Gifts for Him – The Review Studio

Moderato Alcohol-Free French Wine

Christmas, Days Out, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, 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.

The French (wine) Revolution is here! Moderato wines are all alcohol-free but are still French beauties with Cuvee, Colombard white wine and the Gros Manseng Merlot. We were sent a bottle of each to try this summer and to sample how good alcohol free wine can be.

We started with the La Cuvée, a light sparkling wine with a slightly acidic taste from the Merlot grapes. It has less than 0.5% of alcohol (they have to give it a slight alcohol rating due to the way it’s fermented) but it doesn’t have the alcohol taste to it. Instead, it’s an effervescent glass which is excellent for summer. I would drink this with a main meal or on its own. It also has fewer calories than wine, so if you’re not drinking it for the low alcohol, it’s perfect for a low calorie diet!

The Colombard is a traditional-tasting white, with citrus flavours and the sharpness that can only be found with white wines. This is also <0.5% alcohol and 7x fewer calories than other white wines and has the white wine fragrance to it too. I would drink this on its own, after work or in the garden in the summer.

The Gros Manseng Merlot is rosé with a softer fruity flavour compared to its Merlot cousin. It’s definitely a summer drink with lots of energy and a beautiful red fruit uplift. This is great with food or on its own but lives in summer thanks to the fruity nature of the wine. It doesn’t taste alcohol free either which is a brilliant achievement, even if it is made by the French experts!

All three of the wines are part of a larger range by Moderato to have alcohol free (or sans alcool in French, as the bottles proclaim) that add to your summer without needing alcohol. Delicious!

Gros Manseng £14: https://le-moderato.com/en/products/alcohol-free-rose-revolutionary-cuvee-merlot-gros-manseng-1

Colombard £14: https://le-moderato.com/en/products/alcohol-free-white-wine-colombard-revolutionary-cuvee

La Cuvée £14.50: https://le-moderato.com/en/products/the-sparkling-revolutionary-cuvee-blanc-de-noir-without-alcohol

Cuvée Révolutionnaire

Father’s Day Gifts at Popcorn Shed

Gifts for Him, Birthday Gifts, Children, Food & Drink, Family Life, Lunchbox Fillers, Stocking Fillers, secret santa, snacks

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.

Yes, Father’s Day is notoriously difficult to buy gifts for Dad! He has everything, but suddenly there are more items available in the shops but they are all either whiskey flavoured, or have some element remodelled in leather. Don’t get me started on the amount of beers on the shelves at this time too. Popcorn Shed has a massive range of popcorn all year round, so we were sent a selection of popcorn flavours which are available on the website and can be sent as a bundle. We had the Popcorn Shed flavours Pop ‘n’ Choc, Salted Caramel and Say Cheese! Sent to us to try. Before you ask, they didn’t last long…

Each ‘shed’ (ie packet of popcorn) is 80 grams of popcorn. The Salted Caramel and Say Cheese flavours are both bestsellers and winners of the Great Taste award. 80 grams doesn’t sound like a lot but if you remember that popcorn is very light, it makes sense to say that each shed is about big enough for 2 people to share for a movie night, or the equivalent of a small mixing bowl size.

My favourite of the flavours was Pop ‘n’ Choc, and not just because I love chocolate! You can taste the chocolate easily but it isn’t too sweet and the popcorn, although a bit sticky, isn’t too difficult to eat because it’s stuck together or gets stuck in your teeth. The Salted Caramel flavour was probably the easiest to eat out of all three because it had a strong flavour without being overpowering and was still sweet, as you would expect popcorn to be. Finally, the Say Cheese flavour was the last one I tried. I’m not used to savoury popcorn but this is the most popular of savoury flavours after the plain salted variety and I was surprised. It’s not a very strong flavour, thankfully, as although I love cheese I couldn’t imagine it on popcorn. However, as it’s a savoury taste, it goes better with wine or spirits rather than sugary cocktails. It’s a light, delicate cheese flavour rather than the processed type. I also noticed that all of the popcorn is ‘popped’ so there are no un-popped kernels in the bottom of the bag.

Popcorn Shed is a lovely gift for Dad, or Grandad, that they don’t have to pretend to like! With all the flavours available online you will surely be able to find something that’s delicious!

Popcorn Sheds available from £4.75 at: https://www.popcornshed.com/collections/gourmet-popcorn-sheds

Sponge Cake Cards & The Legends Brownie Box from Sponge

beauty, camping, eco friendly, Fashion, Fitness, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, 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.

Cakes for all occasions! Sponge send cakes that are, “Brilliant cake. Bold flavour. A little bit cheeky” and we couldn’t agree more. Why send just a card when a piece of cake and a card will make them feel more special? If you’re anything like me, Father’s Day is an especially difficult day to buy for so Sponge make it easier!

Sponge.co.uk have a selection of cake pieces, whole cakes, brownies and cupcakes that can be delivered to your recipient’s door. All cakes come with a card which in some cases, are a little bit cheeky! You can customize each card to suit the receiver. We were sent The Legends Brownies box and a Sponge Cake Card which are both brilliant for Father’s Day. If you order before 2pm, it can be delivered the next day.

The Sponge Cake Cards are literally cards with pockets that house 2 slices of cake which you can choose from a range including chocolate, carrot, white chocolate & raspberry, Red Velvet and several of the same cakes but in vegan or gluten free versions. You also get to choose the design of the card and if you want to, you can upload a video too which can be viewed online. The card can be personalised with any greeting and then you can choose up to 2 extras, including items like tea bags, face mask, balloons or even a candle.

Once you’ve made your choices, you can choose to have the Sponge Cake Card delivered or you can even pick up from their warehouse in Holt, Norfolk. The same process works whether you’re sending a Cake Card or any of the other cakes and items which the company stocks.

As for the cakes…. The Sponge Cake Card came with a chocolate and a Victoria slice, both of which were obviously freshly made and not processed or frozen. They were light and fluffy with ample amounts of buttercream filling and a light topping, but not enough to make a sticky mess in the cellophane! The brownies were obviously very densely made, with 8 pieces in total and all of them delicious. I haven’t worked my way through all of them yet, but there are 4 flavours in all and again, they were freshly made.

An interesting idea of having cake delivered as well as a card, Sponge.co.uk execute it very well and make it easy to send any type of celebration to a loved one.

Sponge Cake Cards from £9.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cake-card

The Legends Brownie Box from £18.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cakes/brownies/the-legends-brownie-box

Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes and 1 & Done Detailer

Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home

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.

You could take your car to the car wash every weekend. Expensive? Yes, especially if you have to wait in queue for ages like you do at my car wash! Instead, keep a bottle of 1 & Done Detailer in your car, or even the Renew & Restore Wipes for both inside the car and outside. Turtle Wax have both new products available and sent them to us to try out.

Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes (8 pack) are individual wipes with a slight abrasion to them which can be uses for stubborn stains inside the car (such as upholstery and the dashboard) or for cleaning the body of the car on the outside. With a little light work, the wipes can remove bird poo, mud, tree sap and every day dirt. They’re great for when you have to clean the rest of the windscreen that the wipers don’t reach, or headlights that are foggy after a long drive. For inside the car, they are also brilliant for hand marks (I had a dirty hand mark on the inside pillar which the wipes got rid of) and on seats that have spills and stains, even dried in stains. In combination with a cleaner, they can even help lift more inground stains on the carpet and seats.

The 1 & Done Detailer is a 500ml spray for the outside bodywork of the car. It instantly cleans and shines bodywork and glass such as where green is starting to grow on this roof. The spray lifted the lichen quickly and the Turtle Wax Clean & Shine cloths remove all traces of dirt, leaving the paintwork sparkling. I also used 1 & Done Detailer on these light scratches on the door handle. It’s not removed them, but along with cleaning up the dirt, it does lessen the scratches altogether.

This is a great combination of cleaning and detailing products from Turtle Wax, and I’ve already left them in my car so that I can bring them out whenever I have the urgent need!

Renew & Restore Wipes (8 pack) available for £10 at: https://www.turtlewax.co.uk/products/renew-restore-wipes-8-pack

1 & Done Detailer (500ml) available for £8.00: https://www.turtlewax.co.uk/products/1-done-detailer-500ml

Devonia Plant Fertilizer Sticks

Birthday Gifts, Children, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Spring, 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.

This is a gardening hack for all gardeners, whether you’ve been gardening for years or if you’re a beginner! Devonia’s fertilizer spikes and sticks are nutrient dense sticks which feed plants at the roots over time, releasing food and providing magnesium and iron too. Easy to use, the sticks are just popped into the ground or pot next to the plant.

The nutrients are pre-measured so using the directions on the back of the packs, work out how many sticks are needed for the size of pot. There are a variety of sticks to choose from too, including the tomatoes & vegetables, Boarders & bedding plants and even for individual plants like olive trees, lavender and orchids. You have to push them below soil level and on the opposite side of the pot to the plant but after that, just water them and see the plant thrive. They last all season long from spring to autumn but I would recommend changing them out for the next spring to get the full benefit of them.

These are great gifts for gardeners too, or anyone who is growing plants indoors. I’ve used them for my indoor plants and a few seedlings which are just starting to grow now.

Available online from £6.49: https://devonialondon.co.uk/product/flower-bed-border-bedding-plant-food-sticks/

Sentia Spirits Alcohol Free – GABA Red

Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Summer, 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.

There are more and more non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ on the market these days and a new one that I’ve come across is the Sentia Spirits GABA Red. GABA Red works on the body’s gaba receptors, mimicking how alcohol affects us but without the side effects. It has zero alcohol content, so it can be used in mocktails or as a mixer without the trigger of having even a trace of alcohol. It’s also vegan friendly, thanks to the organically sourced products.

You can use it just as you would a botanical spirit – straight, in a glass of ice, or as a mixer. It works well with lemonade or a sparkling drink or to make a new cocktail. Neat, it has an herbal taste to it. I personally found it a bit strong on its own, not because it had the ‘alcohol’ taste to it but because the essences of herbal flavours such as magnolia bark and hawthorn berry are not every day tastes to us.

As an alternative to alcohol, it’s just as versatile and you can mix it and drink as much of it as you like. I wouldn’t suggest children try it though, it’s more of an acquired, grown-up taste, but it still gives you that ‘hit’ as if it’s a refreshing alcoholic drink. It’s more expensive than other drinks though and probably more like an alcoholic spirit in price, which is the only downside.

Available from £32 at: https://sentiaspirits.com/products/sentia-red

Luxuriant Haircare for Hair Loss Prevention

beauty, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, 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.

There are so many different haircare products on the market now, but there also so many different needs for better haircare than what we used growing up. Luxuriant Haircare specialises in hair loss prevention in both men and women. We were sent a Women’s Bundle to try for a few weeks to see how it works. The Women’s Bundle comprises of a shampoo, conditioner and serum. The serum is not for the condition of the hair like other serums, but for the scalp to prevent hair loss.

I don’t have hair loss but I do have hair that has been thinning with age, and it bothers me. Over the past 2 years I’ve been trying to work on my lymphatic drainage, scalp massage and not damaging my hair too much. In combination, I am trying to use products like Luxuriant to help stimulate hair growth and strengthen my hair. It takes a while, and I find that your hair needs to grow for the changes to be completely noticeable.

Luxuriant explain on their website that it takes just a few weeks for changes to be seen. I’ve been using the Luxuriant shampoo and conditioner for 10 days, which isn’t long enough to see the real results which typically take 10-12 weeks or up to 6 months for your hair to grow to a length that others can notice. What I can tell you is that the sulphate-free, natural extracts of ginger root, Indian gooseberry, soapberry and a host of other plant-based extracts give my hair shine and a gorgeous scent. The natural elements prevent hair loss from hormones and stress and I can see after a week of washes that my hair feels stronger. There’s a depth to the colour too, thanks to the concentrated condition, which is also derived from the same group of Asian botanical extracts.

The added bonus of the Women’s Bundle is the Luxuriant Serum. The serum is to be administered on your scalp to help stimulate growth and prevent hair loss. It has the same fresh, botanical scent as the shampoo and conditioner and doesn’t leave a residue in the hair. I actually think it conditions the hair a bit too, making it easier to style, even though that’s not the intended purpose! The serum needs to be applied a few times a day but the bottle is large enough to last as long as the shampoo and conditioner, making the bundle worthwhile.

Female Shampoo & Conditioner sets from £80: https://luxuriant168.co.uk/products/hair-loss-shampoo-women

Steenbergs Loose Leaf Organic English Breakfast and Organic Double Mint Tea

Birthday Gifts, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home

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.

Tea is one of the most important ‘meals’ of the day in our house, with the morning pot of tea (yes, we use a pot) to replace breakfast. Lately, I’ve been using loose tea for the first pot of the morning to be able to strengthen the flavour and to reduce the plastic waste that can be found in some commercial teabags. Steenbergs sent us some Organic English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea and Organic Double Mint Tea.

The Steenbergs Organic English Breakfast looks different. I compared it to the loose leaf tea from the supermarket and the Steenbergs leaves are chunkier, whereas the supermarket brands were like dust. This makes a difference to how they are brewed in the teapot because the leaves swell when absorbing water. With finer grains of tea, they swell but the flavour isn’t as full, and you get those particles of tea that collect at the bottom of your cup like a sediment. Steenbergs sent us a tea filter egg to use too, which is great if you’re only making one cup and also prevents some of the sediment. The flavour of the tea is full-bodied, and you don’t need much to make one cup in a pot. I used 1½ teaspoons of tea to make a pot and brewed for only about 3 minutes, which was enough. You can taste the ‘tea’ without there being a scum on top from additives and preservatives.

We also tried to Steenbergs Organic Double Mint Tea. Brewed in the same way in a pot, these leaves are just as substantial and there’s the lovely aroma from the box as you open them! As the afternoon goes on, I like to switch to herbal teas to reduce my caffeine. Mint tea is great for digestion both in the afternoons and after dinner. I found that I didn’t need as much of the Double Mint Tea per pot as I did of the English Breakfast; one teaspoon was enough as it’s really quite potent! The tea is fresh and strong but not acidic and brews nicely, filling the room with the mint scent.

Both are ideal for at home and either a pot of tea or a cup made individually, and make great gifts for tea lovers too!

Available from £3.45 at: https://steenbergs.co.uk

JOMO Club

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Subscription Boxes, Winter

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

JOMO Club was founded by Richard and Gemma after they grew bored of the limited alcohol-free options found in supermarkets. Wanting something more interesting and better tasting, they left the corporate world behind and created JOMO Club with the aim of making high-quality artisan alcohol-free brands easier to discover. Run as a subscription service, there is the choice of monthly, two monthly or quarterly deliveries which can be paused, skipped or the frequency changed at any time. You’re also not tied into a set period, meaning your subscription can be cancelled at any time.

Each box contains a hand-curated selection of alcohol-free treats designed to introduce members to drinks they’re unlikely to stumble across in the supermarket. The focus is on quality and flavour, with artisan brands that feel and taste completely different to all the supermarket alcohol free drinks available. Each box typically includes one full-sized bottle of an alcohol-free spirit, five or more drinks such as mixers or ready-to-drink cocktails, plus snacks, garnishes and a members’ magazine filled with recipes, serving suggestions and the stories behind the brands.

The boxes are all very well packaged in a sturdy cardboard box an the box I received was the one that was sent out to subscribers in January and included the following products –

• Wilfred’s Aperitivo
• Navas Ginger Beer
• MONTY Lightly Sparkling Elderflower with Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Maitake
• LA Brewery Citrus Kombucha
• MATCH Tonic Water
• Naked Life Ready to Drink Margarita
• Popcorn Shed Chocolate Orange Gourmet Popcorn
• Delicious Pig Snacking Pickles
• The Zest Orange, Cinnamon and Star Anise garnish

The main drink in my box was the full-sized bottle of Wilfred’s Aperitivo. Now this is the sort of drink that tries, quite bravely, to capture that lovely bittersweet magic you normally associate with a proper Italian aperitivo. And it’s fair to say it does a very respectable job indeed, first you taste the sharp bitter orange flavour, then a hint of rhubarb comes through, and there’s a touch of rosemary floating about as well. Right at the end there’s a tiny bit of clove which makes it feel a bit more sophisticated than your average fizzy drink. Splash it over ice, add tonic and a wedge of orange, and suddenly you’ve got something that actually feels like a proper drink rather than just something you’re having because you can’t have the real thing. It’s fresh, a bit sharp, and quite refreshing really. So yes, it turns out you can have something that feels a bit fancy… without ending up with a headache the next morning. Which, if you’ve got work to do the next day, is probably for the best.

The Navas Ginger Beer has a proper ginger kick, warming and slightly spicy rather than overly sweet, which made it ideal with the Wilfred’s Aperitivo. The MATCH Tonic Water is wonderfully crisp and clean and doesn’t try to steal the spotlight but instead lets the flavours of the other drinks shine through, which is exactly what a good tonic should do.

One of the more intriguing discoveries in the box was the MONTY lightly sparkling elderflower drink. Now, I’ll admit that when I saw the ingredient list including Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Maitake mushrooms, I did raise an eyebrow. It sounds slightly like something you’d find in a very enthusiastic health food shop. Not being a fan of mushrooms I was unsure about this one but was actually quite surprised at how nice it tasted, it’s light, floral and delicately sweet with that familiar elderflower freshness and a gentle sparkle.

Another one I really enjoyed was the LA Brewery Citrus Kombucha. Now if you’ve ever had kombucha before you’ll know it’s got a tangy kick to it straight away, and this one’s no different. But the citrus in it really lifts the whole thing. It’s sharp, fresh and properly refreshing, without being overly sweet or heavy like a lot of soft drinks can be. It’s the sort of drink that wakes your taste buds up a bit and actually feels like you’re drinking something interesting rather than just fizzy pop.

Now, I’m quite partial to a Margarita, so when I spotted the Naked Life ready-to-drink Margarita in the box I was pretty pleased about that. And I’ve got to say, it does a surprisingly good job. You get that proper limey sharpness straight away, with a bit of that salty citrus edge you expect from a Margarita. Somehow it manages to taste very close to the real thing, which is quite impressive considering there’s no alcohol in it at all. It’s one of those drinks where you take a sip and think, “Right, yeah… that actually works.”

The snacks were delcious too and the perfect accompaniment to the drinks, the Popcorn Shed chocolate orange popcorn was a real grown up treat – rich, crunchy and indulgent, while the Delicious Pig snacking pickles added a sharp, tangy contrast that paired nicely with the drinks.

There are lots of occasions where alcohol-free drinks just make a lot more sense. Pregnancy, medication, being the one driving everyone home, or simply not fancying a fuzzy head the next morning. For me it’s often a practical thing. I’m usually the one behind the wheel or I know I’ve got an early start the next morning, so having something interesting to pour into a glass makes all the difference. You still get the flavour, the little ritual of mixing a drink, and that feeling that you’re having something a bit celebratory… just without regretting it the next day.

Another bonus is that they’re low in calories too. A quick glance at the labels showed most of the drinks sit at around 60 calories per 250ml, which is quite a bit less than your average glass of wine. So you get all the enjoyment without quite so much of the guilt either.

All in all, JOMO Club is a cracking way to explore the growing world of alcohol-free drinks. It takes the guesswork out of finding the good ones and delivers a box full of interesting things to try – proving you don’t need alcohol to raise a proper toast.

The JOMO box costs £46 for a one off box with discouts of up to 20% available for regular subscriptions. Wine drinkers may prefer the Wine Club box at £43 which contains three bottles of wine along with a tasting card.

Le Bab Restaurant, Soho London

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

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.

In the alleyways between Regents Street and Carnaby Street, you’ll find Kingly Court tucked away where you can’t see it. On the top floor sits Le Bab, the World-influenced kebab restaurant that’s part of a chain across London.

The moody, candlelit atmosphere is far from overlooked thanks to being on the highest floor and overlooking a gallery looking down to the restaurants below. There’s a maximum of 40 covers including the bar and window seats and even when half full there was atmosphere. We started with cocktails, including an incredibly strong Negroni as you can see from the photo!

We ordered the mixed mezze for starter, which included hummus with steamed broccoli and two different naan breads including garlic bread. This was delicious, and could have been a meal in itself! The bread was obviously baked on site because it was so fresh and so warm. The broccoli was not something I’d seen before, as it was arranged like a tree on the plate and cooked whole. We cut off pieces of the broccoli tree, tore up the garlic naan bread and devoured the hummus bare handed.

Next were the mains. I had the Dirty Bab; a chargrilled lamb with chips, piled with pickles, chilli, lamb’s lettuce and mayo. My guest tried the Mixed Grill Kebab with chicken and lamb plus red cabbage, chilli and mayo topped with leaves. Both kebabs were sitting on a flat bread, so you could wrap them up if you wanted to, or cutlery is brought to your table. In both meals, the lamb was incredibly tender and the flavour from the chargrilling was fabulous. The chilli can be on the side, which I’m very glad we both chose to do because it was so hot, but it added yet another layer of flavour to the meal if we wanted to. Both of us had to leave some of our kebab because there was so much!

For dessert, there was a choice of only two items. We could have done with something with ice cream as the chilli was so hot and the meal so filling, but we each had the desserts; baklava and sticky toffee pudding. The STP was extremely light, not heavy and dull like most puddings. It was covered with chocolate sauce, giving the sweetness you crave at the end of a meal. The baklava was also sweet, and as one huge piece, it was a meal on its own.

We enjoyed the meal and the restaurant immensely. There was far too much food in three courses for two people, but I’m glad we got to sample the kebabs as well as the mezze. The mezze alone would have been a great meal, but there’s plenty more on the menu which I could happily have ordered – or maybe I’ll come back another time and sample it!

Le Bab Soho, Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

https://www.eatlebab.com/soho

AQUAPHOR Water Filter

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Mother's Day, REUSABLE

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.

Whether it’s reducing plastic, filtering out toxins or eliminating heavy metals, a kitchen water filter jug benefits the whole family. AQUAPHOR ‘Filters every drop’ of your home tap water to reduce limescale and help create delicious drinks and taster food when cooking.

The jugs are designed with a slimline look which fits into the shelf of the fridge door. The massive jug holds 3.2 litres and has a battery-free filter indicator in the lid, which is flip-top to make it easier to fill. The custom filter, known as the AQUALEN is made of an ion-exchange filter material containing extra fine coconut shell carbon and efficient ion-exchange beads. As with most water filters, you need to soak the filter in water for 2 minutes first, then run water through the reservoir twice before being able to drink the water safely on the third filter.

The filter, which can last for 200 litres, filters out organic compounds, iron and heavy metals, as well as removing limescale which causes hard water. The lid of the ‘Fresh’ water just that we tested has a cartridge replacement counter. This gives an indication of the quality of the filter from 100% when it’s installed, down to zero percent when it needs changing. New cartridges can be found on the AQUAPHOR Amazon site (below).

The AQUAPHOR Fresh, which we tested, was ample size for a family, with us being able to fill it up and use about 3 times a day, and that was with cooking too. It’s easy to pick up and easy to fill up too, and the cartridge replacement counter is really useful in a busy household. The water tastes pure and when you hold it up to the light it certainly looks clear too. I’ve tried it in the kettle a few times after having cleaned the limescale from inside, and it hasn’t furred up the mechanism yet so the hard water must be removed during the filtering process.

No one in my house has complained about the taste of the water, which is always a bonus! If you’re not used to filling up a jug all the time then that can get a bit of getting used to, but we always have a jug of water ready to go. The filters aren’t that expensive and you can buy them in bulk but they do last a long time so you can buy 6 at a time on Amazon and forget about buying anymore for a while.

AQUAPHOR is a great alternative to under sink filters, not least because they’re cheaper but they rival anything else on the market, and you know that you’re getting purer, cleaner water than what comes out of the tap.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/AQUAPHORWATERFILTERS/page/241D9FA6-27A6-4C44-958B-D54BE2F7453D

Rubis 4 Piece Ladies Grooming Leather Case Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, travel, 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.

I have always been a bit embarrassed about the state of my nails. For years I was a nail biter and as a result my nails are quite weak and have a habit of snagging and tearing, usually once I’ve managed to grow them a little bit! With a couple of important events coming up this year I decided enough was enough as I want my nails to look nice for once, so my New Years resolution was to finally start looking after my nails properly.

The first step was to book a manicure and after a bit of expert advice and a gentle lecture about not nibbling them I was ready to change my ways! I’ve discovered that the secret to good nails is having decent nail tools so I was really pleased when the Rubis 4 Piece Ladies Grooming Leather Case Set arrived. Inside the neat little red leather pouch are four Swiss-engineered tools that mean serious business: Colibri cuticle scissors, nail clippers, a nail file made from the tiniest glass beads, and a rather clever Push & Clean nail cleaner. It’s essentially the Formula One pit crew of nail care, but small enough to live in your handbag.

I already own a pair of Rubis tweezers so I know first hand just how good Rubis products are so armed with my nail technicians expert advice I was, dare I say – quite excited to start trying the new nail tools on my nails. Each tool is crafted in their Switzerland factory from the best stainless, acid-resistant surgical steel, which means they are easy to clean or sterilise and will last for years.

The nail clippers are a fantastic upgrade from my previous ones, the cutting action is noticeably sharper and they cut through nails with a single, precise cut. The curved cuticle scissors are just as impressive, sitting comfortably in both hands, they are nice and sharp and give a really clean finish around the cuticles.

The glass nail file, stored in its own protective pouch, has quickly become my handbag essential. Rather than shredding the edge of the nail like traditional files, it smooths and shapes gently, leaving the nail edge tidy and sealed. Best of all, it stops me reaching for my teeth when I spot a rough edge.

Finally there’s the wonderfully practical double-ended Push & Clean nail cleaner. One end is designed to gently push the skin back from the nail, keeping everything looking neat and well-groomed, while the other end hooks neatly under the nail to remove any trapped dirt. After a day in the garden, it’s absolutely invaluable

The leather pouch is nice and compact and slips easily into my handbag, so when a rogue hangnail appears or a nail suddenly decides to split, I’m prepared. No more emergency nibbling to tidy up my nails !

With Mother’s Day coming up, this would also make a brilliant gift. It’s practical, beautifully made and the sort of quality item that many mums would never think to buy for themselves but would use all the time. A little touch of Swiss precision that keeps nails looking their best every day.

RRP £104.71 available from allcures.com

Macellaio Italian Steak House, Soho London

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant, travel, Valentine's Day Gifts

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.

Right between the Guilgud Theatre and Sondheim Theatre in London’s Soho district, the Macellaio Italian Steak House sits proud on Shaftesbury Avenue. From the outside, the gingham curtains cover diners and hide the depth of the restaurant and what’s inside.

The first glimpse as you venture indoors is the huge meat counter. Rows of steaks ready to be cooked in the kitchen are lined up ready to eat. The restaurant is rustic, as if you are in a restaurant in a non-touristy town somewhere in Tuscany and everyone speaks only Italian, and the lights are low. The tables are arranged in a café style and the centre of the ceiling opens up to the second floor of the restaurant, where you can see more people dining and another bar awaits you.

The menu is a mixture of pasta and grill, with everything on the grill from cheeseburger to T-bone, but of course, the Italian version of T-bone! You can also choose spaghetti or ravioli ragu, like I did. The meats aren’t actually from Italy but from the Lake District, and aged 7 weeks to have the perfect tenderness and marbling. The breeds are a mix of Italian Maremmana and Angus beef to give a depth of texture and flavour. We were treated to a beef tallow dipping candle (as the candle melts, it created a fat reservoir to dip bread into). We also chose the Focaccia al Formaggio, which has a thin base and rich Stracchino cheese.

We were seriously impressed with our meals. They were authentically Italian with homemade, al dente pasta and slow cooked beef ragu which is the quintessential Italian pasta dish not ruined by commercialisation. The cheeseburger was too large to finish, along with the skin-on chips! The Marango cheese on the beef patty melted perfectly into the bun and complimented the beef.

No Italian restaurant can be complete without the tiramisu or profiteroles, and in our case, it was both! The tiramisu was extremely light and fluffy, nothing like the Anglicised version we have in pizza houses today. There was a hint of coffee there but no alcohol to overpower the dish. The profiteroles were also homemade, with lashings of chocolate (but not sweet) sauce over them and filled with an incredibly light cream. We topped off the meal with an Italian coffee, just to add to the authenticity of our visit!

The staff were very welcoming and incredibly attentive throughout the meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant is that of a laid-back, rural Italian salon with moody lighting and candles with the meat counter in the middle of the room which bounces light and the sound around so that you can still talk without being drowned out. There are two other Macellaio restaurants in London (South Kensington and Exmouth Market), which have similar menus. As a concept, eating both steak and Italian cuisine in the same evening is a winner for me!

Macellaio, 39-45 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6LA

https://www.macellaiorc.com

Franci Toscano IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Birthday Gifts, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, 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.

Give the chef in your life a treat to cook with in the Franci Toscano Extra Virgin olive oil from the Artisan Olive Oil Company. We were lucky enough to be sent a sample to try this spring just in time for Easter Sunday!

Franci Toscano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced from the 2024/2025 harvest of Tuscan olives, with the slightly spicy olive oil leaving a bitterness reminiscent of Italy’s ancient olive varieties. The fresh taste of Franci Toscano can be used in cooking or the unique flavours are especially useful in dishes such as salads, pasta or seafood. I used it neat over a salad and it works particularly well in a salad dressing where the full flavour can be enjoyed. You could also use this to dip bread into, combined with the Artisan Olive Oil Company’s selection of balsamic vinegars.

The Franci Toscano IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oil has already won several awards;

Flos Olei 2025: Maximum score of 100 points

Flos Olei 2019: 99 points, named World’s Best Olive Oil Mill
New York International Olive Oil Competition 2020: Gold Medal winner
Selezione Regionale Oli extravergini DOP e IGP 2020: Awarded
Ercole Olivario 2019 National Competition: Finalist

The blend of olive oil comes from a variety of olives including Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino, and Olivastra which are grown and blended on the Frantoio Franci estate near Montalcino by Giorgio Franci, who continues growing and producing olive oil after his father Fernando Franci who started the business.

Taking into account the price of £21.95 for a litre, this is an exceptional oil, grown authentically in Italy and produced to a very high, award winning standard. Serious chefs and lovers of all things Italian will love this olive oil and add it to their collection like a fine wine. I have already added it to my daily salad and seafood cooking and loved using it so far.

Available from £21.95: https://www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/products/franci-toscano-igp-extra-virgin-olive-oil-500ml?variant=55597487456634

HORL3 Cruise Knife Sharpener

Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, kitchen appliances, 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.

Spring clean your kitchen with a new, faster knife sharpener from HORL3. If you’re like me and love a sharp knife but hate sharpening, this is a great alternative and actually quite fun too!

The HORL3 Cruise Knife Sharpener is a two-part utensil with the angle support (15 degrees and 20 degrees) and barrel both being made from recycled plastic. There is also a solid wood (oak/walnut) version and the high-end aluminium version.

How does it work?

The angle support holds the knife in place. Line your knife up on the 15 or 20 degree face of the angle support, and the magnets will hold it in place. The sharp edge of the knife needs to be facing upwards. Roll the barrel along the knife so that the disk end is touching just the edge of the knife and it will sharpen within a few moves. This is where the two different degrees matter; 15 degrees is for a precise cutting edge. 20 degrees gives a robust edge. You can vary how you sharpen your knife by using the 15 or 20 degree edge first or for longer, depending on what your knife is used for. The magnets make sure that the knife doesn’t slip and your fingers aren’t near the blade at any time.

The barrel turns as you roll it, keeping the disk in place. On each end of the barrel, there are vastly different disks. The courser diamond disk is for the heavy lifting of the sharpening. When you first use this disk, there are particles of both the disk and the knife generated, which looks like metal dust. This is normal, and subsides in time. The other end of the barrel is the stainless steel disk. This gives the knife a smooth edge. The instructions suggest that you coat the blade with a felt pen before you start sharpening and then you can see when all of the blad has been sharpened. Although I didn’t do this, it would be a good experiment!

The disks certainly sharpen the knives and very quickly too – it only took 5-10 turns of the barrel to sharpen my smaller knives, which is a big improvement on my old spear sharpener. You don’t have to worry about getting the angle right because it’s pre-set thanks to the angle support, and the magnets won’t allow the knife to slip. It took a few attempts to see how the barrel travels along the length of the blade but once you work it out, the sharpener does all the work and makes light work of it.

Although pricy, this is a kitchen product that reaps the benefits for years and won’t need replacing. The time it saves by not only shortening the sharpening time but by keeping your knife set (and scissors!) completely sharp forever, is invaluable. As the number one tool of any chef at home or in the restaurant, the HORL3 Cruise Knife Sharpener is priceless.

Available from £99 at: https://www.horl.com/gb/en/sharpeners/horl3-cruise/

That’ll Be The Day 40th Anniversary Show

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Theatre

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.

The hit show That’ll Be The Day celebrates 40 years of touring this year, with a celebratory show that travels throughout the UK in 2026 in two separate tours.

Created by Trevor Payne, who features heavily in the show, That’ll Be The Day chronologically traces music from the 1950s through to the 80s with an emphasis on the early days especially the 60s. The show is in two parts with the second, shorter part being more about the 70s and 80s. As a show, it is interspersed with sketches about the eras (the Mick Jagger sketch is particularly funny!) and Trevor talks about some of the memories from the past, such as school and how your Mum used to tell you off as a child when you talked back!

The music is the real star here. Trevor explains that the show evolves over time so if you’ve seen the show in the past, this iteration will be completely different to what you’ve seen before. We start with Billy Haley and Rock Around The Clock, and go into some Dusty Springfield, Four Seasons, Beatles, Elvis and then onto Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, the Eagles, Blondie and many more. Each song is a hit and has you dancing in your seat. The whole show is upbeat and has lots of songs you’ll recognise such as Help! Simply The Best, Good Vibrations and finishing with the Buddy Holly song, of course, That’ll Be The Day! Look out for the Roy Orbison song too, Pretty Woman, which serves as a running joke throughout the show.

The show collects money for the Make A Wish Foundation charity, and singer Tom Ball, from Britain’s Got Talent, also makes an appearance for several songs.

This is a brilliant night out with a tour that takes in most of the country and appeal to anyone who loves music, not least for those who lived through it and want to bring back memories. It goes on for over 3 hours too, so there’s no end of entertainment.

Tickets available from: https://www.thatllbetheday.com/

Nutty Pistachio Tiramisu Cake

Birthday Gifts, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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

Tiramisu, with its layers of sponge laced with coffee and alcohol, is my absolute favourite pudding. Our local Italian does a mean version, but I’ve struggled to find an authentic version in the shops, so I didn’t need asking twice when Cake Box asked if we would like to try their Nutty Pistachio Tiramisu Cake.

This is not your average cake – when you cut into it you find a beautifully light, moist sponge, generously layered with a silky tiramisu spread. The sides are decorated with tiramisu rich chocolate shavings and tiramisu cream, giving it an indulgent allure. The cake can also be personalised with a special message when ordering, making it perfect as a birthday or celebration cake.

The top of the cake is piped with velvety pistachio cream topped with mini flakes, a glossy drizzle of pistachio sauce, nibbed pistachios and extra chocolate shavings. It’s decorative without being over the top and would make a nice centrepiece at a birthday party.

Flavour-wise, it more than delivers – the sponge is perfectly soaked, striking the perfect balance of coffee and booze. The sponge is light, airy and very tasty and it’s the sort of cake where one slice is never enough!!

Although it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, we kept ours in the fridge for a couple of days and the sponge stayed beautifully soft and light, tasting just as good as it did when first sliced.

We loved the Nutty Pistachio Tiramisu Cake, the addition of pistachio is a clever, indulgent twist on a classic dessert. If you love tiramisu and pistachio as much as I do, this one is well worth a forkful.

With over 250 locations nationwide there’s bound to be one near you and for those who need a cake in a hurry their Click & Collect service lets you order and collect a cake within an hour. Ideal for last-minute birthdays, celebrations, or sudden cake cravings. All of their cakes are completely egg free, reflecting the founders’ strict lacto-vegetarian diet.

RRP from £26.99 for a 6” cake available here

Egg Free Cake Box – Red Velvet Dubai Chocolate Cake

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Winter, Women

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

With Christmas just around the corner, the shops are full of festive treats. While there will always be a place for a traditional Christmas cake or pudding, it’s rather lovely to discover something a little different – and this Red Velvet Dubai Chocolate Cake from Egg Free Cake Box is just that.

The cake is a beautifully light and moist red velvet sponge, generously layered with a silky pistachio cream and Egg Free Cake Box’s signature Dubai mix, which brings a gentle nuttiness and a pleasing sweetness. The sides are neatly finished with classic red velvet crumbs there’s also the option to personalise your cake; ours simply read “Enjoy”, but you can choose your own message when ordering.

On top of the cake is delicate creamy piping, adorned with a light sprinkle of suter pheni and crunchy pistachio pieces, while fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries add a cheerful splash of colour. It’s decorative without being fussy and my husband especially enjoyed the lighter topping as he finds cakes full of buttercream much too sweet.

I must confess I hadn’t come across Egg Free Cake Box before, so I was surprised to discover several shops within a short distance of home. With over 250 locations nationwide, their impressive Click & Collect service means you can order a cake and collect it within just an hour – perfect for last-minute get togethers. The company started back in 2008 with a single shop in East London and has grown steadily, always placing an emphasis on quality ingredients and careful craftsmanship.

All of their cakes are completely egg free, reflecting the founders’ strict lacto-vegetarian diet. When I was eating the cake I really couldn’t tell that it was egg free – there’s certainly no compromise when it comes to flavour or texture – which also makes these cakes a reassuring choice for parties where egg allergies may be a concern.

Our cake was delivered by a man in a car and it was well packaged in a large cake box. When I opened the box, it looked even more delicious than I’d hoped! The red velvet sponge had a lovely depth of flavour and wasn’t too sweet, while the pistachio and Dubai cream brought a luxurious nuttiness that worked incredibly well and make the cake incredibly moreish!

While it’s at its best within 24 hours, we popped it in the fridge for an extra day and the sponge stayed beautifully light and soft and was just as tasty as it was on the first day.

This is the sort of cake that would sit proudly on a Christmas Day table, perfect for sharing with family, and it makes a cracking alternative to the usual Christmas pudding – or a very good excuse to have both. We all thought it was absolutely delicious and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Egg Free Cake Box. With my birthday landing at the end of December, I can already tell you where my cake will be coming from this year.

RRP from £32.99 for a 6” cake

Neve’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balms

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

Tucked away in North Oxfordshire, Neve’s Bees is a charming family run business, named after founder Julie’s daughter, Neve. Following a spot of experimentation with “lotions and potions,” – blending beeswax with pure, natural plant oils and butters, they soon realised they could create an entire range of skincare products using only genuinely natural ingredients – ones that felt far better on the skin than anything they’d bought before. And so, Neve’s Bees was born. Today, they offer a wonderful selection of natural products, including ten different lip balms, available individually for £6.50 or as a trio for £18. Whether you prefer something floral, zingy, minty or simply plain and gentle, there’s a balm to suit every taste. Each one is blended with 100% natural ingredients -organic wherever possible – bringing together nature and a touch of science to create a beautifully rich, premium product. All of the balms are made with natural beeswax from Neve’s Bees own bees along with organic apricot kernel, organic jojoba and coconut oils, plus natural vitamin E for extra nourishment. The lip balms are in little slide tins which are small enough to slip into a coat pocket or handbag to keep lips moisturised when out and about.

I always seem to get chapped lips in winter and much prefer natural lip balms as they seem to soothe my lips much better. Using them both morning and night has become second nature, so I was quite excited when the parcel of Neve’s Bees lip balms arrived and I could tell from the minute I opened the first tin that these lip balms are much better quality than an off the shelf lip balm. They smell lovely and have a silky smooth texture which glides easily onto lips, The balm is quite solid in the tin but quickly warms up with the warmth of a finger and once on your lips it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and it leaves my dry lips feeling soft and hydrated.

I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors this week, so I’ve been able to really put these lip balms to the test. My ideal lip balm is one that pampers and nourishes lips, keeping them soft and hydrated no matter what the conditions are and these lip balms definitely ticked all these boxes. Whether I’ve been out walking, cycling or when I was battling Storm Claudia, a quick application of this lip balm has helped to keep my lips protected and prevent them from drying out and I’m confident they’ll continue to keep my lips hydrated as the cold weather settles in.

The three balms I have been trying out are –

Honey Vanilla – this is Neve’s Bees least fragranced lip balm and has just a hint of vanilla to soothe lips and allows the natural honey take centre stage.

Rosey is my favourite of the three balms, it is made from thousands of crushed rose petals and scented with Rose Otto and Rose Geranium. It is rich in vitamins A and E and it’s really helped soothe my dry lips.

Buttermint is inspired by the classic sweets and contains a blend of vanilla and peppermint. This lip balm is great for the men in your life who need to protect their lips but don’t want a flowery or feminine fragrance. This nourishing lip balm is full of goodness and is ideal for restoring softness and moisture.

These Neve’s Bees lip balms make brilliant little gifts and are just the thing for popping into a Christmas stocking, adding to a Secret Santa bundle, or slipping into a card along with a money gift.

Neve’s Bees also donate 10% of their profits to wildlife causes, helping to restore precious wildflower meadows and providing vital habitat for bees and other pollinators so when you buy their products you’re also making a difference to the natural world.

The lip balms are available from the Neve’s Bees website here

Vivat Bacchus Restaurant, London

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

Tucked behind the Hays Galleria in London Bridge, Vivat Bacchus is a traditional steakhouse which serves South African dishes, cooked in the traditional South African style. This branch of Vivat Bacchus also contains an extensive wine cellar, which of course stocks South African wine, but there’s also something called a Cheese Room – yes, a room full of just cheese! We visited on a miserable evening before Christmas to sample the best South Africa has to offer.

The menu is not just African food, but contains well known dishes such as burgers, sea bream and steaks but some of the ingredients, like Springbok, aren’t what you would usually find elsewhere! Some of the spices are different too, and the cooking methods aren’t what we’re used to in the UK. However, this was a pleasant surprise as it’s nicely removed from the usual pizza places and fast food joints that are everywhere now, and the price of a pizza isn’t far off the price of the main meals at Vivat Baccus, plus you get more for your money here as the portion sizes are pretty huge!

We started with the Smoked Snoek and Pap Fishcake and 3 Sosaties – a dish of three mini kebabs of chicken, lamb and Boerewors served with baked apricots, pepper and onions. These were delicious little treats, with an oil sauce that brought out the flavour and made a nice change to the usual starters. The Smoked Snoek and Pap Fishcakes are obviously made with fish found in South Africa and not our usual British waters, so the flavour of these was a gorgeous surprise. We were also given a baked corn bread as a starter, which came in a piping hot skillet as an accompaniment.

For mains, we ordered the Pork Belly (my favourite!) and a side of creamed spinach, and Vivat Bacchus’ famous beef burger with fries. The beef burger was enormous; with a salad and the chunkiest chips I’ve ever seen! There was so much there, we could hardly touch the side salad. The Pork Belly comes with a delicious Rainbow Coleslaw which has a slightly tangy dressing to counter the pork belly savoury taste. The Pork Belly was divine… a descent slab of meat, cooked until tender and soft enough to be pulled apart, with a seasoned crackling on top which was very easy to cut through, unlike some arrangements. This was perhaps the best Pork Belly dish I’ve ever had, thanks to the seasoning and the tenderness of the meat through the cooking process.

We were then treated to dessert. Much like the rest of the menu, the desserts are a South African twist on the usual staples but there are also so completely unique items. I tried the Crisp Peppermint Tart, which sounded like nothing else I’d heard of before. A huge dish of cake was brought out to me and I was asked how much I wanted, which was a really nice touch when you’re completely full! Of course, I was given far more than I expected which I took to be part of the African hospitality.

The Crisp Peppermint Tart is a layered dessert with sponge, a mascarpone-type filling and peppermint on top. There’s crisp biscuits lining the top of the pudding too, giving it a juxtaposition of textures. This was divine! I really loved the peppermint flavouring after such a heavy meal, and the mascarpone filling was bubbly and light, making it easier to digest. The sponge was also firm enough to call a proper dessert in itself – think Tiramisu but with peppermint on top and sprinklings of chocolate and biscuit. This is one that I want to make for myself at home!

We didn’t venture too far into after dinner dessert wines or the extensive wines they have on site, but we did have the South African version of Champagne – a sparkling white wine with bubbles and a touch of acidity.

There’s a great atmosphere in the restaurant with wooden floor, chairs and tables, which I don’t think is particularly South African but the wine cellars and bottle presentation boxes are. It can get quite noise in there with the low ceilings and I noticed that there were a lot of couples at tables rather than bigger gatherings but that might just be because it was a Monday night. Incidentally, they do 2-for-1 on burgers on a Monday night too, which might explain how busy they are!

Having never been to any of the Vivat Bacchus restaurants before (there is another one in Farringdon) I was more than pleasantly surprised by the choice on offer, and with how removed it is from the usual chain restaurants on the market. The food was excellent, the wine was equally as good and the staff looked after us. In answer to your question, no, I did not manage to finish the Crisp Peppermint Tart in the end – maybe next time!

https://www.vivatbacchus.co.uk/london-bridge

https://www.vivatbacchus.co.uk/farringdon

Instant Confidence – book by Ant Austen

Birthday Gifts, Books, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Learning, secret santa, 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.

Ultimate confidence is something which is learned, not given. You aren’t born with confidence in the way that you’re not born to be able to project your voice when public speaking or to be able to handle stress, but it is something you can actively teach yourself.

Confidence comes from knowing yourself though, not from being brave and standing in front of a room of people and giving a PowerPoint presentation. That’s the first lesson that Ant Austen is teaching you in his book, “Instant Confidence.”

Starting with a heart-wrenching back story, the book sets the scene for what confidence is. Going through some simple exercises, Ant helps you to identify your limiting beliefs and where they come from using a series of questions. There’s a long section on being truthful with yourself, which is ultimately how those questions are answered and then worked on to be able to eliminate your limiting beliefs and grow.

Following these truths, the book goes on to deal with any guilt you hold, the fear of changing these limited beliefs, and the freedom that comes when you break through. Only after reading through the book and the exercises can you find out what that freedom means to you or how you want to achieve it to get instant confidence.

The book is a self-help, short read that you can pick up and put down easily and has just 61 pages. Great for commuting, you can come back to it and do the exercises all over again and pick up a different limiting belief before you work on yourself and move on to even greater levels of confidence.

Available for £6.99 at:

Solecup Reusable Glass Travel Cup

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, REUSABLE, 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.

The super-sized SoleCup is a travel mug with no compromise. The cup is built from a toughened glass so it not only resists breaking but it keeps the taste of hot drinks fresh without the plastic sensation. If you know anything about saving the planet, then glass cups are much better all-round. The glass doesn’t leach plastic into any hot drinks either, which can be a problem with cheaper plastics and can cause health issues long term.

The lid of the SoleCup seal (which is in black in this sample) is a non-splash design which makes it easier to keep in the car. It’s a screw lid with a seal over the drinking lid so that you can keep it safe. There’s a cuff to protect your hands from the heat of the drink too, and all of it can go in the dishwasher. On the website, you can buy tea infusers and smoothy filters as additions, which is a nice alteration to the original purpose.

This is a solid travel mug and a chunky 18oz or 510ml size to be able to carry it around and make a meal of it. In fact, the size makes it perfect for a smoothie as a replacement meal, or if you’re on a long car journey and need a hot drink to keep you going. I love the glass design that’s sleek as well as practical and you can tell whose drink is whose – no more having to taste them to find out if you’ve picked up your partner’s one by mistake!

I love this as a gift idea too. Everyone needs another travel mug and most people love a hot drink most days. This is great for anyone going to work on public transport, and I would even say it’s great for long walks, running or exercise thanks to the non-spill design.

Available from £20 for this size at: https://solecup.com/product/reusable-coffee-cup/

Original Source Crisp Apple Shower Gel

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

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

Every family has its Christmas traditions, and in our house the stockings always have certain gifts stuffed in them. Yes, there’s the expected chocolate, socks, and underwear but every year, without fail, Father Christmas tucks in a bottle of shower gel. And more often than not, it’s Original Source. They slip neatly into a stocking, for one thing, and their bright, uplifting scents mean there’s a bottle to suit absolutely everyone.

I’m not what you’d call a natural morning person so I need something brisk and cheering to get me going which means my shower gel has to work hard to wake me gently but firmly. I’m a big fan of Original Source’s Zesty Lemon & Tea Tree, but this year I’ve tried their Crisp Apple Shower Gel which is fresh and crisp and is exactly the thing to nudge me into the land of the living. From the very first use my skin felt refreshed, hydrated, and – dare I say it – almost enthusiastic about the day ahead.

It’s vegan, made in the UK, and fragranced with 100% natural ingredients. The bottle itself is made entirely from recycled plastic and can go straight back into the recycling when you’re done.

A 250ml bottle is currently just £1 at Superdrug and Morrisons so at that price, it’s worth stocking up to guarantee a zingy start to Christmas morning and beyond.

Stabilo Pens

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

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

Have you started shopping for Christmas yet? If not don’t panic as we’ve some great ideas for creative minds of all ages. Stabilo pens make great stocking fillers for both children and adults and whether for school, work, or creative projects there’s such a wide variety of pens that it’s easy to find a set for everyone. Also you can add a colouring book or sketch pad to make a lovely gift for an artistic friend or relative.

With STABILO’S instantly recognisable striped pattern on the pens the pointMax Arty range is perfect for creating masterpieces. The robust nylon 0.8mm tip was designed for high volume use and makes crisp, smooth lines that glide effortlessly over paper. The bright colours are striking, and the pens are perfect for writing, doodling or colouring. The lid clicks nicely on the end when you are using it so it’s far less likely to end up on the floor. Available in over 40 brilliant colours and in multipacks of 15, 18, 24, 32 or 42 pens which will keep everyone busy over the Christmas period and beyond.

RRP from £15.90

The STABILO Cappi Arty felt tip range have clever caps with a small ring at the top which means they can be threaded onto to a ring to keep them together. You can clip them onto a bag with a carabiner which is ideal for keeping them all in one place, especially when you’re out and about. It also means no lost lids too! The triangular shape is comfy to hold and it stops them rolling about on the table too. The slighter larger 1mm fibre tip gives bold, vibrant colour and the ink holds well on different thicknesses of paper and card. These pens are great for children as they can be left uncapped for up to 24 hours without drying out. Available in packs of 12 or 18 colours.

RRP from £7.23

The moss green/oak STABILO GROWSingle pen is STABILO’s most sustainable ball pen with a shaft made from 100% FSC®-certified wood and an ergonomic grip zone made from almost 100 % renewable raw materials. It’s fully climate neutral, with all unavoidable CO₂ emissions offset through certified climate protection projects.

It’s refillable too, making it better from the environment and there are 6 different colours to choose from. The pen cap fits snugly and snapped into place with a satisfying click and it’s easy to swap the ink with the refill being easy to remove and replace. The medium weight pen is very comfortable to hold and is lovely to write with, It’s a great choice for friends and relatives that still write letters or who enjoy doing crosswords or puzzles.

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Available from Amazon

Psycho Killer Card Game

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, 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.

Can you survive?

Psycho Killer, the card game based on the horror movies of the 20^th century, is for 2-6 players ages 16+, although I would say most teenagers would enjoy playing this game!

The deck of cards is divided into two piles and each player takes one card. There are 5 killers throughout the deck. Other cards display their weapons they use to attack. Each player draws one card from one of the divided packs. If a player draws a psycho killer, they must play it, prompting all players to play their weapon cards face up on the table. The number of weapon cards become your Injury Pile. Each killer card and weapon card have a number of points on them, and when they are added to your Injury Pile they become Injuries, or your ‘score’.

The game is over when the last Psycho Killer is drawn. The player with the lowest amount of injury points wins.

The game is aimed at older teenagers, but it’s really not that gory so I think younger teens could enjoy it too. You don’t need to know about 90s horror movies to be able to play either. The basic rules are easy enough, but when you get into the finer details, it can get a bit involved. Bearing in mind that this game is probably going to be played in the later evening and maybe after a few drinks, I think you can keep the rules to a minimum and the game won’t last unnaturally long either. There is a rules pamphlet included within the pack, along with 78 Psycho cards, 9 ‘Play by your own rules’ cards and 6 survival guides.

A fun game with a more grown-up subject that can be played seriously or with a witty outlook. Let’s face it, you’re not really going to be killed by a psycho killer, are you!?

£19.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psycho-Killer-Card-Game-VHS-Style/dp/B0FSKYMZFM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3QDSM3J88Y4RV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.myhyqofDamA1U6UqFmT122vUMYtkcQfCeUssJDZ3kb7Z3_LB-GkrdbIVILBHIUGB8b3UEI-9_DEt6HYVIPe_UTIEVrHdy156XpT5GpAwSo84Z73oDa1yrHnHkb3ygMw1EiHqOEukWujYXQF7PZpNxMzLW7xN_KiRoleJZGehnOTfY29BctnsSN42-sxK2JymSAvmV3oZqZDbqpECGt7OIgzQ29qfed3jRlzuvCvotbqYFO2wbgFGIi9qgJVQHSids85eM8UeURYgxSwR0bI1MlV5vdo0kahX2sXFPYHRuTU.aLN91xnVtv-GYlIFQ1e0YeZgbaFvupb0Wuno34lhH9Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=psycho%2Bkiller%2Bgame&qid=1762265404&sprefix=psycho%2Bkiller%2Bgame%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1