Category: Family Life

Helly Hansen Women’s LIFA Active Solen Long Sleeve Top

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, Sport, Spring, Summer, Women

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

This multi-purpose women’s long sleeve top is perfect for all weathers and all sports! 

Interestingly, it’s make through a process called S.Cafe which infuses the fabric with coffee grounds to give the wearer UFP 50 (Ultraviolet Protective Factor 50) without using chemicals.  The LIFA technology also wicks away moisture when you’re outside, no matter the weather, to keep you drier.

I particularly like that this top is long sleeved so you can wear it in the spring and autumn as well as the winter and the long sleeves and high neck give you more protection from the sun. You can see that the material has pores which are the LIFA technology working to help you keep dry, and as I tested this out on a run, I can attest to it actually keeping you dry!  In fact, this top isn’t just for sailing or hiking but can be used in all disciplines thanks to the technologies used. I wore it on a trail run through woodlands, open land and near a lake and it stood the test of British weather.  The material is very stretchy too, so you can wear it in different sizes depending on your sport.  This was me in a size XL.

If you’re looking for an all-rounder top though, this is great as it can be used in winter as well as for when the sun is out.  It’s rare to find a long-sleeved women’s top that is so versatile and the more I think of how I will use it, the more I realise it could be a staple piece of my gym wardrobe.

This top comes in sizes XS to XL. If you’re not keen on the colour, there are others available on the Helly Hansen website including white, navy and ultra blue!

Available from £55: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-hh-lifa-active-solen-ls-49352?srsltid=AfmBOoogCE06HlND4e0EhAgahwamlLOT74jgh9iZv7ORUkymh_ln2pqw

Women’s Helly Hansen Nordvik 2.0 Boots

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Home, National Walking Month, Sport, Summer

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

I’m thrilled with these all-purpose “wellies” that turned up this week from Helly Hansen! Even though the weather has been glorious and there’s not been a drop of rain around for weeks, I thought I’d take these out for a spin to do some heavy gardening. They didn’t disappoint.

The Helly Hansen Nordvik 2.0 Boots for women are these half-sized Wellington boots which have extra grippy soles and a HH Custom Insole. With the outer uppers made of rubber, they’re perfect for outdoors but especially for marina and sea life because of their EVA Comfort Insole for maximum cosiness and the HH Max Grip soles. In a nutshell, they’re comfortable as well as practical in all weather. To make you salivate even more, they’re temperature resistant meaning they can be worn in the summer and the rubber won’t perish, or in the freezing cold of winter and won’t get damage by the weather.

Practically, the half size is easier to wear. Very rarely do we trudge in mud that comes past our ankles (at least I don’t anyway!) so the extra calf length isn’t needed.  They come in other colours too. These are black but there are also bright yellow and navy on offer.

You can see the that soles are really sturdy, made of thick vulcanised rubber which also gives them some twist as you move. They’re comfy too, thanks to the EVA lining and survived being bent whist gardening and worn whilst hauling out roots. They stuck firm with their extra grip soles, with no slippage even in water. I’m looking forward to wearing them in the autumn for the rainy park walk but for the time being, they’re my best friend in the garden.

Available online for £65 at: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-nordvik-2-11661?color=290002&qu=Nordvik&ct=autosuggest_top_product

Chilli No 5 Hot Sauce Gift Set

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer

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

Well this was a real treat when it turned up! Chilli No 5 sent us a gift set of 12 gorgeous chilli samples as part of a gift box for Father’s Day.

The beautifully presented box has glass vials of 12 different chillies and sauces ranging from the mild Devilish Dijon to the 3/3 hot Forever Phall.  The labels have indicators on them of how hot the sauces are on a 1-3 scale to give you a clue. There’s not just the conventional chillies though, the gift set also includes Chinese Hot & Sour, Jamaican Jerk, Wicked Wasabi and Ever So English. If you’re wondering what Ever So English tastes like, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beetroot base sauce which is flavoured with horseradish so goes equally well with beef or any stronger meats.

The gift set isn’t called Passport Piccanté for nothing – the 25ml sauces from all over the world make up this beautiful set but are all freshly made in the UK and South of France. The range of sauces are created by the team at Chilli No 5 are inspired by the public’s searches on Google, ensuring that with the right superfoods, antioxidants and health supplements, the sauces are appealing to everyone.

The Passport Piccanté is a real treat for both food lovers and those who love hot spices. The smaller vials mean that if you don’t like one flavour, you don’t have to worry about the rest of the jar, and the one vial, one flavour gift box means there’s still enough there to make a dinner with that flavour. Each of them are delicious and you can taste the fresh food used in it. I still think my favourite is the Ever So English sauce. Nothing better than improving an already perfect roast with something that brings out the flavour even more, and makes Father’s Day Roast even more memorable for Dad.

Available online for £35 at: 

https://chilli-no5.com/buy/hot-sauce-gift-sets/passport-piccante/

The Alphabet of Happiness – book by Klaudia Mitura

Books, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mental Health Awareness, Stocking Fillers

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

We promised you a review of Klaudia Mitura’s book The Alphabet of Happiness and now that it’s reaching publication date, here it is!

We struggle as a society to be happy. Many of us don’t have time to be happy, convince ourselves that we’re happy because we ‘have it all’, or more to the point, declare ourselves unhappy because we’ve not got it all. Klaudia Mitura’s book, The Alphabet of Happiness explores how to become happy in a gentle, non-judgemental way.

The book looks at simple ways to change your life bit-by-bit. There’s no overwhelming science (although Klaudia does cite some in her explanations) and there’s no reasoning about how much happiness we should experience in life, or trying to dictate that there will be times that we’re not happy and we should just live with the feeling. I know some ‘happiness’ gurus have written books which I had to put down and stop reading because of how unhappy their reasoning made me. Ironic?

Klaudia’s chapters are short but not boring.  Yes, they are based on the A-Z format but that doesn’t matter as each of the chapters stands on its own merit. The book is easy to read.  She starts by looking at what happiness is, and what it isn’t. The first chapter is on Acceptance.  One sentence in particular stood out to me which made me reflect and actually, it sets the tone of the book too. It said, “Reflect: What emotions or experiences are you not accepting at the moment? How could shifting your judgement help you?” Starting out the book with this thought made me think that there were things I need to undo, rather than do, that would make me happier.

I’m by no means an unhappy person, but the chapters have some really interesting exercises and Food for Thought sections. Each chapter has a Take Action at the end too, to make you think, journal or help you resolve what the topic of the chapter is. One particular chapter that made me think was, “Chapter 8: Habits: Implementing Daily Routines that Stick.” In this chapter, Klaudia dissects what a habit is, then explains how you can create happiness-building habits for daily use, called Keystone Habits. 

I defy you to find something you don’t find useful or informative about improving your life in this book, but even if you aren’t looking for happiness, it’s a charming book that gets you thinking and in itself, makes you feel happier. 

Follow Klaudia on Instagram @thehappinesschallenge-klaudia

Follow @literallypr on both X and Instagram for more inspiration too!

Available at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1803417560/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1803417560&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Box

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Summer

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

Here’s a novelty Father’s Day Gift you Dad will love, without being the predictive socks, chocolate or whiskey!  The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Bod is surprisingly more straightforward than its name. It’s a beautiful award winning 500ml bottle of olive oil, complete in a box that’s easy to gift.

I was taught that the best olive oils come in dark glass, to preserve it from the sunlight which destroys good olive oil.  The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil is just that – high quality olive oil in the deepest of dark glass and presentation box! If you’re in any doubt about the quality or taste, just take a look at the side of the gift box where it’s earned 25 different awards from around the world. Top of the awards is the 2024 Great Taste Award (2 stars) which sits proudly on the bottle.

The Andalucian Spanish olive oil is cold pressed within 2 hours to give a 99 point score in the Flos Olei International Olive Oil Guide.  The 2024/25 harvest from a single Spanish estate is a mild flavour, extra virgin green olive oil that has a multitude of uses.  The slight aftertaste is not acidic at all, just a mild olive taste which is rich and smooth.  I don’t like using extra virgin olive oils of this calibre to cook, but instead to use as a dressing or ingredient.  I think this harvest, along with the 99 point scoring, makes the Oro Bailen an excellent gift for Dad, or anyone who enjoys really good food, especially high quality ingredients.  The taste speaks for itself, and makes a unique, and usable gift.

Available for £22.90 at: https://www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/collections/food-gifts/products/oro-bailen-arbequina-olive-oil-gift-box-500ml

Swan 900W Travel Iron With Pouch

camping, Family Life, Fashion, Home, kitchen appliances

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

It’s holiday season!  Sometimes that fills me with dread when I think about how much there is to organise and pack before going away, but the Swan Travel Iron just make it a little bit easier.

The 900W mini-iron is about half the size of a conventional iron and a fraction of the weight, and comes with a measuring jug for the water and a pouch to help pack and store it.  It has a generous tank of 100ml for the water and a temperature control for when you have different materials to iron. There’s a steam function too, and a warm up light for when it’s at temperature. The ironing plate is made of stainless steel, and honestly, it’s so cute you could iron almost anything with it, including tiny pleats!

The essential element of the Swan 900W Travel Iron is that it has a variable voltage of 115V to 230V, so you can use it almost anywhere in the world. It weighs just 500 grams too but the weight isn’t important as you glide along with the ‘real’ stainless steel ironing plate. I particularly like the purple colour to it too. The electric cord is over a metre too.

Compared to full-sized irons this takes about the same time to heat up, but obviously needs refilling with water every so often.  It gets just as hot, but without the weight behind it I found it was easy to burn myself and had to re-judge how to iron on a smaller plate. Saying that, you don’t usually have to iron the heavier items on holiday such as jeans or jackets, so it works really well on t-shirts, jersey fabric and cottons which is all you’re likely to need on holiday or if you’re camping!  The fact that it’s so small and so light means you can’t go wrong for the power you get from it, so it’s totally worth taking on holiday with you, just in case you have a need for that all-important emergency iron…

Available from £19.99: https://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/products/900w-travel-iron-with-pouch

Astral Intensive Moisturiser

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

Evoking old-fashioned, get-the-job-done memories, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser is reminiscent of the make up you remember from your youth. The fresh scent hits you as you open the blue pot, and the perfectly peaked cream entices you to stick your finger in and try out the richness.

I have a pot of Astral Original sitting on my desk.  Made in the UK, it has no fancy gimmicks, just a smooth, comforting texture. Containing lanolin to lock in moisturiser and create a barrier and Glycerine to smooth and hydrate your skin, this can be used on the face or the body, and I use it on my hands as I read my emails.  It absorbs super quickly and can also be used to remove make up.  What’s most appealing is the fresh fragrance though – there are no harsh chemical scents and the light aroma lingers on your skin once you apply it.

Great for handbags, on the dressing table or to use at work, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser does exactly what it says it will, and being dermatologically tested, it can be used by anyone. I love it!

Available from £3.52: 

Kalme Daily Defence SPF40

beauty, camping, Children, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Home & Garden, Summer, Women

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

Calm your skin in this sunny weather with the Kalme Daily Defence, with the added bonus of SPF40. 

Most daily moisturisers are only SPF10 of SPF15 but the Kalme Daily Defence has the benefit of SPF40, which is higher than most sun creams.  Giving 24 hours of moisturisation, Kalme lasts longer than most moisturisers and keeps moisturising through the night. When you apply it, you can see how nutrient dense it is from the way it sits on your skin before it’s absorbed.

Kalme’s non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog pores nor does it make your eyes sting if you accidentally touch them, although you should always rinse your eyes with water if it does occur. Tint-free, it’s also suitable for all skin tones. Kalme also works as an anti-redness aid, helping sooth skin whether sun burnt, affected by allergies or redness from an irritation.  I used Kalme as a night moisturiser as it’s so effective in the long term.  It’s been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, and the addition of antioxidants also helps repair skin at night.

Although a heavy cream at first, it absorbs quickly and keeps the moisture in. Use it at night or in the morning, it keeps on working a treat!

Available from £26.65: https://www.amazon.co.uk/KALME-Day-Defence-Anti-Redness-Moisturiser/dp/B0F18K52Q6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DZIBYXPJIDIS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OKTzMlO9eg7ApKV607S46qV314x-GbzDqKFX3MTObUbQLvQrRrfsD2DG0t_QBJqbWeHSS5Y0Urt0TvTznsaPvnT1PU70AXiAqfia-7HW6EPIuHZD8fNtKpcuVDRtSPxYSrKr2BbXcetRWCuTVayW2vtpjQRWOxq2Gk7pGwRUmodlGHAoEQtEmp9Cgl5CrOL4.hf0aOyNhdS_9l1BQ_kSZbjc9OGrvb5u6-D8lbDqexF0&dib_tag=se&keywords=KALME&qid=1746175192&s=drugstore&sprefix=kale%2Cdrugstore%2C96&sr=1-1-catcorr&th=1

LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm

beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, Family Life, health, hiking, Summer

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

Summer brings dry lips, and not just because of the weather but hay fever is a big cause too – I know because I have it!  LipQ’s Liquorice Lip Balm is not like other balms though, thanks to the liquorice which helps prevent cold sores too. Liquorice extract weakens the virus before it can take hold, effectively lessening the impact that the cold sore can have on your lips.

LipQ Liquorice Balm also protects against UV. The 30 grams tub, which is small enough to take with you anywhere or pack into a handbag, is made with almond and beeswax with added avocado and sunflower oil to create a hydrating seal.  It’s free from parabens and perfumes and in trials, 83% of users reported faster recovery.

Each pot lasts for ages, even if you use it every day.  It seals in moisture and prevents sunburn but also helps with hay fever. If you rub a small amount on the tip of your nose, pollen sticks to it instead of being inhaled which helps prevent pollen allergies in the first place!

Available for £9.95 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-Shop-LIPBALM-Liquorice-Balm/dp/B00T7WIDGA/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.b0o8QJfdwLtdd7ZMpTBfJtfpUFTSs0GQ1OjWoqIrUJmzpLxj8jSdNnZ6KjAiWVmAKNQ4tkuuTBqyk4J0h1FawiVWZqZ7sClbOm9RvkqrixW20k-l7q7Hi-RjkVX1u9fZF4TFojDYOBYnBaTQ2uN7Kg.oGds6nR2yQIKH3QAqtSsrxCeouphsK6ny1dYIp4bKpk&dib_tag=se&m=A23HX2O7TOOQ69&marketplaceID=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&qid=1746175243&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3

Sea-Band Natural Sickness Relief

Children, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, health, REUSABLE, Summer

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

As summer approaches, trips on boats, cars and planes often get dogged by travel sickness.  Medication aside, there is a natural way of preventing it that doesn’t include drugs and is safe even for morning sickness.  Sea-Bands use pressure points on the inside of the wrists to alleviate the symptoms and in some cases, the sickness goes altogether. We were sent a pair to try out and we discovered they’re not just for cruises!

There are two bands in the pack, and they come in their own plastic box to keep them clean, or to have on hand in a handbag or travel luggage as and when needed.  To use, just place them over your wrists (you need to use both bands for them to be effective) and have the button in the inside of your wrist, over the Nei-Kuan point. This acupressure point can be found by placing your middle three fingers on the inside of your wrist, with the third finger just below the first wrist crease. The Nei-Kuan point is found under our first (index) finger.  If you’re placing the Sea-Bands on children, use their fingers to find the same point.

You can place the bands on before a journey or as you start to feel sick, although it can take 2-5 minutes to start taking effect so it’s best to place them on before travelling. Extra pressure on the buttons gives more relief so sleeping with them on and your palms faced down has a greater effect.  If you’re wearing them for morning sickness, you can put them on the night before and wear them all day too.

Sea-Bands have no side-effects and can be used all day to prevent relief, just be sure to adjust them if they come out of place. They’re re-usable too, so you can take them off and store them for another day and wash them gently under water. They’re also used for the symptoms of nausea resulting from anaesthesia and chemotherapy.

We go on cruises frequently, and if you’ve ever travelled through the Bay of Biscay or the North Atlantic, then you’ll know that anti-nausea relief is a MUST!  The Sea-Bands really help with the nausea feeling. They don’t always prevent all of the sickness but they do relieve it, and depending on the cause and severity, can give complete instant relief.

Available for £7.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nausearelief-Sea-Band-Wristband-for-Nausea/dp/B0BK1ZR172?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Canyon 2-In-1 Qi2 Fast Charging Magnetic Stand

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, Tech

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

Coming into holiday season, you’re thinking about where to go, where to eat and what to do but probably not thinking too much about packing yet. I know I hate forgetting something and it’s probably the charger I’ll leave behind!

Canyon has a solution with this magnetic charging stand.  Plugged in via a USB-C cable (included) the Qi2 can charge both your iPhone and Air Pods at the same time. The phone attaches to the magnetic disk whilst the base of the stand charges your Air Pods when you place them on the tray.  It works on all Air Pods and iPhones from version 12 and newer (these are the versions which have magnetic casings where you can charge them).  

Setting up is easy and straight out of the box. The cable is USB-C each end so you can add it straight into your Mac or you can use a USB adaptor if you’re using a wall socket.  The other end of the cable goes in the back of the Canyon Qi2 stand and it’s ready to use. I had to take my iPhone out of its casing though as I use a rubber case and it wouldn’t magnetically stick otherwise!  It starts charging straight away. For Air Pods, you take them out of the case and place them on the base of the stand and they start charging too. If you have more than one set of Air Pods, or you’re using this for the family, you can place them all on the base and they’ll charge.

The Canyon 2-In-1 Qi2 Charging Stand doesn’t have an on/off button and no light to tell you that it’s got power, so you have to test it with your iPhone to see if it’s working. The iPhone will display ‘charging’ in the top right corner. I don’t have any other wireless ear buds or any other make of mobile phone in the house to see if it works on other makes, so for the time being I’m sticking with the Canyon 2-In-1 only charging Apple products but if you look on the website, there are other appliances which are compatible. It does charge quickly. I’d say it charges about as quickly as the Apple charger does, and I was cabled through my laptop to charge the iPhone.  

Priced at £44.99, it costs about as much as other charges but with the advantage of being able to charge your phone and earbuds at the same time. The stand is also really handy because it’s at the right angle to watch videos, or to reply to messages and if you are on video calls a lot, it’s the perfect angle for the front camera to see you!

Available from £44.99 at: https://www.ryman.co.uk/canyon-wireless-charger-wcs-205-15w-qi2-2in1-white-without-adapter-1

Rubik’s Cube

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Learning, Stocking Fillers, Toys

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

Give the kids something different this Easter instead of chocolate, but also get them off their screens! Gen X will remember the Rubik’s Cube from the 1980s and how many hours of fun we had trying to solve it.  Most of us didn’t (my brother just removed the stickers and replaced them back in the right order!)

This full sized Rubik’s Cube, which is available at Smyth’s, is the original design at 55 millimetres square. The record for completing the Rubik is 3.47 seconds, but if you’re looking for tips on how to solve it, there are tons of videos on You Tube. For the same price as an Easter Egg, the Rubik, which comes already completed, can be set up so that children can solve it in as few moves as possible.  Once solved, it can be reset again and again to provide more practice until children inevitably learn how to solve any configuration!

The Rubik Cube isn’t just for children. Teenagers and adults with the knack can enjoy this too, and it’s an excellent way of keeping adult minds occupied whilst still being social.  No screens are needed, just problem solving and some lateral thinking which is never a bad thing in the days of video games and smart phones.

The Rubik Cube is very robust, yet even at the full size is small enough to be able to be added to a laptop bag or luggage, or even a picnic bag.  It’s aimed at ages 8 plus and has a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5, but anyone who has ever tried to solve one, knows that it feels like it’s a lot harder!  This edition of the Rubik’s Cube is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the game. The Rubik is a brilliant way of spending some downtime, and remembering your childhood at the same time!

Available from £10.99 at: https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/games-puzzles-and-books/board-games/family-board-games/rubiks-cube/p/109128

Collagen Beauty Water from Tide

beauty, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, health, Lunchbox Fillers, Summer

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

Sit back, enjoy summer and know that the Collagen Beauty Water from Tide is doing you good as well as being refreshing.

Tide have two flavours of collagen water; Natural Lemon & Lime and Natural Raspberry, started by Louise of Tide who wanted to make nutritional beauty an effortless part of the daily routine.

Tide Collagen Water contains 3.5g of MSC-certified marine collagen and both flavours contain only 27 calories.  Collagen is great for skin, hair and nails and especially good as we get older and lose collagen naturally. Marine collagen is especially good for absorption and helps promote the structure of skin so that it doesn’t lose its elasticity.  As I’ve got older, I’ve actively sought out collagen products so that I can replace some of what is naturally lost.

The Tide Collagen drinks sparkling water with a twist of flavour. The Lemon & Lime flavour is slightly bitter, but still sparkling and refreshing. For a sweeter flavour, try the Natural Raspberry, which is just as effervescent and also contains 3.5g of collagen.  I think I prefer the sweeter Natural Raspberry flavour to have as a pick-me-up in the afternoon and an alternative to caffeine and snacks.

As with all supplements, collagen takes a while to see the effects so don’t expect a youthful miracle overnight!  If you enjoy a fizzy can of drink anyway, then Tide Collagen Water is a great way of getting your collagen supplement in whilst still enjoying the flavoured water.

Available from £30 per 12 pack at: https://wearetide.com/products/tide-collagen-water-sparkling-raspberry-250ml-12pk?variant=54518768501061

Artists’ Journeys That Shaped Our World by Travis Elborough

Birthday Gifts, Books, Family Life, Summer

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

Artists’ Journeys That Shaped Our World is a fascinating book that traces 30 different artists’ lives and examines how travel has resulted in some of the most iconic artwork of our time.  From Paul Cezanne to David Hockney, the book starts each artist’s chapter with a brief biography, how they ended up in the given city and a map before going on a more detailed journey which explains the culture, architecture and people of the time that led up to the artwork being completed. There are, of course, examples of the completed artworks by the artists as well.  

The range of artists featured gives a broad background to most of the planet with very little overlap of geographies.  The artists are more contemporary but there are some that go back into the 19th Century and the use of photographs is breath taking.  The detail in each biography is also a beautiful gateway into a history of modern art, making this a handsome book for young art lovers who might be thinking of studying art, or as a reference for the future.  The insight to the places as well as the background to the artwork make for an interesting coffee table read as well as informative for art lovers.

This is a lovely book for travellers, artists and even photographers as you wind through the city lanes and across landscapes to join up the dots of your favourite artists, and learn about new ones too.  Happy travelling!

Airbrush Plush Hair’iffic Mini

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

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

Easter doesn’t have to be about chocolate and the Airbrush Plush Hair’iffic Mini is not only a great gift, but will keep the children occupied during the Easter holidays!

This washable toy comes with fun accessories including 15 stencils so that your little ones can colour in the wild Plush hair and create their own look! The kit includes two coloured pens and a clever accessory that when added to the coloured pen, creates an ‘air brush’ effect to use over the stencil and create effects. You can mix the colours too, and use the accessories to comb and create styles, tie up the hair and add bows.  When they get bored, you just have to wash it under the tap and they can start again!

A new hobby for Easter, this is great for outdoors when the sun is out. It’s only about 21 centimetres tall and can fit in luggage if you go on holiday. There are three of these Minis to collect too. For ages 6+.

Available for £7.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Airbrush-Hairiffic-Decorate-repeat-colourful/dp/B0DPJ6KMHV/ref=sr_1_3?crid=FBWKJ3NUWM2T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.to0AJLcJwnmRJZqOa9B5kl3z7uLM6VwKvdSjh7ZgGyETM0TPgmeeR00Ew8YPPT6dWdbxlR7ps30_n2u5Z2vy-tzPaEbbXGAadPgeI7dibnpJAZ1jJXE47_cxbq6uJ_y7ZFnVWy-TVu-2S8X7Fk4dyy9uFLLKn54Hl0VWb_NnMQm-lQ134JE1VX4SJKWYdr9z.btEN29WWrDzocU0IcwUMEsCyxfi1wRfcKxGh8be5dyE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Airbrush+Plush+Hair’iffic+Mini&qid=1744473054&sprefix=airbrush+plush+hair+iffic+mini%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-3

Precision Hydration PF60 Chew Bar

Family Life, snacks, Sport

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

For the serious athletes out there, the new PF60 Chew Bar provides delicious energy in the form of protein.  Trialled by the Lotto Cycling Team, this is the second product produced by Precision Hydration, and we’ve been sent them to try in both the Original flavour and Mint & Lemon.

Firstly, I’m going to be honest and assumed (wrongly) that this was a chocolate protein bar.  When you open it and look, it’s evident that there’s no chocolate in sight, and that this is in fact a completely different kind of snack. It’s much more like a Turkish Delight bar, even down to the sugar frosting. It weighs 68 grams which is pretty hearty for a snack, but when you realise that it has 60 grams of protein in it, this is a super charged protein bar!  It might not have any chocolate, but it is very sweet and hits the spot as a snack or even a dessert.

Containing no artificial ingredients, it is independently tested for no banned substances. The Original flavour has no specific taste, just the sticky texture and powdery sugar coating.  The Mint & Lemon has a refreshing taste that’s also sweet and dense, and the combination of both make for an easy way to sort snacks for the weekend. The individually wrapped snacks pack a punch for their size, don’t squash easily and add a welcome treat to a workout or ride.

Available online from £9.99 at: https://www.precisionhydration.com/collections/pf-chew-bars/

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Birthday Gifts, camping, Easter, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, National Walking Month, Summer, Women

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

Easter Sunday has always been about more than just chocolate in our house. We love to get outside, go for a walk, and roll our Easter eggs down a hill – it’s a great family tradition that everyone looks forward to. This year, I’m be upping the fashion stakes and hopping along in my Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight socks from my favourite sock brand – Darn Tough!

With their cute little bunny design, the Eclipse socks are the perfect choice for Easter. But they’re not just cute though, they’re unbelievably comfortable and once you’ve tried a pair of Darn Tough socks you’ll be hooked!  Made in the USA from merino wool, they’re seam-free, breathable, and the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn – and I’ve tried many over the years! What really sets them apart though is their durability and  Darn Tough are so confident in their quality that they offer a lifetime guarantee. If your socks wear out, simply send them back for a free replacement, no receipt needed, no questions asked.

There are four fun designs in the Women’s Critter Club Micro Crew Lightweight hiking sock range: Eclipse (bunnies), Bark (for dog lovers), Canyon (with a mountain goat), and Moss with a cheeky raccoon. Available in small, medium, and large, they’ll fit feet from size 2.5 to 9. Sitting just above the ankle they’re perfect for walking shoes, boots and trainers.

What I love most, aside from how cute they are, is how well they fit. The ribbed cuff stays up without being tight, and they don’t slide down when you’re walking. They feel soft against my feet and even after several wears and washes, they’ve held their shape and still feel comfortable.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and practical Easter gift, why not treat someone to socks that are made for adventure? They’re perfect for spring time strolls, Easter egg rolling, and everything in between.

RRP £28

Kinetic Sand Scents Ice Cream Treat Set

Birthday Gifts, Children, Easter, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Learning, Toys

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

Kinetic sand is the perfect example of a toy that didn’t exist when my generation was young – but should have done. If you’re not familiar with it, kinetic sand is simply soft sand that’s been treated so that it sticks together easily, can be fragranced and dyed a colour (as in this toy) and can be mixed up to make different colours. 

The Kinetic Sand Scents Ice Cream Treat Set is perfect as an Easter gift or to keep children happy over the Easter holidays. Aimed at age 3 years plus, it can be enjoyed by the whole family. The kit contains three different colours of sand which are also scented to smell like the ice cream!  Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry sand make up the Neapolitan colours of an ice cream parlour.  It also contains a fabulous waffle maker, sundae glass and cone and a toy ice cream scoop to remove the kinetic ice cream from the container. There’s some cute little accessories too, including a spoon and toppers, just as if you were making real ice creams!

It’s a brilliant set for children to be able to play with on their own, or use their imagination together. Either creating pretend ice creams for the family, setting up an ice cream shop as imagination play or experimenting with shapes and textures, it’s a fabulous learning tool as well. The sand sticks together so that you can create shapes that don’t fall apart. It doesn’t really dry out but if it does, just a touch of water makes it mailable again.  You can mix the colours to create new flavours or you can buy extra bags of kinetic sand to add to the kit over time and make different creations.

Just a note, it’s obviously not edible sand! It is one of those compelling toys that adults can get involved with too and it’s a line of toys that can grow and grow with both age and ability.  Completely wholesome and addictive at the same time!

Available at Smyths for £11.99: https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/arts-crafts-and-music/crafts/kinetic-sand/kinetic-sand-scents-ice-cream-treats-set/p/195159

Freddie’s Farm Fruit Snacks

Baby, Children, Easter, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gluten Free, Lunchbox Fillers, Plastic free, snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

For an alternative to chocolate this Easter, Freddie’s Farm have some delicious snacks made of fruit and vegetables.  We were sent some to try in flavours Apple, Raspberry and Blueberry.

The Freddie’s Farm snacks are dehydrated, 100% British fruit made which have no added sugar but all of the benefits of fruit. There’s no concentrate or puree and are made on Freddie’s Farm, packaged in paper packets.  Each pack is part of your 1-A-Day quota, and is both Dairy Free and Gluten Free. They contain more than just their fruit flavours though, with added beetroot, carrot and spinach to not only make the shapes work, but to add extra nutrition. You can’t taste the flavour of the vegetables though!

I think my favourite was the Apple flavour. Each one tastes of the fruit though, with the raspberry being the sweetest, apple being the most recognisable and the blueberry had a fruity taste at first then the flavour of the berry came through after a few seconds.  I like the idea of having these as snacks for little hands because it helps with motor skills as well to have them pick up the little shapes, which look (and taste) a lot like sweets, but are more wholesome, and of course, have no unnatural sugars.

Each pack weighs 20 grams and can fit into pockets, or are great for picnics or lunchboxes and they make great baking ingredients, especially if you’re looking for some ideas over the Easter holidays of nutritious snacks to cook with.  How about using the snacks for an Easter Egg hunt instead of chocolate? 

A box of 12 packets can be bought online for £8.49 at: https://freddiesfarmsnacks.co.uk/product/mixed-fruit-shapes-12/

Disney Bambi Elasticated Headband and Lip Balm Duo

Baby, beauty, Birthday Gifts, Children, Easter, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for children, Toys

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

Surprise your little ones this Easter with something other than chocolate! Mad Beauty’s Disney themed Bambi gifts include this Bambi Elasticated Headband and Thumber Lip Balm Duo; perfect for your Disney Princess!

The Beauty of Bambi Elasticated Headband gives your child the fun of dressing up as Bambi, complete with soft Bambi ears. This can be used as a headband to go out to an Easter party, for beauty pampering at home to hold back Princess’s hair, or for adorable photos at an Easter Egg Hunt!  The ears are soft but remain high when the band is put on, with the whole headband being soft so that there are no tears when it’s taken off or whilst out to play. It’s hand wash only, but it actually looks really cute on and your child won’t even notice they’re wearing it.

The Disney Thumber Lip Balm Duo are two 12 gram lip balms of coconut and vanilla fragrance. Princesses will love this mock-lipstick pack where they can pretend they’re putting on grown up make up but also enjoy the flavours.  They’re high quality balms as well, mostly petroleum oil (similar to Vaseline) but with the added scents. They will actually keep lips moisturised as well as looking like lip gloss!

See the other Disney inspired products at: https://www.madbeauty.com/disney-c157

The Beauty of Bambi Elasticated Headband £7.99: https://www.madbeauty.com/disney-c157/beauty-of-bambi-c206/disney-bambi-thumper-headband-p2045

Disney Thumper Lip Balm Duo: £7.99: https://www.madbeauty.com/disney-c157/thumper-c215/disney-thumper-lip-balm-duo-p2293

Lavender Lux Anti-Blemish Lavender Balm and Lavender Lip Balm

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Easter, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Mobile Phone, Spring, Summer, Women

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

Lavender has long been used for medicinal purposes, not just to aid sleep but it has healing properties that help the immune system, anxiety, stress and depression. Lavender Lux are a Czech company who grow the lavender in the Lavender Valley in the Czech Republic and turn them into beautiful products to benefit health as well as happiness.  We were sent the Anti Blemish Roll On and the Bio Hemp Balm with Lavender (along with some lovely lavender tea bags too!)

The Anti-Blemish Roll On can be used on acne prone skin or on areas which need some TLC.  Simply shake the bottle, roll on and the lavender’s anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties sooth the skin and help reduce the bacteria that cause acne.  It ca be used several times a day, and the scent of the lavender can also help with anxiety and sleep.  Only a small amount is needed, it massages into the skin easily.  This is a lovely alternative to a perfume too, especially if you aren’t getting dressed up to go out but need something convenient.  

The Bio Hemp Balm is used on cracked or dry skin, eczema and minor skin legions. The combination of hemp and lavender nourish the skin, especially lips which can become chapped and sore.  The lavender fragrance really comes through when you use it and the 30ml size is enough to take on holiday or leave in your handbag for minor cuts, grazes or dry areas.  I love this for when my skin is dry during the day and for my lips at night before I go to bed. It’s hydrating and medicinal at the same time.

The lavender tea bags come in slightly different flavours (they’re written in Czech though so I can’t tell you which flavours they are!) and they give an indication of the type of other lovely products available online at Lavender Lux.

Anti-Blemish Roll On available online at £26.95: https://lavenderlux.co.uk/product/bio-anti-blemish-roll-on-10ml/Bio Hemp Balm with Lavender £13.95: https://lavenderlux.co.uk/product/bio-hemp-balm-with-lavender-30ml/

Hotel Collection 5 Star Luxury White Goose Down Pillow

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, Spring

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

As the long Bank Holiday approaches for Easter, many of us are looking to spring clean and update our homes, and BHS (yes, the British Home Stores of old!) have some fantastic items available.  Starting with this Hotel Collection 5 Starr Goose Down Pillow, available for only £40, you can add some luxury to your bedroom and take advantage of the natural goose feather feel.

The premium duvets and pillows are all made of goose down, that is 60% goose feather and 40% down, to give the ultimate soft feel. The white colour is made of 300 thread count 100% cotton to allow air to flow and also reduces the changes of allergies.  The pillow is completely washable (but follow instructions!). If you’ve only ever had synthetic pillows then you are in for a treat! Unlike synthetic material pillows, the goose feathers keep the shape of your head as you sleep, allowing air to circulate but doesn’t get bunched up and lumpy. After you’ve vacated the bed, the pillow plumps up again to give the even shape, ready for when you next lie on it.

The quality of the goose down filling can be felt as soon as you squeeze it. The feather give a light resistance to pressure whilst remaining soft. When you lie on the pillow, it’s firm but you soon realise that the feathers are taking the weight of your contours and changing shape as they do so.

Once you try goose down, you won’t want to go back to anything else!

The Hotel Collection 5 Star Luxury Goose Down Pillow can be washed at 40 degrees centigrade and tumble dried, but not dry cleaned. Measures 74 centimetres length, 48 centimetres width. It is not bleach safe.

Available from £40.00 at: https://www.bhs.com/hotel-collection-5-star-luxury-white-goose-down-pillow.html

Jartoo Heated Blanket

Autumn, Baby, Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Winter

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

This Mother’s Day, give a gift which is both thoughtful and useful with the Jartoo Heated Blanked. 

Not just a blanket that heats up, the Jartoo Heated Blanked uses Carbon Nanotube Technology to convey heat via the blanked which is more efficient and doesn’t involve lots of wires.  It also promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation with far infrared heating, and uses 60% less energy than other heated blankets.

With the cost of heating being extortionately expensive now, the mantra in most households is ‘heat the person, not the room’ to save both money and energy. The Jartoo Heated Blanked buys into this ethos with the heated blanked that has 6 different heat settings from 35 degrees centigrade up to 55 degrees (95F to 131F) at the touch of a button.

The blanket measures 50” by 60” and has a clever mesh inside that you can’t feel through the soft fabric.  To heat it, there’s a connector concealed in a corner which connects to a corded plug which goes into the wall socket.  On the blanket is a Jartoo button in one corner which starts the heating process when you press it. You know which temperature you’re at because the button changes colour from blue (lowest temperature) to red (highest). Amazingly, there’s also a remote control also included which is already paired through wifi to you your blanket allowing you to turn up the heat from a distance!

The Jartoo Heated Blanket also has a timer, which can be adjusted with the remote control. Cleverly, the blanket will also turn itself off if there is no movement detected, so that it doesn’t become a hazard if you fall asleep. However, it only has an output of 24V so it is well below the safety threshold of 36V.  Despite the wires, the cord can be detached and you can put the blanket in the washing machine and it’s safe for animals to use, even if they try and destroy it!

I found it very easy to set up, and the size of the blanket is well beyond what I would expect as it went from my neck right down to my feet. The material is incredibly soft and the colour, although boring, fits in with existing décor (it’s a dark grey colour) and you don’t see marks on it easily.  When I fitted the plug, it started working straight away and I could feel it heating up.  I timed it as taking 6 minutes before I was toasty, so I’m presuming that was including the time for it to get to its maximum temperature and warm me enough that I could feel a marked difference.  Pressing the Jartoo temperature button was fun too as I cycled through the different temperatures to get to where I was comfortable.

I’m really impressed with the blanket so far and can’t find anything to improve! It’s really efficient, easy to use and safe too. You can warm yourself up with it and feel safe on a timer or simply leave it on knowing that it won’t overhead. Great for older people and children, I also thought that this would be good for pets who like to snuggle especially when it’s freezing out there!

It may be pricy (currently listed on US Amazon at $259.99 which is approximately £200) but the quality of the materials should last you a few years especially with the included warranty. Think about the amount of money you’ll be saving though when you don’t need the heating on so much!

I’m going back to snuggle down in the warm again now…

Jartoo Official Website: https://jartoo.com/

Jartoo Heated Blanket Product Page: https://jartoo.com/products/best-heating-blanket-wash-safe-portable-size-wearable-innovation-use-24v-low-voltage-heat-hot

Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Jartoo-Blanket-Electric-Portable-Washable/dp/B0DPYLK2XB

Belvoir Sparkling Drinks for Mother’s Day

Children, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day

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

Belvoir have some Mother’s Day gifts for Sunday Roast at Nan’s house or just to celebrate Mum as she opens her presents and gets pampered.  Pink elderflower and raspberry lemonade drinks from Belvoir can be the perfect alcohol replacement, or used in cocktails all day without the worry of not being able to drive later! We were sent the Mother’s Day pink drinks selection of Sparkling Elderflower Rose, Elderflower & Rose Cordial and Raspberry Lemonade.

The Sparkling Elderflower Rose can be consumed on its own or with a white wine to make a spritzer, but I preferred this light, bubbly elderflower taste on its own. The rose flavour comes through later and as it’s sparkling, it makes it feel like you’re drinking something alcoholic and sweet but without the hangover!  The Elderflower & Rose Cordial is similar in that the elderflower taste is there with the rose behind it, and the concentration means you can have as much or as little of the taste as you desire, plus you can mix it! The ratio stated is 1:10 but you might want to change this if you’re adding it to a cocktail, or if you prefer more of a fruity taste to a Prosecco.

Lastly, the Raspberry Lemonade is a particularly effervescent drink with the raspberry flavour making it taste more like a cocktail.  It’s a grown-up version of a lemonade though which makes it even more enjoyable when you know the children won’t want it!  Keep it in the fridge to drink on its own or as a mixer with a spirit and its great fun, especially for summer.

Belvoir have a range of drinks available, not just for Mother’s Day but for the summer too.

Available at Ocado, Waitrose, Booths, Sainsburys and Tesco from £3.25.

Elderflower & Rose Cordial
Sparkling Elderflower & Rose
Raspberry Lemonade

Nordfarg Sustainable Paint

eco friendly, Family Life, Home, Home & Garden

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

With the upcoming Easter weekend and Bank Holidays, this spring weather is for looking towards DIY and decorating! Nordfarg are a Swedish paint company who bring more to the party than just pretty wall and woodwork paint. We were sent a sample of their decorating paint and some background on how their company operates to show how sustainable paint is the way forward.

This new breed of paint from Sweden strives to cover all bases when it comes to need, nice to have and environment with something like decorating paint. Awarded the Nordic Swan accreditation (awarded only when the highest standards are met with manufacturing), Nordfarg prides itself on using the Swedish renewable power and Iceland’s geothermal heat.  Nordfarg’s paint is APEO and MIT free (as well as boasting minimum VOC levels) which not many paint companies can say they do, so the paint is quite special in this respect. Nordfarg’s paint comes in several formats; Tra for interior wood and metal, Grund for interior wood survaces and Vagg for interior walls and ceilings, which is what we were sent to try!

The ultra-high quality, water-borne interior matt paint is particularly suited to high traffic areas because of its durability. With a cover of 7-9 metres squared per litre, it becomes touch dry in 2-3 hours with a recoating time of 4 hours. Obviously, it’s best to leave longer than 4 hours but for professionals that might not be possible. 

We used the Nordfarg Vagg paint Number 220 called ‘Orngott’ which is a light blue colour to paint a bedroom that gets a lot of light in the morning but none at all by evening.  Complimenting the blue in the stained glass windows, the colour went on smoothly and surprisingly, it only needed two coats. The bright yellow of the old paint underneath didn’t even need covering; the Nordfarg paint covered it completely.  It did indeed touch dry in a few hours and we painted the second coat the next day, with the 2.5litre pot covering all three walls of this large double bedroom.  There wasn’t the usual paint smell that you get with commercial paints – there was a scent but it wasn’t overpowering and wasn’t unpleasant.  The colour went on slightly darker than we anticipated but once it dried (we kept the door open for a while to get the air flowing) then the colour calmed down. The few paint fumes we experienced were only there for the day, by the next morning they were gone!

We’re really pleased with the matt finish of the paint and how it went on seeing as there was already paint underneath and the wall wasn’t sanded first. The colour is really nice as well, as you can see where it meets the wallpaper and under different light it reflects beautifully. This room will get daily traffic so we’re excited to see how it wears but so far, no need to top up any scuffs, just bright baby blue walls and some spring sunshine!

Available online for £59 for 2.5 litres at:

https://nordfarg.com/product/no-220-orngott/