Family Life – Page 12 – The Review Studio

Barebells Protein Snacks

Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Lunchbox Fillers

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

I had never heard of Barebells before, but as someone who is (meant to) eat low carb, these indulgent looking snack bars were tempting! We were sent a variety pack of 4 flavours; Caramel Choc Soft Protein Bar, Banana Dream Soft Protein Bar, Cookies & Cream Protein Bar and White Salty Peanut Protein Bar. Barebelles also have a larger range of protein bars on their website, suitable for all tastes and a lot of them would appeal to children too.

Barebell’s Protein Bars contain between 15 grams and 20 grams of protein per bar and have no added sugar. Most of the bars are covered in chocolate and aren’t identical to chocolate bars you find on the supermarket shelves, so there’s something different about them. The vegan bars also contain 15 grams of protein and are topped with cocoa for that delicious chocolate taste.

The first bar I tasted was the White Salty Peanut bar. With 20 grams of protein, it’s at the upper end of the range of protein per bar, which probably has a lot to do with the peanut content. It’s dense but not heavy – there’s no air involved so you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth with this bar. You can taste the peanuts in it and although I don’t like white chocolate very much, this was a nice bar. I think it’s more for adults though as it’s not a taste children would enjoy. The next bar was the Caramel Choco. This has 16 grams of protein and is one for the chocolate lovers! Children will enjoy this too but it’s a thick, caramel and chocolate covered bar which is really filling. There’s a lot of chocolate on this bar, and a lot of caramel for the 55 gram sized bar!

The Cookies & Cream protein bar is another massive 20 grams of protein. This bar is more creamy with the familiar cookies & cream flavour we are used to in ice cream. Again, it’s not like anything I’m already familiar with on the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable! It’s a taste which anyone, including children would enjoy because it’s the right mix of sweet and tasty. The Banana Dream has a banana base and a caramel topping, finished off with an all-over layer of chocolate. I again couldn’t find anything similar on the market to compare it with, but there’s a really lovely banana flavour, and anyone who loves bananas will enjoy this.

Each of the bars are 55 grams which I found to be a bit too much. They’re quite sweet and with their density I found I could only eat half of one at a time. Maybe I’m used to shrinkflation and the size of chocolate bars getting smaller, but if I needed a snack to fill me up that was also high in protein, I now know that Barebells fulfil both criteria, and any of the flavours would satisfy me!

Available at a variety of prices and sizes at: https://barebells.co.uk/shop/

Seep Plastic Free Cleaning Cloths

eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden, REUSABLE, Sustainable, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

Granny always knew about cleaning. When I was little, there were so many different cleaning cloths, just in her kitchen that I could never keep up. As time went on though, all her cleaning equipment as well as the cleaning products in my parent’s house whilst growing up were plastic, non-recyclable and not good for the environment. We’ve come full circle though, with cleaning products now becoming more environmentally friendly and from companies other than the big corporations.

Seep (Sustainable, Everyday, Essential Products) is the only B-Corp certified cleaning product company which means they can be proven to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. They have an extensive and ever-increasing range of products too, and these Valentines Eco All-Purpose Sponge Cloths are one of their latest innovations.

The pack of 2 cloths are zero plastic and long lasting, made from sustainable wood pulp. That also means they are compostable! Each cloth measures around 15 centimetres square and is spongey to the touch. They soak up loads of water and are easily rung out. You can add them to the washing machine to give them a longer life but they dry really quickly on the side of the sink or over the tap. They’re hardwearing too, but when they are at the end of their life, they can be compostable. Just cut them up and add them to your compost or food waste bin.

Each of the designs is suitable for Valentines, but they can be used by anyone! If you’re like me and don’t particularly relish the thought of cleaning products as a Valentines present, then any of the Seep products can be used as part of a bigger present, or a hamper for your Mum, Nan or a friend at Valentines. I think the best use of these Valentines Eco All-Purpose cloths is to use them as a date marker – start using them on 14 February and you can easily tell how long they last before you need to buy new ones.

Available from £4.95 for 2

Steccato Set of 4 Dinner Plates

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Plastic free, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

These Steccato dinner plates which are part of a much bigger collection at Spode, remind me of al fresco dining in Italy, or your favourite posh Italian restaurant back home. Made of Earthenware, these plates are 28 centimetres in diameter and have the traditional cobalt blue striped design. The timeless artwork and deep colour of gorgeous blue is a scheme which never go out of fashion.

The Steccato Dinner plates are made in England and are dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe. So whether you are making a fancy meal from scratch or just heating up leftovers in the microwave or oven, Spode have covered your back and made life easier with these super durable plates. You can see how each plate is made with quality in mind, and their robustness is a beautiful quality that will keep these dishes contemporary and relevant for a long time to come.

The plates are part of a whole set of Steccato ware which instantly lift a table and give a sense of style. There are also sets of similar designs which you can mix and match to your taste, so that there’s more interest on the table, or you can build your crockery set over time with different statement pieces and arrange them for your celebrations.

Available for £80 for 4 at: https://www.spode.co.uk/steccato-set-of-4-dinner-plates

Spode Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, Sustainable, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

Mother’s Day gifts are always hard to source especially if you veer away from the chocolates, flowers and wine tradition. Spode have a fabulous range of gifts for Mum, Nan or Aunty which are slightly unusual but very usable. Like most Spode products, they are hugely decorative and decadent and not something your Mum is ever likely to buy for herself.

Take for example this Spode Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug. Made of ceramic, as you would imagine a Spoke piece would be, it’s a 0.31 litre travel mug that’s decorated in a beautiful dark floral pattern with curious snakes, bugs and pink roses. The cup itself is very hardwearing and both dishwasher and microwave safe. The silicone lid needs to be hand washed, but the manufacture makes it easier to place over the mug and doesn’t spill easily when knocked about in transport. As the ceramic mug is well constructed and robust, it holds the heat of your beverage really well and for a long time. It doesn’t burn your hands when you hold it, so no need to add a sleeve to carry it around. You can use it for cold drinks too of course!

At 15 centimetres high it fits into most car and buggy cup holders and has real longevity compared to the plastic mugs. The ‘curious’ pattern is a real talking point because it’s so beautifully detailed and very feminine, unlike most sports travel mugs that don’t have any character. This is not a mug to use whilst jogging; it’s more for long walks in the park, taking the dog out with friends or keeping warm on long car journeys. The baristas will love this too because it’s so easy to heat up and to put the silicone lid on quickly. It’s a classy piece that Mums or Nans who love their hot tea or coffee on the go and want something with more of an occasion to drink it!

There’s also a matching laptop sleeve and water bottle as part of the Spode Creatures of Curiosity collection.

Available from £15.50 at: https://www.spode.co.uk/creatures-of-curiosity-travel-mug

She Grows Veg Valentines Gifts

Birthday Gifts, Children, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Spring, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Probably not your first thought for the typical Valentines present, but let me explain She Grows Veg to you and it will start to make sense!

She Grows Veg is an online seed company with a very modern, yet traditional twist. They sell seeds online, but they are heirloom seeds. That means the seeds are cultivated from rare varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and trees and are typically not found in your usual garden centres. This means that the varieties often have different looks, taste different and grow differently to what you might be used to. It’s an expanding industry where so many people are now getting into gardening especially growing their own food since lockdown.

She Grows Veg sell singular packets of seeds, but they also sell gift bags, like the two that were sent to us; Chilli Trio and Tomato Lover’s Bundle (£22.50). If you or your other half are gardeners, you’ll know that this is an excellent selection of seeds for someone who loves growing, especially growing and eating!

The Chilli Trio contains 3 different chilli seeds; Biquinho Red, Chocolate Habanero and Machu Pichu. On the back of each pack are the growing instructions and key facts, along with a QR code to find out more on a You Tube video. You can see from the photos on the packets what you’re getting, and helpfully, the instructions on the back tell you what kind of flavour each chilli is and how to use it. The Biquinho Red chillis are from Brazil and take a little longer to geminate but are worth it. I’ve never grown chillis before but the instructions say to start sowing in January or February indoors, so these are perfect as Valentines gifts.

The Tomato Lover’s Bundle contain 5 packets of tomatoes, none of which I’ve ever seen before. There are three hanging varieties; Crazy Cherry (a sweet green tomato), Red Currant (small, early ripening and very sweet) and Hanging Prince (plum shaped and unusually last for months if stored correctly). The other two tomatoes are Black Beauty and Green Doctors, but of which are favourites of Lucy and Kate at She Grows Veg. Each of the gift bundles comes with a gift bag to keep your seeds safe but can also be used to store larger seeds later in the year.

These are lovely gifts for Valentines and if you harvest the fruit right, they produce can go on for weeks in the summer. The fact that these seeds are heirloom and not easy to find anywhere else if at all, makes them all the more special as a gift.

Chilli Trio (£13): https://shegrowsveg.com/product/chilli-trio-with-gift-bag/Tomato Lover’s Bundle (£22.50): https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-lovers-bundle/

Pact Coffee – Cafeina by Elenita Nogueira for Valentines Day

Birthday Gifts, coffee, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

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

Nowadays, everyone who drinks coffee LOVES drinking filtered, roasted, blended real coffee rather than the instant coffee we used to buy in jars. I noticed after coming back from lockdown that there are a lot more coffee brands out there, but that’s probably because there are a lot more ‘real coffee’ drinkers than there ever used to be.

Pact Coffee send packets of specialty coffee to your door as part of a subscription, but with the assurance that this is the very best coffee available. There’s an ever expanding range of coffee available from a company that is a Certified B Corporation – that means they act in a sustainable, ethical way and are using business as a force for good for their farmers, the planet and you.

As part of their changing range, Pact have brought out a new coffee called Cafeina, by Elenita Nogueira. This Brazilian coffee boasts hints of dark chocolate and strawberry. We were sent Cafeina in a Pact reusable tin, so it can be given as a gift or kept in the cupboard. For those interested, it was a coarse ground coffee, not the beans.

Elenita Nogueira is the first woman in her family to farm, aided by the Cafeina group; a cooperative in pursuit of gender equality for women in the Brazilian coffee industry. Her Arabica bean coffee is competition standard and grown at an altitude of 950 MASL. Upon opening the tin, the coffee is darkly rich with a strong almost earthy aroma, much stronger than the High Street varieties you buy off the shelf. When brewed, it gives berry tones and slightly bitter, deep chocolate flavours. This is a strong coffee for serious coffee lovers who don’t want the run-of-the-mill coffees but instead appreciate subtle flavours. It’s strong, so if you’re not used to coffee it might take a while to get used to the hit. On the plus side, if you like strong coffee then this will definitely wake you up!

If you’re not up for getting a subscription from Pact yet, then this Cafeina from Elenita Nogueira makes an excellent gift, especially for Valentines Day. At £13.95 for the tin as well as the coffee, it makes approximately 15 cups or more if you prefer it less strong. If you and your partner are coffee lovers, it’s the perfect gift to show you care – especially about the quality of your coffee together.

Available for £13.95 at: https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees/brew-for-two

Island Bakery Biscuits

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers

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

Organic biscuits, shortbreads and nibbles made in the Hebrides, Scotland.

Here at the Review Studio we never say no to trying something new but biscuits are a clear winner! Even better, the Island Bakery biscuits are organic and sourced with local ingredients where they are made on the Island of Mull. The team sent us 3 varieties to choose from their range of 11; Apple Crumbles, Chocolate Gingers and their savoury Cheese Biscuits. How quickly do you think we put the kettle on to test these…?

Island Bakery Cheese Biscuits

Starting with the Cheese Biscuits, these are flavoured Harissa & Cumin. The cheese is sourced locally in Tobermory, where the Island Bakery is situated on the Isle of Mull and the cheese comes from just one herd of Friesian, Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle. Each biscuit is made with real butter and the harissa warms the texture of the biscuit along with the cumin. You’ll notice other spices in there, which work brilliantly with any of the cheeses you choose to pair with the Island Bakery Cheese Biscuits. A fabulous savoury offering that if you’re clever, you might even be able to pass off as homemade!

Available at £3.79: https://www.islandbakery.scot/product/isle-of-mull-cheese-biscuits-harissa-with-chilli-cumin/

Island Bakery Apple Crumbles

Onto the sweeter biscuits, suitable for tea or coffee or just as a snack on their own. The Apple Crumbles are oaty biscuits, made with real, dried apple piece and apple juice, complete with sprinkles of cinnamon. The biscuits are snappy, not soft and chewy and work exceptionally well dunked in tea, although they’re far better as a biscuit on their own. In fact, they were more like a snack than a biscuit because I had intended to eat two (purely for testing reason you understand!) but one was enough. They’re very filling which is probably because they are made with real products and not with additives and synthetics. They’re great for after Sunday lunch and remind you of grandma’s homemade cookies.

Available from £3.15: https://www.islandbakery.scot/product/apple-crumbles-2/

Island Bakery Chocolate Gingers

Sharp, spicy and wickedly delicious, these Chocolate Gingers pack a punch after you bite into them and start to chew. Made with stem ginger, and lashings of it by the taste of them, they are also half coated in dark chocolate. They’re very hearty and much like the Apple Crumbles, they don’t need a second one (unless you really want to!) to fill you up. I think I loved these the most because of both their texture, and the juxtaposition of the ginger and the sweet sugar taste. The added chocolate is a welcome bonus and its generous chocolate too. I was still savouring the chunks of ginger with my tea long after the biscuit was devoured and the tingling sensation was still in my mouth from the ginger. These are much better than the High Street variety where they go soggy if left out for a few days. The Island Bakery Chocolate Gingers are a biscuit lover’s dream and so moreish you’ll be buying these as gifts too.

Available from £3.95: https://www.islandbakery.scot/product/chocolate-gingers-copy/

All of the biscuits are delicious, and that was only a small selection from the website. Other flavours include Lime Melts, Lemon Melts, Blonde Chocaccinos (coffee and cinnamon) and other savoury biscuits such as Onion and Thyme Cheese Biscuits. There’s also biscuits in tins available on the website shop, which are great for giving as gifts. Delivery is £5 in the UK only but if you order more than £30 worth, delivery is free.

Ginsters Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice

Family Life, Food & Drink, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

This one is especially for vegans! Ginsters, famous for making the pasties we all love, have created a gorgeous Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice with all vegan ingredients. Using their finely-honed knowledge of what makes a great pasty, Ginsters bring you this lunch, or snack that incorporates a garlic twist to give you that afternoon flavour.

Made with vegan puff pastry, the pasty contains chestnut mushrooms in a white wine sauce which is also vegan. The filling also contains coconut milk, garlic puree, potatoes, onions and a mix of herbs to give it that extra flavour. I’m also told there’s a touch of lemon zest in there too, to compliment the mushroom flavour. At 170 grams, the Ginsters Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slices can be eaten as a snack, or even as a lunch, particularly if you’re adding a salad to it. Alternatively, there’s enough slice here to make a dinner if you add some vegetables to it too! It’s recommended that you eat it hot, probably oven baked, which I agree with because if eaten cold, it loses some of the extra flavours that the herbs and garlic bring to it.

Once heated, the aromas of the garlic and mushroom fill the room and you can see the generous white wine filling. I enjoyed this as a lunch because it has such a hearty punch to it with the mushrooms and potato but the flavour of the garlic and herbs comes out too. The pastry is lovely and you wouldn’t know it was vegan because it’s so flakey and soft. There’s a real taste to the mushroom sauce from the white wine which comes through with the vegetables, and why it’s best that this Creamy Garlic Mushroom slice is eaten hot. Delicious!

Available from £1.95 at: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/310148187

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice

Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Hotel, Mother's Day, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

There is nothing better than escaping from the stresses of everyday life to a beautiful hotel in the countryside and whether you just want to relax and recharge your batteries, enjoy a foodie break or explore the local area, Gibbon Bridge, situated in the picturesque village of Chipping, ticks all those boxes and needs to be on your list of places to visit this year.

Situated in the Forest of Bowland, the hotel is in a real walker’s paradise with both rolling countryside, woodland, rivers and the spectacular Bowland Fells on the doorstep. If you’re not familiar with the area, you can expect wild moorland walks with stunning views but without the crowds you find in more well known destinations. History lovers will enjoy visiting the nearby village of Ribchester, a significant Roman site and the market towns of Longridge and Clitheroe (with a Norman castle) are well worth a visit with a fantastic selection of independent shops to browse. Although perfectly situated to explore the delights of the Forest of Bowland and the Ribble Valley, you could be forgiven if you never left the hotel, instead simply enjoying the food, hospitality and beautiful views the hotel offers!

We have just spent a fantastic night there and from the moment we entered the hotel we knew this was a special place. After receiving a very warm welcome we were immediately struck by the character of this old building which began life as a family farm and was converted into a hotel in 1982 by owner Janet Simpson. The warm fire in the reception area was a welcome treat coming in from the sub zero temperatures outside and once we had warmed up we were shown to our room.

Opening the door we discovered a spacious room with a king sized bed and a couple of very comfortable armchairs. The room was spotlessly clean and incredibly comfortable with everything you might need for a relaxing break. It was very modern and tastefully decorated and the large bathroom contained a jacuzzi bath with an overhead rainfall shower. The bed was very comfortable and I’m not sure whether it was the long walk we did earlier in the day or the complete absence of road noise but I had one of the best night’s sleep I have had in a very long time.

The room had all the extras you would expect in a luxury hotel, cosy bathrobes, fluffy towels, complimentary toiletries and a tea tray with a good selection of teas and coffee. There were also some delicious biscuits, made in the on-site bakery, not only giving our tastebuds a treat but offering a taster of the culinary delights awaiting us later in the day.

Venturing downstairs the roaring fire in the bar area looked very inviting so we decided to enjoy a drink in the cosy bar area whilst waiting for dinner. There is a good selection of mouth watering dishes on the menu with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Two courses cost £30 or three for £37.50. After much deliberation we settled on the Crispy Pork Belly with Black Pudding and the Gin Cured Salmon followed by Sirloin Steak (£5 supplement) and Slow Cooked Shin of Beef. The food was not only beautifully presented, it was absolutely delicious and we didn’t need much persuasion to look at the dessert menu! Spoilt for choice we settled on the Warm Sunken Chocolate Cake and the apple pie and custard. The staff were attentive and friendly and as the tables were well spaced out you didn’t feel on top of the other guests.

The following morning, we headed back to the restaurant for breakfast – cereal, juice, fruit and yoghurt was served buffet style and the waitress took orders for cooked breakfasts and toast. We both went for a full English breakfast which was perfectly cooked and was just what we needed to set us up for the day ahead, exploring the beautiful Forest of Bowland.

Gibbon Bridge has large mature gardens offering many places to sit and chat or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The gardens, although not at their best in January, are stunning and offer a perfect backdrop for the many weddings that are held at the hotel. With a large terrace overlooking the garden and beautiful ceremony room it makes for a perfect venue for a special celebration.

The hotel has a number of outdoor eating areas plus a function suite and can accommodate both large and small gatherings. These are often used for corporate functions and family celebrations and the hotel also holds a variety of events throughout the year such as musical afternoon teas, concerts and recently partnered with a local distillery to hold a gin tasting evening. You don’t need to be a resident to enjoy the delicious food so I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re visiting again!

Throughout January and February you can take advantage of their Winter Warmer offer where you can stay in a double or twin room for £149 and includes tea or coffee on arrival, served in front of a roaring fire with syrup flapjack made by the onsite bakery as well as a delicious breakfast.

We really loved our stay at Gibbon Bridge, we were made to feel very welcome, the food was wonderful, the scenery fantastic and the hotel has so much more to offer than we realised. Living locally we’re sure to return and will be keeping our eyes on their website for news of their next events. We have already recommended the hotel to our friends and family as a brilliant location for family celebrations and look forward to our next visit.

To book call 01995 61456.

Walkers Meat and Cheesy Flavoured Vegan Crisps

Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Britain is known for many things but did you know the flavours of our crisps is one of the things tourists go mad for? Walkers are probably the grand masters of this trend, with not only a huge array of flavours available on the market already but with limited edition flavours coming out all the time.

Walkers have released three new flavours, all of which are vegan AND limited edition, to enjoy in 2024; Vegan BBQ Pork Ribs, Vegan Grilled Cheese Toastie and Vegan Flame Grilled Steak. How can meat flavours be vegan? Well it all has to do with the salts they use, which aren’t necessarily from the animal products any longer. Whether you’re doing Veganary or just like me, like different flavours to try, these new Walkers Crisps are worth a try.

We were sent a lovely selection of all the crisps, so I was able to pick which flavour took my mood! I started with the Vegan BBQ Pork Ribs crisp flavour, which is in the familiar 24 gram packet. The crisps are usual Walkers quality, sharp and cracking when you bite into them but it’s the flavour that stands them apart from supermarket offerings. The BBQ Pork Ribs crisps hit you with the BBQ flavouring first when you open the packet. The crisps have the BBQ flavour too, then as it dissolves in your mouth, the hearty pork flavour comes through.

Next up were the Walkers Flame Grilled Steak crisps. These are again strong, meat flavoured crisps and I really enjoyed the steak flavour coming through. These were probably my favourites out of all the crisps I chose because it’s not a taste you usually get with crisps, nor is it easy to get the taste with anything other than a flam grilled steak which you probably won’t be able to eat every day! As part of a lunch box or a snack in the afternoon, I thought these were a great way of making you feel full from the flavour, but not overindulging with the whole meal. They also work great with sandwiches because of the strength of these flavours.

Last were the Grilled Cheese Toastie flavoured crisps. If you’re a fan of cheese, then these are delicious! I like cheese toasties so I can see the flavour in these crisps because it’s not only the cheese but the slight toast taste comes through too. They’re very cheesy though, with more of a mature cheddar taste to them. I liked them too, and I realise that a lot of vegans won’t be able to compare the taste of the meat flavours with the real thing, so this is probably more appropriate to start with as a flavour if you’re a vegan or vegetarian. If you’ve converted from meat eating to vegetarian or vegan, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the range of flavour to the crisps as well as the depth of flavour.

I really enjoyed all the flavours of crisps but my favourite was the Flame Grilled Steak. Can’t beat a bit of flame grilled when you’re famished and Walkers Crisps in Flame Grilled Steak make the ultimate snack!

Available is varying sized packs from lots of retailers. See details here: https://www.walkers.co.uk

Blind Test of the LoveRaw Chocolate vs High Street Brands

Children, chocolate, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for children, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegetarian

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

We’ve never really done a proper Blind Test before. That is, officially comparing one brand of a product against another, without knowing which brand is which and not being able to tell them apart. So when LoveRaw Chocolate asked us to test and review their product against other brands, it was quite the coup! Naturally, we love anything that’s a challenge but when it involves chocolate too, we’re all ears…

LoveRaw are a chocolate brand with a difference. They produce chocolate products which are largely vegan (allergens are listed so you can check easily) and they have a whole host of products available which seem to be ever growing and includes white, dark and milk chocolate alternatives.

We were sent a Blind Tasting Pack which had three different LoveRaw products; Nutty Choc Balls, Cream Wafer Bar (milk chocolate) and Cream Wafer Bar (white chocolate. Each of the LoveRaw products was teamed up with the High Street equivalent and all the items were in clear packaging, just marked with their numbers for easy identification. The LoveRaw products are all plant based, contain no palm oil and have no artificials. The High Street versions are not any of those (ie not plant based, contain palm oil and have artificial ingredients.) A sealed black envelope was also included so that after the tasting you can find out which were the real LoveRaw items. How exciting!

First up was the Nutty Choc Balls. Looking at them, I couldn’t tell the difference. They look incredibly similar and when I bit into them, the chocolate didn’t give me any clues as to which one was plant based. I guessed that A1 was the High Street variety only because it tasted slightly more processed. A2 had a smoother texture which led me to think it was made with more love. We shall find out the answers at the end of the testing (even I haven’t opened the envelope yet!)

Second was the Cream Wafer Bar in Milk Chocolate. These bars looked different. B1 looks like it’s intricately made by a machine in a factory and the bar is slightly longer. B2 is smoother, and the chocolate looks darker so I suspect that this is the LoveRaw one to look at. Tasting them, B2 has a lighter texture to it and has more layers but the chocolate between the two tastes the same. B1 has more additives, you can tell that from opening the packet and the smell of the chocolate is artificial. In this testing, I think B2 is the LoveRaw product.

Finally, it’s the Cream Wafer Bar with White Chocolate. I’m not a huge fan of white chocolate so this is going to a different type of test. C1 looks like it’s made in a factory because it’s got intricate designs on it whereas C2 looks like it could be handmade and dusted with chocolate flavouring. As for the taste, I started with what I thought was the High Street version (C1). It’s light and wafer-like and I like the texture of it. C2 is densely packed and doesn’t melt as easily but both taste of white chocolate and have some fun sweet flavours going on. I think C2 is the LoveRaw version.

So to recap, before we go to the big finale, this is what I think the products are:

Nutty Choc Balls: A1 is the High Street Competitor; A2 is LoveRaw

Cream Wafer Bar (milk chocolate): B1 is the High Street Competitor; B2 is LoveRaw

Cream Wafer Bar (white chocolate): C1 is the High Street Competitor, C2 is LoveRaw

Let’s scroll down to see the results in the black envelope…

So I was right for the Milk Chocolate Cream Wafer Bar but wrong for the Nutty Choc Balls and White Chocolate Cream Wafer Bar! Goes to prove that you really can’t tell the difference between LoveRaw and the High Street Competitors!

All of the LoveRaw products are found online at their website shop: https://eatloveraw.com/collections/vegan-chocolate

Pistachio Snacks from Wonderful

Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Lunchbox Fillers

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

By this point in January, we think the New Years Resolutions have probably worn off, so if you’re like me and in that time after all the Christmas treats have been eaten but you’ve not bought any snacks in your weekly shop yet then this is for you!

Wonderful Pistachios are probably the best known pistachio company in the world, producing a variety of different pistachio finishes from their California headquarters. We were sent two types of pistachio to try – the No Shell Roasted & Salted Pistachios (100 grams) and Shelled Roasted and Salted XXL Pistachios (220 grams). The Wonderful company also produce other varieties of pistachios as well as almonds, which isn’t surprising as they’re all from sunny California.

If you’ve never tried pistachios as a snack before then let me enlighten you. Pistachios are packed with protein, with more than 21 grams worth per 100 grams of pistachio, that’s higher than cashews, walnuts and hazelnuts that are all around 15 grams each of protein per 100 grams. Pistachios also contain Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and B6 plus Potassium, which is great for the nervous system.

The Wonderful range of pistachios come in different sizes. We were sent the 220 grams size of shelled pistachios which, yes, means you have to shell them yourself! They’re both roasted and salted which means they’re ready to eat just as long as you shell them yourself, but as the shells are already open it only really takes fingernails to prise them apart. You don’t need a nut cracker or anything. The pistachios are roasted to perfection and are easy to eat as the salt is a complementary flavour to the slightly sweet body of the pistachio.

If you’re on the go and you don’t want the hassle of shelling the pistachios, then the 100 gram Roasted & Salted No Shell Pistachios are probably better for you! There’s absolutely no shelling, no chipping your nails or having to dispose of the shells anywhere so you can eat them as if they were sweets straight out of the packet. I think this is my preferred way of eating them, without the shelling fuss, so I particularly enjoyed these. They’re roasted and salted so the flavour is all there, and pistachios aren’t difficult to eat because they don’t have the toughness of other nuts. They would go well with a cheese platter or even to top off a salad but I ate them after lunch as a mid-afternoon snack. They were delicious!

Wonderful Pistachios are a great alternative to the sugar-laden snacks on the supermarket shelves and you might find they provide more nutrients than you think!

Shelled Pistachios from £5 at: https://www.ocado.com/products/wonderful-pistachios-roasted-salted-259361011?ds_rl=1290929&ds_rl=1291426&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-62tBhDSARIsAO7twbYTqM7kxDxpN0N1kNmk50lpkHxdcV3RXFznvfAhk_6TV2TxUIBUlFoaAtP-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Unshelled Pistachios from £2.15 at: https://www.ocado.com/products/wonderful-pistachios-roasted-salted-285984011?ds_rl=1290929&ds_rl=1291426&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-62tBhDSARIsAO7twbZNHLh1uYnMstizHwIHFCNMW_EJaVqBmmJ60Ud3cCbFlr3gBCjL2-AaApe2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

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

Joe & Seph’s Best Selling Popcorn

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, 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.

Welcome in the New Year with your new favourite snack – Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn! Made in artisan kitchens, Joe & Seph’s Popcorn uses the highest possible standard ingredients to bring you not just all your usual flavours but some of the more exotic ones as well!

We were sent a selection of favourite flavours to try – Salted Caramel, Double Chocolate Caramel, Coconut & Cacao and one of the Joe & Seph staples – their Milk Chocolate Popcorn Bites. If you’ve never tried these before, then they’re a treat you’re missing out on. They are decadent milk chocolate cups containing one piece of Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn in Salted Caramel flavour. Each ‘bite’ melts in your mouth with the combined texture of chocolate and popcorn and the added kick of a little bit of salted caramel to give you a chocolate pick-me-up with a difference. These are probably my favourite snacks at Joe & Seph’s and I keep them in the fridge so that I can pop a few whenever I’m at the fridge! The chocolate is the scene stealer here, and the caramel popcorn is stunning dialogue to the best snack ever.

Coconut & Cacao is just as chocolatey but has that slight hint of coconut to it, which adds not just flavour but a bit if texture too. The popcorn is expertly air-popped and coated with this vegan caramel and added coconut and just a pinch of cacao. It has a taste combination that you don’t find anywhere else (but should) and reminds me of when you have both coconut and chocolate ice cream in the same bowl and it brings out the flavour in each.

Salted Caramel is the leader of the pack because everyone loves this taste combination that once used to turn up noses. The ‘salted’ element isn’t that strong but the smoothness of the caramel takes this flavoured air-popped popcorn into gourmet range. This is definitely a snack you can share with other people or even have as a dessert instead of puddings; it’s got a sweetness to it and a texture that’s really decadent and appeals to everyone. I reckon even children would eat this!

Lastly, we have the Double Chocolate Caramel. Yes it has caramel, but it also has DOUBLE CHOCOLATE which frankly is what you’re actually buying this for! The rich chocolate taste is what comes across most in this flavour, with the caramel giving the golden texture. They’re very more-ish, which makes them quite filling, plus they fulfil the chocolate hit you might be craving as a snack or after dinner.

All the Joe & Seph popcorns are a treat, and these favourite flavours are no exception! Available online from £4 at: https://www.joeandsephs.co.uk/bestsellers

NEW Plant Based Range at Costa Coffee

chocolate, coffee, Family Life, Food & Drink, health, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Whether you’re an old hand vegan or starting out on your vegan journey this January, Costa have a surprising amount of food items on their menu which are perfect for you. We were sent out to our local Costa Coffee to see what was available and check out the new items on the menu.

For 2024, there are their new Hot Milkshakes. In three flavours, White Chocolate and Strawberry, Salted Caramel Coffee, and Chocolate Hazel they are thick like a milkshake, but made with warm milk and topped with different flavoured sprinkles, dependant on what flavour you order. They’re a cross between a hot chocolate and a milkshake, especially with the Light Whip cream on top to make it extra indulgent.

We tried items from the Plant Based menu, including this Plant Based Saucy Chicken Fajita Wrap. It doesn’t contain chicken at all; every ingredient is plant based, but the substitutes taste like chicken and even have a chicken-like texture. They’re slightly lighter than the meat version though, with the ‘chicken’ pieces as you would imagine, a tortilla wrap, roasted peppers and a spicy tomato sauce. We paired that with a beautiful Chocolate Tiffin Cake, which although it’s not plant-based, it is vegetarian. If you’re not into chocolate for New Year, then there’s a new range of cakes (which are also vegetarian) such as new Banana Loaf Cake and new Orange and Raspberry Victoria Sponge. Anyone who remembers the Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake will be very pleased to see that it’s back on the menu and as delicious as always!

Lastly, there are the assortment of Costa drinks. It sometimes feels like you could have a different drink every day of the month and still not try all of them in their different configurations of milks, toppings and additions but the staple drinks we all love are still there – namely coffee. We tried a Salted Caramel Frappé which was made vegan with coconut milk instead of cow’s milk and the whipped cream on top was vegan too. The drink is laced with Salted Caramel and topped with tiny caramel pieces which not only add to the flavour but add a gorgeous texture as well. I found that the Chicken Fajita Wrap, Chocolate Tiffin and Salted Caramel Frappé were all very filling and no different to a meat-eating lunch I would normally choose.

Costa Coffee Plant Based items are available in store and you can see their menu and prices here: https://www.costa.co.uk/menu

Quenched Drinks

Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gluten Free, Spring, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

This year I have decided to take part in Dry January and whilst we’re only a few days in I’m enjoying discovering lots of great new drinks like these delicious sodas from Quenched. New to the market and bursting with flavour, Quenched sodas are available in three lightly sparkling flavours, Lime & Soda, Orange & Soda and Blackcurrant & Soda.

All three are bursting with flavour and are more on the side of sparkling than fizzy, which allows the flavour to develop nicely in your mouth. The sodas all taste incredibly natural, the lime and orange ones are incredibly zingy and the blackcurrant one has a pleasant sharpness. My favourite of the three was the lime, it tasted so fruity and natural, whilst also being nice and refreshing.

All three drinks are 100% natural and have no additives, preservatives or artificial sweeteners and with less than 69 calories per 330ml can, they are a great choice if you have overindulged over the festive period and are now on a New Year diet!

I’m really impressed with these drinks and will definitely be buying them again. Once Dry January is over I think they will be the perfect accompaniment to gin!

A pack of 12 costs £14.99 and if you can’t decide which flavour to go for there is a multipack containing all three flavours. Available from Amazon or Quenched Drinks here.

Nanogen Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioners

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Women

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

Take a few moments to think about how 2024 could be different for you. Small steps, rather than grand gestures or resolutions that won’t last are the key to improving your health, your self-esteem or wellbeing. One way of taking a small step to make yourself feel better in 2024 is switching to more targeted products in your beauty care. Nanogen shampoos and conditioners help thicken your hair (for both men and women) over time. We were sent a lovely selection to try over the Christmas holidays, taking us into 2024 with luscious, healthy looking hair!

The range at Nanogen includes Shampoo for Women, Shampoo Luxe for Women, Hair Thickening Conditioner for Everyone, Shampoo for Men and Shampoo and Half-Conditioner for Men. If that sounds like a lot to choose from, don’t worry, they’re all explained on the Nanogen Shampoo & Conditioner page: https://www.nanogen.com/collections/shampoo-conditioner

Starting with the Nanogen Shampoo for Women, the 240ml tube of shampoo goes a long way with just a small 5 pence-piece sized portion which washed my shoulder-length hair perfectly. The shampoo feels luxurious and not only cleans beautifully but has a silky texture, which no doubt helps the thickening process. After using the Shampoo for Women, I went straight to the Conditioner for Everyone to finish the nourishing process. The Conditioner for Everyone is universal, meaning anyone can use it and even children will probably find it easy to use because it’s so soft, it takes away tangles without you even knowing it. It’s very lightweight, so as well as its moisturising properties, it washes out easily and doesn’t make your hair really heavy. If you need to, you can add products afterwards but I just let my hair dry naturally.

The Shampoo Luxe for Women is super, super hydrating and probably good for when your hair is in need of some TLC long term before using the other Nanogen products as part of your daily routine. It feels amazing because it’s so rich, and again, you don’t need very much of it to make your hair feel soft. Its intensity is comforting because you know that as soon as you let the conditioner work its magic, then your hair will be softer once it dries. Over time, I found that after a few washes and letting it dry naturally, my curls were more defined and my hair smoother, as well as being less flat. I’m looking forward to seeing how my hair looks after a few months of using the Nanogen products!

Nanogen aren’t just for women, but there’s the Shampoo for Men and Shampoo and Half-Conditioner for men too. Both products work to thicken men’s hair, which obviously can be thinning for different reasons to women but men can still use Nanogen to thicken their hair as well as have a bit of luxury. Unlike other hair thickening products aimed at men, Nanogen doesn’t have a chemical fragrance and you can feel that the Shampoo and Half-Conditioner isn’t abrasive but instead, more nourishing. The men’s products also make excellent gifts!

Taking 2024 by the horns, Nanogen shampoos and conditioners for thickening hair are a lovely treat to help improve the condition of your hair, make it fuller and allow you to enjoy healthy hair again.

Available from £7.95 at: https://www.nanogen.com/collections/shampoo-conditioner with 20% off your first order if you subscribe.

Hey Doodle Reuseable Silicone Mat – Dinoroar

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Learning, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers, Toys

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

If you are looking for last minute stocking fillers for younger children then the Hey Doodle reuseable silicone colouring mats sets are a great choice. Containing an A3 silicone mat and 9 colouring pens they are nicely packaged in a resealable pouch, making them it perfect for travelling or for popping in your bag when out and about. They’re also fantastic for keeping children occupied in restaurants and a much better option than resorting to electronic devices. I also find that our mini reviewers chat a lot more when colouring, which is far better than being glued to a screen and ignoring everyone else.

The mat sits firmly on a table and is very easy to colour, the pens glide smoothly without smearing and seem to dry instantly so there is no bleeding when colours are used next to each other. All the colours are bright and vibrant and the mat looks very impressive when finished. The illustrations are fun and the A3 sized mat allows a few people to colour at the same time and as the mat is silicone any mistakes can easily be wiped away with a damp cloth.

There are 6 different mats available, Dinoroar, Aussie Animals, World Countries, Toot Toot Honk, Into the Wild and Sugar & Spice and each one is printed with illustrations that fit the theme along with dotted numbers, 1-10 which can be traced over, helping younger children learn their numbers. We received the Dinoroar mat, which as you have probably guessed is full of different dinosaurs and we’ve had lots of interesting questions about dinosaurs including where they lived, what they ate and why they became extinct so as well as enjoying colouring, we’ve learnt a lot about dinosaurs too!

Once the mat is coloured in it can of course be admired by everyone and then all you need to do is remove the ink with a damp cloth and you’re ready to start again. You do need to rub a little when removing the ink, especially if it has been left for a few days, so you may need to give little ones a little help with this.

Although there’s only images on one side of the mat, the reverse side can be used for drawing or games like hangman and noughts and crosses.

As well as being great fun, Hey Doodle colouring mats are better for the environment as you don’t need an endless supply of paper, simply wipe the colour off and start again.

Aimed at children aged 2- 7 these are a great way to keep the children (and adults) entertained this Christmas

RRP £21.99

Harry Potter Waffle Maker

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, kitchen appliances

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

With Christmas only a week away, if you are still struggling for ideas here is a last minute offering that is perfect for Harry Potter fans both young and old.

The Harry Potter Waffle maker is a handy little gadget that enables you to make waffles imprinted with Harry Potter’s famous lightning scar and glasses, adding a touch of fun to a standard waffle.

The waffle maker is incredibly easy to use, I found the instructions straightforward and it was really handy having a recipe for delicious Belgian waffles, meaning I didn’t need to search for a recipe and could try it out straight away. The waffle maker makes one large, round, fluffy waffle which is the perfect size for a tasty breakfast or snack. You can make the batter as you need it but as I have two teenage sons who are always hungry, I find it handy to keep a jug of batter in the fridge so they can make waffles whenever they like.

Mess is a bit of an occupational hazard when making waffles and it did take a few attempts before we got the right amount of batter in the waffle maker – too much and it erupted everywhere and too little and it was a little on the thin side but once we got the hang of it the waffles were delicious. The waffle maker may be a little gimmicky but you can’t fault the waffles, it makes nice thick, tasty waffles that are crunchy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside and a delicious breakfast treat.

Now onto the boring bits – the waffle maker was easy to clean, the non stick plates had very little batter left on them and what little was there was easy to remove with a damp cloth once the plates had cooled down.

Overall we are really impressed with this waffle maker, it got a big thumbs up from my sons and we all agreed it would make a lovely gift this Christmas.

RRP £29.99 available from Amazon

Soda Stream Terra Machine

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, eco friendly, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, kitchen appliances

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

Ordinarily in December I buy lots of fizzy drinks to enjoy over the festive period. This year I’ve been trying to reduce my use of single use plastics, so the SodaStream Terra is a very welcome addition to our kitchen, drastically reducing the amount of plastic in our recycling bin each week!

With a chic and minimalist design the black SodaStream Terra is stylish and will look at home on any kitchen worktop. The machine uses an internal CO2 cannister to add fizz to plain tap water, making carbonated water which you can enjoy on its own or add a flavoured syrup to make a refreshing drink.

It is really easy to set up, simply slot the CO2 cylinder in the back of the machine and you are ready to go. It doesn’t need electric so it can be placed anywhere in the kitchen and there are no wires to get in the way or look unsightly. When you want to use it you slot a SodaStream bottle full of tap water into the machine. It’s better to chill the water in the fridge first as cold water holds the carbonation much better and I find it better to have 2 bottles on the go so I always have chilled water available. The bottle snaps in easily and all you need to do is press the button on the top a couple of times, depending on the level of carbonation you require. Once you’ve made the fizzy water you can either drink it as it is, add a flavoured syrup or add the fizzy water to standard cordials to liven them up which is a great way to get children (and adults) to drink more water.

There are branded syrups available allowing you to make your own Pepsi, Pepsi Max and 7Up at the press of a button which is great for parties when it can be hard to gauge how many drinks you are going to need, it also eliminates the problem of where to store all the plastic bottles.

Normally once a 2l bottle is opened it needs drinking the same day, otherwise it soon goes flat but with SodaStream each drink is made fresh and you can even control the fizz, making your drink lightly sparkling to super fizzy.

Each C02 cylinder holds enough gas to make 60 litres of sparkling drinks and refills are available from supermarkets and the Sodastream website.

The gas cylinders are of course recyclable and once sent back, or exchanged at a supermarket they are inspected and reused again minimising waste. To encourage you to return the cylinders there is a discount when you buy a new cylinder.

If you’re still looking for Christmas gift inspiration then a SodaStream is a great idea and makes a fantastic gift for anyone who enjoys fizzy drinks or sparking water.

RRP £109.99

Pikachu Pokemon Flat Brass Ornaments

Children, Christmas, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Home, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers

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

I bet you’ve never seen Pikachu ornaments for the Christmas tree before, let alone these gorgeous brass decorations! The Pokemon people have brought out these fabulous flat brass silhouettes of Pikachu to adorn your Christmas tree for years to come. There’s six in a pack and two different designs, already ribboned and ready to go straight on your tree.

These are high quality ornaments which will last much longer than just one year thanks to being metal made and sturdy at that. The brass is highly polished so they catch the light, and especially work with the Christmas tree lights shining through them, like in the photo above. The metallic gold colour works with any colour scheme but even if you’re not a Pokemon or Pikachu fan, they are subtle enough to sit on any tree.

As gifts for children who love their Pokemon, these are brilliant in the run up to Christmas or for children who have their own tree to decorate at home. They’re pricy, but teenagers with an interest in Pokemon will love them! They will last for years too thanks to their outline structure in brass. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of the characters, they’re still beautiful at Christmas time.

Available from £24.99 at:

https://www.pokemoncenter.com/en-gb/product/710-95567/pikachu-pokemon-winter-wonders-flat-brass-ornaments-6-pack

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

Haier Multi Air Fryer Series 5

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

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

Haier are well known for their large kitchen appliances but did you know they now have a range of small appliances? This new range consists of 7 small appliances – a kettle, air fryer, blender, hand blender, compact food processor, toaster and a multi functional hot drink maker. They recently sent me their new air fryer and much to the delight of my family I have been creating some mouthwatering culinary masterpieces that they have all enjoyed.

Air fryers have certainly taken the world by storm, revolutionising the way we cook and saving both time and money in the process. As a busy working Mum anything that saves me time is a real winner, so with 9 different functions – air fry, bake, roast, grill, defrost, reheat, slow cook and a yogurt and dried fruits option I was keen to see just what the new Haier Multi Air Fryer Series 5 was capable of.

The air fryer measures approximately 30cm wide, 35cm high and a depth (including handle) of 435cm). The oven has a removable basket to put your food in and a touch screen display to set your temperature and cooking time. The crisper basket inside the drawer allows air to circulate around the food ensuring even cooking and it also allows excess fat and oils to drain away. There’s even an integrated window and LED light to allow you to check on your food meaning you don’t need to open it up when cooking and using this air fryer also helps save up to 70% energy, 50% time and 90% calories.

The air fryer comes with a selection of accessories, a rack that allows you to add an extra layer of food, a shallow tin and a deep tin, these all fit nicely in the basket when not in use. The air fryer has a range of temperature between 40° and 200° meaning you can cook a wide variety of foods using the slow cooking, baking or even the yogurt setting.

Whilst the air fryer can be used in many ways, I decided to start with something simple – chips. After peeling some potatoes and cutting them into chunky chips I mixed them in a tiny bit of oil before placing them in the basket. It recommends shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking to help crisp them up and after 18 minutes I had the best home made chips I’ve ever made. The chips were a beautiful golden colour with nice crispy edges and were instantly devoured by my family! The whole process was so quick and easy and after only a day I was beginning to wonder why I hadn’t bought one before!

I love croissants and even if I had time I couldn’t justify warming up the oven for a couple of croissants so I’m loving the air fryer, pre-baked croissants and Danish pastries are warmed in just a four minutes and are a great start to my day. My sons are loving that they can cook sausages and bacon for breakfast, I’m pleased too as my kitchen is a lot cleaner as like most teenage boys they don’t see the fat splatters on the cooker! When you cook fattier food in the basket the grease drains through the basket so as well as being a lot less messy it’s much a healthier way of cooking too.

It’s great for making quick toasties or cooking fishfingers for a late night snack and we have also found a new love of herb and onion roast potatoes, they are so easy to make and taste amazing. The air fryer is so easy to use and my teens love it as they can now cook a quick snack when they get in and as it turns itself off automatically I don’t need to worry about the electric bill when they’ve forgotten to turn it off!

Cleaning the airfryer is simple, the non-stick baskets and accessories can all go in the dishwasher making it perfect for busy families.

The Haier Multi Air Fryer Series 5 is undoubtedly an incredibly versatile addition to any kitchen, the range of functions make it an excellent choice for busy households. It won’t replace my oven, but it is a very welcome addition to my kitchen, cutting down the number of times I use the oven and ultimately saving me money. All too often kitchen gadgets get used a few times before collecting dust on the worktop but I can guarantee that won’t happen with this – it’s one gadget that has certainly earned its place on our worktop!

RRP £229.99

Available from

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

Pact Coffee Christmas Selection Box

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, coffee, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Subscription Boxes

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

The Pact Coffee Christmas Selection Box opens to reveal the words, “Christmas Just Got Better” and for anyone who loves coffee, that is certainly true! The Pact Christmas Selection Box contains 4 freshly roasted flavours of coffee all for the festive season; Nyangoma, San Carlos, Kiri and Christmas Blend Filter, all of which are roasted in Surrey and delivered to your door within a few days!

Pact Coffee produce specialty grade (the very best) coffee which is delivered to your door as either a gift, or as a subscription. You can look through the online catalogues of coffee to choose which you would like delivered or have a subscription box where different varieties are delivered to your door. You get to choose whether you want beans or ground, regular or decaf and the type of plan which suits you best including how regularly they are delivered.

We were sent a Christmas Selection Box of 4 coffees to try as part of the Christmas product range for 2023. After choosing our ground or whole bean options, it wasn’t long before the coffee aromas were wafting through our door and filling the kitchen! Honestly, opening the box when they arrived, there was a wall of coffee smell that hit me and I realised what was inside. Gorgeous, freshly roasted ground coffee all ready for the cafetiere.

Much like wine is described with fruity undertones and comparisons to oak aging, these Pact Coffees have tasting notes on the front of each pack Kiri boasts, “Turkish delight and blackcurrant’ whist Christmas Blend describes itself as, ‘Hints of Christmas pudding.’ Each of the coffees has their own personality thanks to where and how they’re grown in origins such as Kenya, El Salvador and in the case of the Christmas Blend, how it’s put together by the clever experts at Pact. Pact choose their coffees carefully and make sure they’re of the highest quality as well as having more than 82+ points in coffee scoring. Not only are they great flavoured coffees and the best possible quality, but each one warms you with their differences and yes, remind you of Christmas!

In addition, Pact coffees come in recycled coffee pouches and can be further recycled. Pact are a B Corp Certified Company which means they act in both a sustainable and ethical way with their suppliers in overseas countries. They include brewing tips on each of the pouches too so that you can get the most out of each coffee you try at home. The labels also give you background to where each coffee is grown and the date the coffee is roasted and packed too so you know that your coffee is tip-top fresh!

Take drinking coffee to a new level with the Christmas Selection Pact choice of different blends, origins and tastes which allow you to really savour the Christmas spirit, and take you into the New Year with some new coffee favourites!

Available at Pact from £19.95: https://www.pactcoffee.com/christmas/christmas-filter-selection-box-2023