Family Life – Page 6 – The Review Studio

Hoover HF4 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Family Life, Home, kitchen appliances, 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.

Love it or hate it, cleaning is a part of life. As we start the New Year and begin Spring Cleaning, I dragged out my old cleaning appliances including my 10+ year old vacuum cleaner and had to remind myself that this is old technology now. The new Hoover HF4 Vacuum Cleaner came to my aid though as it arrived this week for me to test. It is not only on discount at the moment, but it has the added benefit of being able to power mop floors too, all with the same handheld device and the attachments it comes with.

The box arrives with all the attachments neatly wrapped. There’s picture instructions to put it together but it’s self-explanatory if you’ve ever used a handheld vacuum before! I started by fully charging the Hoover but you can use it straight away as the battery has enough charge.

The Hoover HF4 is remarkably quiet for a vacuum cleaner. I didn’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbours over the Christmas holidays and you can easily talk over the sound of the motor. It still picks up really well though. I used it on short carpet, loop wool carpet and a rug in the kitchen and thanks to the LED light, you can see what it’s picking up. It didn’t take too much effort either and glided through the house. The battery charge lasted for the whole house and was only 1 section down on the display so it will last much longer.

The Hoover HF4 is really lightweight too. It’s so easy to carry up and downstairs with 1 hand and even after vacuuming the whole house, the dust tank wasn’t full. Checking the brush head, there isn’t one single hair wrapped around the blades, making it less likely you need to detangle in order for the blades to still turn and pick up, which is a problem I have with my old vacuum cleaner. There’s different modes to the speed as well; standard, turbo and eco. I left the vacuum on standard mode for the whole house clean but turbo, although it does run the battery down quicker, is great for really high ware areas like halls and stairs. The interchangeable attachments include 2 nozzles of different length, an upholstery tool and a 2-in-1 tool. There’s also attachments for the wall so that you can mount it to save space in a cupboard and set it up for charging.

In addition to being a vacuum cleaner, the Hoover HF4 is also a powerful mop. The box comes with the turbo mop head and spare mop pads so that you can wash one set whilst using the other. The large mop head covers a large area and the triangular shape means you can get into crevices easily. The pack comes with floor cleaning solution as well, but there’s no reason why you can’t use your own. The rotating circular pads increase the work on your floors 10x so it’s worth taking the time to learn how to use it. The solution goes straight into the mop head tank along with tap water and the vacuum cleaner does all the work in calculating the concentration of cleaner and water needed to mop the floor. There are 3 adjustable settings on the mop head too, to give different flow rates of water.

I can’t find any cons for the Hoover HF4 yet, although the mop pads take a while to dry properly and the instructions suggest they only go on a temperature of 60 degrees in the washing machine, which doesn’t seem to get the completely clean. I’m worried that any hotter and the pads will shrink and be rendered useless! The filter will need cleaning but not for a while yet. The Hoover comes with all the attachments you’d expect and they all work really well and overall; the Hoover has enough power to do the everyday clean as well as the full on turbo clean if needed. It’s really sturdy but lightweight and has loads of battery life as well.

Available at a discount now for £299 at: https://www.hooverdirect.co.uk/products/hoover-cordless-vacuum-cleaner-with-anti-hair-wrap-magenta-hf4-copy

Clean G No-Alcohol Rhubarb

Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, 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.

To you and me, this is just like rhubarb gin but without the alcohol! For anyone taking part in Veganuary, Ginuary or who has a New Years Resolution to go alcohol-free, this is a life saver and something to look forward to for 2025.

The Clean G Rhubarb Alcohol Free Spirit is also sugar free, but crafted from high quality ingredients to give the flavour of gin, and specifically rhubarb gin, but without the hangover or guilt. It has the fruity rhubarb flavour and can be used just as a gin would be with a tonic or as part of a cocktail but as it’s zero alcohol, you can drink it neat as well. We would suggest trying it out first though to see if you like the flavour and then making up your favourite drink from it! As it’s alcohol free, you can probably find many uses for it, including in ice cubes or an ingredient in jelly if you can get it to set. The possibilities are endless though.

Does it really taste like gin though? The answer is yes, and it has the dryness of gin as well with that yumminess that makes you want to pour another one or share with your friends. The citrus taste along with the sharpness of the rhubarb make it excellent for after dinner at New Years or with friends during January when some people won’t be drinking but still don’t want to have a fizzy soft drink with dinner. It’s sugar and sweetener free and won loads of awards over the past few years so you’re in good company with it too.

Have a look at the Clean G other products including their version of rum, whiskey and straight gin without the flavourings. Maybe 2025’s New Year Resolution to give up alcohol has been to find a new tipple instead?

Available from £16 at: https://clean.co/products/clean-g-rhubarb-alcohol-free-spirit

Nourished Collagen Gummies for Hair, Skin & Nails

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Fitness, health, Plastic free, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

As we go into 2025 with New Years’ Resolutions (that we’ll never keep!) there are some changes we can make which give long term benefits. Collagen is a relatively new idea which has become more popular in the last few years, making it more accessible too. Nourished have a range of collagen gummies which contain collagen and benefit different areas of health. We were. Sent the Nourished Collagen + Hair, Skin and Nails to try out for a few weeks.

Nourished’s Gummie Stacks are individually wrapped gummies (much like jelly sweets) which contain both collagen and nutrients to support different areas of health. Collagen is needed in our bodies to support muscle building and which is more well known, that collagen is needed for hair, skin and nails. As someone whose hair is getting frailer as I get older, I was interested to find out how the collagen would affect my hair mostly. The apple flavoured gummy stacks also contain Glucosamine (for joints), Elastin (for tissue and organ elasticity), Hyaluronic Acid (to retain moisture in hair, eyes and skin) and vitamins such as Vitamin C and Zinc. The layers of different supplements are evident in the individual gummies.

The overall taste is that of sweet apple and it’s not offensive at all. Think of a Haribo, but without the sharpness of sugar and less chewy, as these gummies are sugar free. You only take one gummy a day then continue, which may take a few weeks or months to show a difference. I’ve been taking them for 3+ weeks now, mainly to improve my hair over time but I can see that my skin is less dry already and has more suppleness to it, and is less affected by the harsh cold weather and central heating. Over time, I hope that the effects are more prominent and ongoing!

I really like how easy it is to take these Nourished Gummies because they are in their own little packaging which means you can take them to work with you, in your handbag or even on holiday and not have to worry about finding a drink or if you find taking tablets and capsules a problem. They taste great too, which is always a bonus!

28 servings are £39.99 at: https://get-nourished.com/products/collagen-hair-skin-nails

Tower Good Food Slow Cooker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £59.99

Cinderella at The Grand Theatre Blackpool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos: Martin Bostock Photography

Kettler Tenderflame Café 18 (3 wick) MGO Candle

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £99.99

Prsnt Gift Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamu Wild Waters

camping, Children, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, health, Plastic free

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

As we approach Dry January, Jamu Wild Waters makes an excellent alternative to alcohol whilst being more exciting than just plain water or sparkling water in a can. With 100% natural ingredients, each can contains zero sugar, no artificial sweeteners and is very low calorie at 18-20 calories each, depending on the flavour. Even better news, there’s 5 grams of prebiotic plant fibre per can and added Vitamin C and Zinc for immune support.

The belief of Jamu Wild Water is to make healthy living, and especially fizzy drinks, which are also good for the environment. That’s why they don’t use plastic in their products, instead favouring the aluminium cans which are recyclable and cardboard that contains up to 70% recycled products. Made in the UK, there’s a lower carbon footprint when Jamu Wild Water isn’t shipped across the sea and the waste products are easily recycled in the UK too.

Jamu Wild Waters comes in three flavours; Sparkling Blood Orange, Sparkling Lemon and Sparkling Raspberry. The prebiotic factor doesn’t affect the taste, with the sparkling water being bright and each flavour being distinctly different. You can taste the lemon botanical amongst the bubbles, and the Blood Orange flavour is very citrussy! My favourite though is the Raspberry flavour, with a slightly sweet, fruity taste and the carbonated bubbles add a lightness that makes you think that you’re drinking something alcoholic. There’s no reason why you couldn’t create a non-alcoholic cocktail using Jamu, or likewise add it to children’s lunchboxes. I can’t speak of the long-term effect of Jamu Wild Waters’ prebiotics but it can’t be a bad addition to the larder!

Pack of 12 available from £23.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jamu-Wild-Water-Multipack-botanicals/dp/B0BGSX8LMH/ref=asc_df_B0BGSX8LMH?mcid=7c82553edbee3487b05c93e309fe20c5&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697294449551&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14122214736523997506&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045873&hvtargid=pla-2387769947272&psc=1&gad_source=1

Frankzart Horse Artwork Mug

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sweet Bouquet Emporium and Chocolate Bouquet Shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caffe Nero’s Festive Menu 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Danilo Calendars

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £10.99

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

RRP £7.99

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

RRP £6.99

Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion with Heat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from £29.99 at:

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

Twilight Hair Dryer Straightener Set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carmen Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, REUSABLE, secret santa, Winter

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

One present that’s good for Christmas this year is a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, ready to stave off the cold as well as relax your loved ones over the winter months. Carmen have a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, which doesn’t use water at all and keeps warm for up to 5 hours!

With cost of energy being high and the mantra we all have to, “heat the person not the room,” then it’s advantageous to heat up this hot water bottle and keep toasty. The appliance comes with a charging cable which heats up the water inside, which is completely sealed and therefore can’t leak if you drop it. It doesn’t need refilling either so you won’t scold yourself on the hot water tap.

There’s a plug on the hot water bottle that you use the provided cable to plug in and charge. It takes around 15 minutes for a full charge but if you charge it for less time, there’s still heat from it. The bottle is covered in a fleecy grey cover with a pocket for your hands, so you can sit with it on your lap, or safely use it in bed. It keeps the heat for about 5 hours, or through the night if you’re keeping it under the duvet! It can’t over heat because there’s a thermostat which cuts off as soon as it’s hot enough.

This is a great gift, especially as it’s so safe for anyone to use so children, the elderly or anyone who’s not I the best health can get warm quickly. I also like that it can be charged whilst you’re at work and might be cold, or to charge at work and take in the car on the journey home. Lots of work offices don’t have boiling water any longer so it would be impossible to fill a conventional hot water bottle, but this is a great idea!

Available at £14.99: https://carmen-products.co.uk/hot-water-bottles/spa-rechargeable-hot-water-bottle

Wade Capri Pasta Bowls

Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Summer

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

Some people prefer completely practical presents for Christmas, and Wade Pottery is an excellent example of a gift you wouldn’t buy for yourself, but would secretly like someone to buy for you at Christmas!

This set of 4 Capri Pasta Bowls from Wade are made in England by Wade Pottery. Measuring 22.5 centimetres in diameter, they are both dishwasher and microwave safe. The bold Mediterranean pattern is based on an original hand decorated Wade design and is part of a larger set by Wade, available online. The Capri bowls are deep coupe shaped and easily stacked Earthenware with glaze, which gives them more durability.

Having used these bowls for weekend pasta night, they are large enough for a main meal or can accommodate a salad, noodles or even cereal if you wanted! They stack nicely, clean quickly under the tap or fit into the dishwasher. The Capri design is a classic which will last for years and one which you can add to, or give as a gift, time after time.

There’s a 1 year guarantee on these bowls with an optional 2 years extra guarantee when you buy.

From £59.99: https://www.wadepottery.co.uk/bowl-sets/capri-pasta-bowl-set

Hoover Robot Vacuum Cleaner HG4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £249

Fold+Rºll Packing Organiser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seep Sleigh The Dishes Christmas Cleaning Bundle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swan 1.5 Litre Digital Kettle

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £79.99 but currently on offer at £59.99

Bananagrams

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £15.99

Age group 7+

Christmas at The Ivy Market Grill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brush-Baby Wild Ones Electric Toothbrush and Bobbie Bunny Teether

Baby, Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, health, Toys

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

It’s baby’s first Christmas. Everyone will be buying little romper suits, cuddly toys and anything noisy that keeps them entertained but have you thought about buying something that’s both cute AND practical?

Brush-Baby have a range of products for babies which specifically help little teeth and gums, from when milk teeth first show through to helping established teeth keep clean and grow. We were sent these gorgeous Bobbie Bunny Teether, Wild Ones Electric Toothbrush and some very handy Brush0Baby Teething Toothpaste.

The Bobbie Bunny Teether is literally a bunny-shaped toy designed to fit your baby’s hand perfectly and aid teething. The textured areas help massage sore gums and give babies somewhere to bite down on and the lightweight body is shaped so that their little fingers can grip onto it. The feet are made to be even more durable so that later in teething when the molars are coming through, they can bite down on them. The textured tail also helps develop tongue control and the overall Bobbie Bunny character acts as a toy and focus for children to engage with.

Once teeth come through, there’s the Wild Ones Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. We were sent the very cute Koala toothbrush which comes with 3 brush heads which are smaller than adults’ and softer. Each brushing session is timed to 2 minutes with a signal at every 30 seconds to give an equal amount of brushing time for the whole mouth. The toothbrush comes with a USB charging cable and doesn’t take long to fully charge, or as with lots of bathrooms now, there is a charging point for USBs in bathrooms for toothbrushes. The brush is very cute, and as well as koalas there are other animals online such as an elephant, monkey, bear, penguin and others.

Finally, Brush-Baby also have Teething Toothpastes. This comes in applemint flavour so it’s more appealing for babies to use, and has less fluoride than adult toothpastes. The added Zyltiol helps reduce sugar acids in the mouth and camomile is a natural anti-inflammatory for teething gums that will be sore. It’s safer to swallow some of this toothpaste than an adult version, so everyone can be happy that they’re doing the right thing from day 1.

Brush-Baby have a whole range of products including toothbrushes, teething wipes, and toothpastes for all children’s ages up to 10 years old. See all the products here: https://brushbaby.com

Babies will love the characters, textures and tastes in the Brush-Baby range and you’ll know that you’re doing something practical for their health this Christmas.

Bobbie Bunny Teether £16.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/bobbie-bunny-baby-teether/products/bobbie-bunny-baby-teether-cappuccino-twist-bounce-teething-toy

Wild Ones Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush £29.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/wildones/products/wildones-koala-rechargeable-toothbrush

Brush-Baby Teething Toothpaste £3.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/toothpastes/products/teething-toothpaste

NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent Calendar

advent calendar, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Home, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

All kids, whether they can eat dairy, nuts or eggs, will love the NOMO Chocolate Advent Calendar! That’s because NOMO make chocolate with none of those ingredients to create a vegan chocolate that’s also pal oil free and gluten free. What’s not to like?

The NOMO Advent Calendar is filled with 24 days’ worth of NOMO chocolate drops in Creamy Choc flavour, which to you and me is the equivalent of “milk chocolate’ except as these are dairy-free, there is no milk involved! The choc drops are each 3.3 grams in weight and have the same soft texture of the milk chocolate you buy in shops. It’s not gritty either and doesn’t leave an after taste like some Free From chocolates do. There isn’t anything in eating them that makes you think that it’s anything but milk chocolate, so you really don’t feel like you’re missing out.

I particularly like that the NOMO calendars are still giving 24 days’ worth of treats, as advent calendars should, but may manufactures have now gone to just 12 or even 10 days of Christmas treats. Hardly an advent calendar but at least with NOMO you can give this as a gift to children and still maintain the legitimate Christmas Advent Calendar theme.

The NOMO Creamy Choc Drops Advent Calendar is a great gift for adults or children, and even better, it’s really universal so even if you’re not sure if they can or can’t eat an ingredient, NOMO has you covered.

Available from shops and online for £6

Tower VL60 NimbleVac Cordless Vacuum

Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Tech

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

This vacuum cleaner is seriously impressive! We were sent the Tower VL60 Cordless Vacuum to try out as part of their Black Friday sale and I wasn’t expecting much for a cheaper vacuum cleaner but I was pleasantly surprised by the power, ease of use and efficiency of it. Even better, it’s part of the Tower Black Friday sale so it’s cheaper than normal too!

The Tower VL60 NimbleVac Cordless Vacuum is delivered in pieces but doesn’t need much explanation to put it together. The accessories include the charging plug, which is small enough to sit in a drawer between charges, and there’s a bracket for the wall if you need it mounted. The other accessories include a nozzle, sofa brush and velvet brush roller as well as the everyday single brush roller. They’re pretty much the same accessories as you would find with a mains powered vacuum cleaner so there’s no need to have both with this cleaner.

Putting together the vacuum cleaner is just clicking it together and you’re ready to go. There are two speeds to the motor for cleaning; regular and max, both of which are on the handle. I used the regular speed for just testing out the vacuum, and I was surprised at how well it picked up on my hallway carpet. I was also impressed with how unbelievably quiet it is! You can easily talk over the noise of the motor and it’s less likely to frighten pets. I would go as far as saying that it wouldn’t disturb a sleeping child either, which can only be a bonus! There’s a really handy light on the front to show where you’re heading and the whole brush head swivels really easily and is light to use. In fact, I can pick up the whole cordless vacuum easily with just one hand.

The VL60 is lighter than my other make of cordless vacuum and I can store it easier because it comes apart with just a click, and is smaller too. There’s a light on the handle to show how much charge you have and it lights up as you charge it too. I haven’t been able to use it long enough to see how quickly the charge runs out, but the literature says the regular speed cleaning lasts 35 minutes and the max speed is 15 minutes. Speaking of the max speed, I tried it out but I didn’t have a need to use it because the regular speed kept up with the cleaning I needed to do.

There is no bag on this vacuum cleaner, just a dust tank which holds 300ml. I vacuumed my whole house, including the hard floors and it wasn’t full, so I assume there is more than enough room for most households to clean comfortably. The HEPA filter removes 99.95% of fine particles down to 0.3 microns, and whilst using it, I realised the dust doesn’t come back into the room but stays there in the tank until you remove it. This is great for allergies especially in the spring and summer when pollen can easily get into the house and needs removing from the air and soft furnishings.

I’m really impressed with this vacuum especially given the price and the physical size of it. It works great around the house but I also think it would work well in a caravan due to it’s size and weight and the accessories that mean it can be hand held. Fabulous for long car journeys too when you have to clean up after the children!

Available on special offer for Black Friday at £74.99 (usual price £99.99):

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/cordless-vacuum-cleaners/vl60-nimblevac-cordless-vacuum-1