

Adventure Trek Socks RRP £15 available in sizes 4-7 and 6-11

Freshwipes for Summer

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, Home, Plastic free, Summer

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

As spring is here, I was thinking about what I might need to stock up on now for the summer. Face wipes and antibacterial wipes are essential for my office which has no air conditioning and at our busiest times during the months of May, June and July, we need to keep cool somehow.

Freshwipes are 100% biodegradable wipes and completely plastic free. I abhor plastic in anything so I have always stayed away from any kind of wipes but Freshwipes are in a different league. As a small company, they are s till able to produce disposable wipes that don’t live forever and block up drains and damage wildlife which is why they are still in production even after a ban on all wipes comes into effect.

Freshwipes actually produce a whole range of wipes that are available on the market now. We were sent some of them to test; Antibacterial Mini Wipes, pH Balanced Intimate Wipes and Antibacterial Body Wipes in Coconut, Grapefruit and Unscented versions. All of the wipes are made of viscose, a biodegradable plant-based fabric and are made antibacterial with Chlorohexidine. This means you can have the power of washing with soap (and therefore being antibacterial) but without having to rinse afterwards.

Starting with the Antibacterial Wipes and Intimate Wipes, they measure 20 x 15 centimetres per wipe and come in tamper proof sealed packets of 10.  These are great handbag sized packets which can be taken with you anywhere. The packets seal up again after you use one for either cleaning your hands, cleaning children or even cleaning surfaces if needed. The Intimate Wipes are scent free whilst the Antibacterial Wipes have a slight coconut fragrance to them which in itself is very refreshing.

The Body Wipes are bigger at 20 x 30 centimetres each but also come in tamper proof sealed packets which are resealable. These body wipes are for when you might not be able to get to a shower or bath, like whilst camping, at a festival or if like me you work long hours during the summer. They also refresh your hands and face whilst on a long flight or car journey and the soft texture of the viscose fibre isn’t harsh like a flannel so can be used for taking off suncream after a day at the beach, or excess make up. 

Freshwipes are available in Superdrug, Montain Warehouse and online at Amazon among other places but also have their own store online which includes a starter pack for Freshwipes.

Available for various prices depending on type at: https://www.freshwipes.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3a2iBhCFARIsAD4jQB3CMQ3lZkRxxj9QdPMX9XKp6RZSDxgWUdUavGax9fCTlNNXF7Q9gMoaAoFIEALw_wcB

Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant, Angel Court London EC2R 7HB

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant

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

Behind The Bank of England in the City of London, there is a tiny car-less passageway called Angel Court which houses Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant. The minute alleyway belies how extensive Mint Leaf is as both a restaurant and a bar, but if you were here during the working week, you would see that every inch of space is needed for diners of this authentic Indian cuisine.

We were greeted by the lovely staff who brought over cocktails for starters. Illusion is a lychee and lemonade mocktail topped with Gypsophila and is deliciously refreshing. I was given the Sunderban, a vodka based cocktail served in a toadstool glass and beautiful table setting. Named after the delta Sunderban in the Bay of Bengal, it also contains peach, pineapple, Grenadine and lemon juice. Yes, it really is delivered in the toadstool ceramic ornament!

It’s always worth asking for a recommendation so we were brought Crispy Kekda (Indian style fried crab) and Charcoal Lamb Chops for starters.   The Charcoal Lamb Chops were perfectly cooked with the lamb meat tender but the fat was silky soft and pulled away from the bone. There was an accompaniment of mint sauce as well, which added to the flavour and texture. I couldn’t get enough of these and this was only the starter! The Crispy Kekda was equally delicious. Each piece of crab was fried to a crispness without being burnt and not at all heavy with grease. The flavour of the crab meat was also evident and made a welcome difference to what you normally find on a menu.

The main course was again recommended to us. We had Bhuna Khargosh (slow cooked rabbit) and Coconut Prawn Curry were brought over to us in piping hot dishes with beautiful garnishes and ample amounts. The Coconut Prawn Curry had enormous prawns, curled round and presented in a dish of coconut sauce. This wasn’t too spicy, and along with the rice, the sauce was a meal on its own. The prawns were cooked to perfection and not at all chewy and the coconut sauce was delicious, especially on its own. This is a great dish for children who don’t like hot curries. The rabbit is something which is not often seen on menus in the UK and I gather it’s not that well known in India either, but if you have never tried rabbit as a dish before, this is the time to try it! I’ve eaten rabbit before and it can be a bit stringy, but this dish was tender, had the texture of soft beef and was easy to eat in the Indian gravy.  I also added some of the Coconut Curry sauce to it which gave it a different texture altogether!

The staff also added some rice and both plain and garlic naan breads, which help enormously when you’re trying to devour the last few drops of curry sauce from your plate. They were also delicious on their own!

As full as we were, there was still dessert to come. We were treated to the house specials of White Chocolate Cheesecake and Carnation Milk Vanilla Cake served with rose petals. The cheesecake was to die for – the base was light and had only a slight texture to it and the filling was incredibly delicate, with a rich flavour but nothing like the heavy cheesecake filling I knew growing up. The Carnation Milk Vanilla Cake was served on a bed of Carnation milk and rose petals and the cake itself is also incredibly light with a vanilla taste. It absorbs some of the Carnation Milk to give extra flavour and it’s more than enough to give a sweet ending to a meal.

Overjoyed at a fabulous meal and feeling full, I was given a tour of the rest of the restaurant.  The magnificent bar stretches along the back wall, but there’s another bar upstairs in the private dining area which can house corporate events. Downstairs, the restaurant area is divided so that you can have several smaller private rooms of around 30 seated, or open up the divided and have long tables seating up to 60.  There’s also a projector downstairs for presentations and a lounge area for pre-presentation drinks or after dinner.

The restaurant itself is enormous and you don’t get the scale of it until you walk around all the different areas and see for yourself. The lighting is kept low (which makes it difficult to photograph!) and the subtle lighting comes from pretty candle tealights on the table. The whole room is airy with double height ceilings and an open staircase with the bar taking up the main bulk of the back of the restaurant.

I cannot speak highly enough of the food. This is not your “High Street” Indian restaurant where you find the same old items on the menu. Instead, this is Indian inspired cuisine with the best quality meats (and you can tell that these are not the cheap cuts) with rich Indian flavours, a mixture of hot curries and every type of Indian bread you can think of. There’s plenty to choose from on the menu too and enough for vegetarians to enjoy, or if you want to go back several times and try a range of dishes. 

Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant is one of those hidden treats in London that once you find it, you’ll want to tell everyone you know. You’ll not be disappointed with either the food, or the experience.

Mint Leaf

Angel Court London EC2R 7HB

T: 0207 600 0992 | E. reservations@mintleaflounge.com

https://www.mintleaflondon.com/city

Brita Water Filter Active Bottle

Baby, Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, REUSABLE, Summer

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

Daily life nowadays means you are running errands, looking after children and/or parents and probably juggling that with a full-time job and adding in a social life of your own. Oh, and don’t forget you need to get exercise too, and lots of it!  We look for gadgets and life hacks nowadays to make life easier but to also improve the quality of life.

Carrying water around is essential nowadays, and especially for children. Brita have a range of water bottles for everyday use but they also contain filters to make the water extra clean.  The Brita Water Filter Active Bottle is a clever 0.6 litre bottle which includes a filter in the top so you can filter tap water when you’re out and about and not have to worry about the nasties.

The bottle is made of 100% BPA free material with a sports cap (so you can use it when exercising or to prevent it falling over and spilling) and has flexible sides so that you can squeeze it to direct through the sports cap. The filter is made of natural carbon and originates from coconut shell material so it’s more sustainable too. The Brita filter cartridge used in the Brita Water Filter Active removes chemicals found in tap water such as chlorine and some herbicides, pesticides and hormones but leaves the useful elements like Magnesium and calcium.  So if you’re out of the house without your Brita filter, any tap in a café or restaurant, or even at the gym will fill the Brita Active Bottle and the water will be cleaner than just taking out of the tap.

The bottle is also multipurpose because it’s adapted for sport. Not just squeezy sides but there’s a sports loop to attach it to your belt as you’re working out or to pick it up and hold it, and it comes with a cup that fixes to the base snugly so that you don’t lose it. The same cup works as a lid to protect the spout.  Taking this out with a pram where you can attach it to the handle bars with the loop or put it in the cup holder, it can also help a toddler drink from a cup as you dispense it into the attached beaker.  If you’re going to the gym and don’t want the attached cup, it’s easy to leave behind and 0.6 litre capacity is probably enough for an hour’s session. 

The Brita Water Filter Active Bottle comes with a cartridge already but when you need to replace it, it only takes taking off the top screw cap and placing the filter in the neck of the bottle. No fuss, and easy to carry around with you if you’re on holiday for instance. The whole bottle with filter and full of water is light to carry too, so it fits into hand luggage. If you can’t take a bottle of water onto a plane, you can take a Brita Water Filter Bottle when it’s empty, then fill it up when you’re airside or on the plane and you’ll know you have filtered water for the journey. Think how great this would be for camping too!

The more you use this Brita Water Filter, the more uses you have for it and realise how versatile it is for everyday life.  It’s a great gift item too for new mums, sports lovers or commuters alike.  Have fun this summer with Brita Water Filter Active Bottle!

Available from £14.18 at: https://www.brita.co.uk/water-filter-system/water-filter-bottles/active

Puma Golf Double Canopy Umbrella

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Fashion, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Winter

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

Ideal Christmas gifts rarely exist but Puma’s double canopy golf umbrella is very close!  Not only is it a staple for any golfer, beginner or advanced, but golf umbrellas are excellent for everyday use, or just keeping handy in the car. Families love them too for days out when more than just one person needs covering or as a brilliant sunshield in the summer.

The Puma double canopy golf umbrella is heavy duty for even the toughest of weather out on the course, and the double canopy not only acts to keep you dry but adds extra structure so that it doesn’t turn inside out. If you’re using this for sports, it also makes the umbrella more durable with extra layers so it won’t fall apart after a few winters.  The handle has a foam moulded hand grip to make it easier to hold for long periods and it’s also sturdier compared to everyday umbrellas. It’s opened by a push button at the handle too – much easier when it’s starting to rain!

The Puma double canopy golf umbrella has minimal branding and is available in black with bright white features and made of 100% polyester. Its suitable for golf players or any outdoor sport or spectating and even comes with a chic cover for storage.  I’m keeping this one in the car for when I’m caught in a downpour and don’t want to leave!

Available from £44.99 at:

Puma Golf Double Canopy Umbrella

Aladdin – The Grand Theatre Blackpool

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

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

Panto humour was in full flow last night as we watched Aladdin at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Aladdin is one of my favourite pantomimes as it has a strong storyline, giving the cast plenty of opportunities to make it their own. This production had all the usual elements that you expect from a pantomime – goodies, baddies, a princess, bad jokes, the usual local references and of course plenty of audience participation.

Steve Royle is brilliant as Wishee Washee, involving the audience from the minute he arrives on stage. He is a very talented comedian and is especially great at thinking on his feet, especially when he receives an unexpected response from a child! He has a fantastic rapport with Tom Lister, who plays the villain Abanazar, which came in handy when there was a technical hitch and the pair had to ad lib, making the show even funnier! 

Steve and Tom are a fantastic double act, jokes were coming thick and fast from the start and we never stopped laughing through the whole performance. The humour worked on many levels, with lots of jokes that appealed to both young and old alike and there was just the right level of innuendo to get the adults sniggering without it being too much for the children.

The night was filled with music and dance, the dancers from the Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre were great and most of the music was adapted from popular tunes so easy to sing or clap along to. The “Joseph” mix in the first half was our favourite and the musicians led by musical director Sam Coates deserve a special mention. The stage was filled with great scenery and the lighting and sound effects really added to the atmosphere, especially for Aladdin’s flight on the magic carpet.

The wardrobe department certainly excelled with the costumes – Widow Twankey (Ben Harlow) was not only fantastic as a performer, but looked incredible in the outlandish outfits.

We had a fantastic time but at the end of the day, the real judges of how good a pantomime is are the children – and judging by the faces of the children around us this pantomime was a definite hit. This is an absolute must see pantomime for all the family and is a great way to get well and truly in the Christmas spirit.

Aladdin is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Friday 1 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01253 290190 or you can book online. Tickets cost from £15