Home – Page 2 – The Review Studio

Elegear Cooling Blanket

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Summer

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

We’ve been lucky with the warmer weather this spring but what we’re not lucky with is air conditioning! When the weather gets too hot, it’s difficult to cool down in the summer without some help. Luckily, Elegear have this Cooling Blanket that has Arc-Chil technology to literally cool down your body when it’s warm and wick away heat. We were sent a blanket to try out!

The blanket comes in sizes relating to bed size, so our blanket was 150cm by 200cm, which is a double bed size. He instructions say to keep the ‘cool’ or shiny side of the blanket in contact with your body, which might be counterintuitive but this is the side where the Arc-Chil technology works. The blanket absorbs heat from the body and vaporizes sweat away using the layers of nylon and micro materials, keeping the body at an even temperature all over.

The blanket feels huge but it’s actually quite thin in texture. Our blanket was grey but there are other colours available such as pink, blue, beige and green and other sizes. When it comes to ease of use, it’s very easy to just wrap around you, and the more I think about it, the more I realise it could be used at home, camping, BBQs, for children or for the elderly. The blanket really does evaporate away heat! It’s noticeable that it stays cool, much like the cold side of the pillow when you’re trying to get to sleep.

The Elegear Arc-Chil Cooling Blanket can be washed at 30 degrees centigrade but is not to be tumble dried, ironed nor dry cleaned. It is best to hang it outside to dry, and in the shade so that the colour doesn’t fade. It’s a great price as a gift too!

Available online now for £27.19 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0897H7LMN?th=1

Harris Outdoor Painting Brushes

Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, Summer

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

As the glorious weather continues, thoughts go to spending time outdoors and doing those DIY jobs. Harris are one of the leading manufacturers of brushes, so it makes sense to start your job right with the correct tools. We were sent the Harris Ultimate Shed & Fence Swan Neck Paint Brush and the Harris Seriously Good 4 Inch Shed, Fence & Decking Roller Set. Links are below so that you know what they look like!

Starting with the Swan Neck Paint Brush, the swan neck gives an ergonomic angle to be able to paint any surface either at 180 or 90 degrees. Perfect for staining decking too, the brush comes with a cover to keep the bristles from drying out for up to 2 weeks, or if you’re storing it for longer, to protect the bristles over winter. The handle is available in two lengths – 100mm and 120mm. The ergonomic handle allows you to paint up to 40% faster and there’s the No-Loss guarantee of no bristle loss.

The Harris Seriously Good 4 Inch Shed, Fence & Decking Roller Set is a brilliant all-in-one starter set to get your outdoor project going. Comprising of a paint tray, roller and 3 interchangeable roller sleeves and a 2” brush, you have everything you need to get started on the outdoor woodwork. The whole kit is designed to give you maximum coverage with the size of brush and rollers that will allow you to cover most shed panels and fence feathers easily.

All of the products are high quality, and I already knew that if you wanted to have a good finish, use a Harris brush. I didn’t know that Harris also did outdoor brushes too so this was a nice surprise. All of the brushes and rollers are able to be cleaned and used again too, which makes these a brilliant investment.

Harris Seriously Good 4 Inch Shed, Fence & Decking Roller Set

Ultimate Shed & Fence Swan Neck Paint Brush 120mm

Filippo Berio Oils and Condiments for Summer

Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Summer

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

Until you really look at the aisles, you don’t realise what delicious condiments are out there and ready to use. Filippo Berio have your very handy Extra Virgin Olive Oil but have you ever used Filippo Berio’s Chilli Flavoured Olive Oil? Or their Balsamic Vinegar of Modena? Along with a jar of Filippo Berio’s Classic Pesto and a bottle of Filippo Berio’s Classic Glaze with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, we were sent a set to try, just in time for summer!

Filippo Berio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil is well known for cooking and dressings, and is my go-to when making salads and especially pan frying. Occasionally I have been brave and tried to make bread with the olive oil, but I must confess I’m not great at bread baking! Still, the quality of Filippo Berio’s olive oil makes it perfect for any kitchen, no matter how adventurous you’re trying to be. This Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a slight bitter taste to it, just like you find in Italy when you buy olive oil from the source.

To add a bit of fiery to your meals, Filippo Berio’s Chilli Flavoured Olive Oil is just that – their famous olive oil but infused with chillis to give a spicier kick. This one is great for pizzas and pasta or I add it to a chicken sandwich to give it more flavour. It’s pretty hot if you use it liberally and probably not one for children as it contains real pieces of dried chilli. Try it with tuna too to make a salad more interesting.

The Filippo Berio Classic Pesto is just that. I don’t buy any other brand because I don’t like how bitter they are but this classic recipe, made with Italian basil and olive oil, it’s incredibly versatile. I use it on salmon to give a tasty topping as it cooks in the oven, but it goes well in chicken and even on toast if you want a snack. I also put it on roast potatoes with the skins still on and add a bit of parmesan to give an extra Italian flavour.

We also loved the Filippo Berio Premium Balsamic Vinegar from Modena. If you’ve not tried this with olive oil and bread then you’ve never tasted Italy! In many restaurants, they bring this out before you order with a bowl of olive oil and several different breads. Pouring the Balsamic Vinegar into the bowl, you dip the breads into both and the flavour of the vinegar and olive oil work together to give a uniquely Italian taste. Balsamic vinegar is created from grape must and this recipe is traditionally made in the Modena region and certified by the IGP European Designation. This is also great for salad dressings or in soups and meat dishes.

Lastly, the Filippo Berio Classic Glaze with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Glazes can be used similarly to vinegars, although they are thicker and give a good coating to meats if needed. This glaze with Balsamic Vinegar is also good for sweeter dishes like ice cream and with fruits but I prefer it on chicken to give a sticky finish that’s also delicious!

Next time you’re in the condiments aisle, skip past the ketchup and have a look at what Filippo Berio has to offer and you might be surprised at what flavours you find.

All items available in most supermarkets or online at: https://www.filippoberio.co.uk/filippo-berio-our-products/

DenTek Eco Friendly Interdental Brushes and Picks

beauty, eco friendly, Family Life, health, 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.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll hate going to the dentist and will do almost anything to prevent any work being done. So, when the hygienist suggests interdental brushes and flossing picks, I will happily spend my whole months’ salary (well, nearly!) on preventative measures. DenTek has everything you could ever need for preventative care of your teeth, including this bundle pack that was sent to us this week.

All of the items are Eco Friendly, which means they’re made of recycled plastic or plant-based materials. Less to go to landfill but what does go is biodegradable. The bundle contained a pack of 32 Slim Brushes, 40 Comfort Picks, 36 Triple Clean Floss Picks and 75 Complete Clean Floss Picks.

The DenTek Slim Brushes are 0.45mm in width with tapered bristles made from renewable castor plant. The handles are made from plant-based bio resin. Each sits comfortably in the hand and is used to brush in between teeth. They can be used for the whole set of teeth but I wouldn’t recommend using them 12 hours later when you next brush your teeth though! They’re really effective in getting the plaque and small bits of food out from between your teeth.

The DenTek Comfort Picks are similar but instead of bristles, these are sized M/L and are ideal for travel, and come with a little carry case too. Perfect for the handbag or the suitcase on holiday. They’re less abrasive than the Slim Brushes so if you’re not used to the bristles, these are a good place to start.

Dental floss is a thing of the past with the DenTek Complete Clean Floss Picks. This massive pack is great for the bathroom cabinet as the horseshoe shaped picks remove food, plaque and can reach right into the gum line, removing food and plaque from between each tooth and the gum. They’re designed to reach both the front and the back teeth and have a fresh mint flavour. These are the brushes I use every night after I brush my teeth and I swear by them!

Lastly, there’s the Triple Clean Floss Picks. They’re extra strong so you can use them more vigorously and really get into the gum line. They’re also mint flavoured and have added fluoride to help fight plaque. They’re antibacterial too so help prevent bacteria building up.

DenTek have a huge range of cleaning technology, as well as protection guards and other dental tools online at: https://dentek-eu.com/clean/

DenTek tools are available at major retailers including Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, Waitrose, Ocado and other major retailers.

Women’s Helly Hansen Nordvik 2.0 Boots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chilli No 5 Hot Sauce Gift Set

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available online for £35 at:

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

Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Box

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swan 900W Travel Iron With Pouch

camping, Family Life, Fashion, Home, kitchen appliances

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

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

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

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

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

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

Astral Intensive Moisturiser

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

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

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

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

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

Available from £3.52:

Canyon 2-In-1 Qi2 Fast Charging Magnetic Stand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Collection 5 Star Luxury White Goose Down Pillow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jartoo Heated Blanket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valerino Aromas Candle Care Gift Bundle

Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Stocking Fillers, 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.

Mothering Sunday, or as most of us know it, Mother’s Day, is the perfect time to show our mums just how much we love and appreciate them. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, meaning the date changes each year, so if you’re not careful, it can sneak up on you before you know it! This year, it’s on the 30th of March, so don’t worry – there’s still time to find that perfect gift.

If you’re scratching your head for ideas, let me introduce you to Valerino Aromas – a brand that really knows how to make a house feel like a home. They create the most delightful scents, all lovingly handcrafted with the finest ingredients. Whether it’s their hand-poured soy wax candles, rich wax melts, or stylish fragrance accessories, each product is made to bring a touch of luxury and warmth to everyday life. What’s more, their use of designer-inspired perfume scents will add a touch of sophistication to any home.

They kindly sent me one of their natural soy wax candles, and let me tell you – what a treat! When I opened the box, I was greeted by the most beautifully presented candle, tucked inside a soft fabric gift bag and tied with a golden ribbon. It felt so luxurious and thoughtful – the kind of gift that would make any mum feel extra special.

Of course, the real magic is in the scent. Before I even lit it, the beautiful fragrance filled the room. And once the wick was glowing, the air was instantly transformed. The English Pear and Freesia scent, inspired by Jo Malone, is perfectly balanced – noticeable but never overpowering. Plus, the stylish white glass jar with elegant gold lettering makes it look as good as it smells.

If you’re looking for an extra special gift then the Candle Care Gift Bundle is the one to go for. You get a regular 30cl hand-poured candle in your choice of scent, a sleek candle trimmer and snuffer and a rechargeable USB lighter – a safe and sustainable way to light your candles. You can even choose the trimmer and snuffer set in gold, silver, or black. It’s classy, practical, and makes a gorgeous display.

With a burn time of over 25 hours, the candle promises plenty of cosy evenings surrounded by beautiful aromas. And here’s the best bit – it only costs £23, and if you spend over £30, delivery is free. So why not treat Mum and yourself at the same time?

Valerino Aromas is the perfect way to show some love this Mother’s Day. Trust me, it’ll be a gift she won’t forget!

Candle Care Gift Bundle RRP £45

Nordfarg Sustainable Paint

eco friendly, Family Life, Home, Home & Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available online for £59 for 2.5 litres at:

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

Terry’s Scandi Berber Black & White Rug

Birthday Gifts, Children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Mother's Day

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

Add some Scandi glamour to Mum’s bedroom with décor from Terry’s Fabrics. This Scandi Berber Black & White rug has a diamond style with thick pile and comes in 3 sizes. This is the 80 centimetre by 150 centimetre rug which also comes in Grey & Cream, Cream & Grey and White & Black (it makes sense when you see the photos!)

Made of Polypropylene, it is soft under foot thanks to the heat set yarn construction. The black and white colouring is great for babies when they do ‘tummy time’ thanks to their monochrome visibility, so you can set them up on this Scandi rug and let them loose with the newborn toys! As an added bonus, the rug is stain resistant and just needs a shake to release the dust and a freshen up with water.

Scandi Berber is available in 2 other sizes; 120cm by 170cm and 160cm by 220cm. There are plenty of other styles and sizes available online, including trendy outdoor rugs, which make the garden more enjoyable and easier on the bare feet in summer. Mum can style any way she chooses with even more choice of items from Terrys – check out the website at www.terrysfabrics.co.uk

Available online in this size (80cm by 150cm) at £51.99:

Scandi Berber G257 Rug White Black

Yankee Candle Hello Italy Lemon Gelato and Olive & Cypress Candles

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, secret santa, 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.

Finally, we have the beginnings of summer here in the UK with some beautiful spring weather. With a few weeks left until Mother’s Day, Yankee Candle have brought out some beautiful summer candles in a new range called Hello Italy.

Featuring Mediterranean inspired scents such as Capri Glow, Azure Sky and two fragranced candles sent to us called Lemon Gelato and Olive & Cypress. Can you feel the warm Italian sun already?

The Lemon Gelato Yankee Candle evokes that late morning ice cream from the local gelato where you stroll along the beach or amongst the dusty lanes after breakfast. The Lemon Gelato starts off as a sweeter scent, with the lemon citrus tones coming afterwards. The double wick makes it quicker to burn but more even, and the glass jar looks not just pretty but keeps the smoke at bay once you replace the cap and take away the oxygen. The scent of lemon lingers in the room longer than the sweet smell.

The Olive & Cypress Yankee Candle reminds me of waking up with the sun shining and the scent of the countryside. The woody effect of the cypress tree is the first fragrance to hit but I really like the joint, musky tone of the olive coming through. This is more of an evening scent for me. Something to burn over dinner or after dinner with drinks compared to the sweet Lemon Gelato candle.

Both candles are 368 grams which is the medium size in the Hello Italy range. The other sizes are Signature Jar (567 grams) and Mini at 37 grams. These medium jars have a burn time of 35-50 hours and you can make them last longer and have a less strong fragrance if you only burn one of the wicks. That’s effectively burning the. Candle for 2-3 hours every evening for 2 weeks! What isn’t there to like for a Mother’s Day gift?

Lemon Gelato Yankee Candle £24.99: https://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/yankee-candle/candles/shop-by-type/signature-large-jar-candles/lemon-gelato/ORCL_2642885E.html

Olive & Cyprus Yankee Candle £24.99: https://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/yankee-candle/candles/shop-by-type/signature-medium-jar-candles/olive-cypress/ORCL_2642887E.html

Scented Aromas

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

When mother and daughter duo Amanda and Lizzie struggled with psoriasis and other skin concerns, they took matters into their own hands and Scented Aromas was born. The Manchester based brand has gone from strength to strength creating luxurious, handmade bath and home products that are gentle on the skin – without the luxury price tag.

I’ve suffered from eczema for many years so I have to be very careful with what I use on my skin, so when a lovely package of Scented Aromas goodies arrived, I was really excited and after trying them I’m now hooked!!

Flowerbomb Bath Bomb (£3.95)

There’s something wonderfully indulgent about a long soak in the bath, and the Flowerbomb bath bomb makes bath time feel even more special. A pristine white bath bomb with silver detailing and a hint of shimmer, it looked almost too lovely to use – but I’m so glad I did! As soon as it hit the water, it fizzed away, releasing the most gorgeous scent – a warm, comforting blend of jasmine sambac, cashmere, and white amber. The fragrance quickly filled the bathroom, while the water turned soft and silky. It made for such a relaxing bath, and unlike other bath bombs I’ve used, there was no residue or staining left behind – just a lingering sense of calm.

If you love a bit of self-care, the Flowerbomb bath bomb is an absolute treat and the perfect way to bring a little spa-like luxury to your routine.

Exfoliating Soap Sponge (£6.50)

If you haven’t tried an exfoliating soap sponge yet, you’re in for a treat. This clever product combines a body scrub and soap making exfoliating effortless. Whether you’re tackling dry patches, prepping for fake tan, or just want ultra-smooth skin, this does the job effortlessly. The texture is just right, not too rough and not too soft, so you get a satisfying scrub without any irritation, leaving your skin beautifully smooth.

Scented Aromas offers an impressive range of scents, from fresh citrus to floral, and even a fun “Monkey Fart” scent ( a fruity mix of pear, plum, peach, and apple) With its dual-sided design, it cleanses and exfoliates beautifully, and used daily will last up to four weeks.

After just one use, my skin felt noticeably softer and it’s the perfect addition to any shower routine, giving that extra boost of radiance without any extra effort. Trust me – once you’ve tried one, you won’t go back.

Soy Wax Melts (£3.29)

For those who love a beautifully scented home, wax melts are the way to go. These little melts pack a real punch, melting into long-lasting fragrances that fill every corner of your space.

The Cherry Blossom & Nordic Cotton blend is fresh yet soothing, bringing an instant cosy feel to your home. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity, floral or even something a bit different like Scented Aroma’s Alien Encounter, there’s a scent for every occasion.Plus, with each segment lasting up to 18 hours, they’re great value for money too.

Whipped Soap 200g (£7.99)

This whipped soap is pure luxury in a jar. Light, fluffy, and silky smooth, it lathers easily and leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. It’s also multi-purpose and can be used as a body wash or shaving cream.

A little goes a long way, and it’s gentle enough for all skin types. Whether you prefer fruity, floral, or sweet, there’s something for everyone. We received a sample pot to try but the full sized version is 200g

These Scented Aromas products bring spa-like indulgence into your everyday routine, proving that luxury and affordability can go hand in hand. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, smooth skin, or a beautifully fragranced home, they’ve got you covered.

Purple Coffee Bags

Birthday Gifts, camping, coffee, Family Life, 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.

The invention of the coffee bag has been a lifesaver for a lot of people, especially those who don’t enjoy instant coffee but need the convenience. Purple Coffee produce coffee in all shapes and sizes from whole bean, ground, pods and some rather lovely (and colourful!) coffee bags. We were sent some in a very fetching Purple Coffee tin to try out as part of their new Brew Monday launch for Mental Health Awareness Day on Monday 20^th January.

The 16 bags of coffee (probably enough for a whole month in the office or a weeks’ worth at home!) can be found on their website Purple Coffee Co which aims to promote ‘real’ coffee instead of instant. Additionally, Purple Coffee want to help keep down the costs of coffee by providing bags that are less than 50% of the cost of a coffee in a coffee shop and promotes initiatives for young talent and a sustainable agroforestry project in Costa Rica, which obviously is where a lot of coffee is grown.

The coffee bags come in 4 flavours; KO (fully roasted bean, great for mornings), XO (a ‘zingy finisher’), BI (50/50 caffeinated/decaffeinated fuller flavour) and ZZ (chill decaf, for relaxation). Each 20 gram bag produces at least one cup and all of the flavours go great with milk. I think my favourite is the KO as I like the full on, coffee and caffeinated morning cup of java but just as nice is the fact that each tin has a variety of flavours so that you can mix and match throughout the day.

The Purple Coffee Co tin also makes a great gift for someone, especially someone who appreciates coffee!

Purple Coffee Co Tasting Tin £15.99 available here: https://purplecoffeeco.com/collections/shop/products/purple-coffee-bag-tin

Plastic Free FreshWipes

beauty, camping, Children, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Home, Plastic free

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 company FreshWipes have a range of products available all of which are made of plastic free, biodegradable materials. We were sent a selection of them to try, and were surprised at their versatility. We received Body Wipes (one scented, one unscented), Mini Pet Wipes and Intimate Wipes, all part of the FreshWipes range.

FreshWipes Body Wipes are where the company started in 2020 with their creation of a wipe which was the adult version of baby wipes. Their antibacterial properties make them easy to use for most personal uses, and these are especially good for people who are bed bound or can’t shower easily. Although this is a massive part of their market, these wipes are great for travelling, camping and even having at work if you need to. Mostly though, they’re a good all-round wipe which anyone can use and the fact that they are biodegradable as well means you can dispose of them anywhere and without guilt! There are 12 wipes in each of these packs, and each measure 20 centimetres by 30 centimetres. I think I prefer the Ocean Fresh scented packs, but both are just as pleasant.

The FreshWipes Intimate Wipes are pH balanced and unscented. They’re antibacterial too, and smaller at 20 centimetres by 15 centimetres. These are in a much smaller pack that would fit in a handbag or hospital bag. They’re designed to not only clean with antibacterial agent but to eliminate odour too.

Lastly, the very ingenious FreshWipes Mini Pet Wipes are for all animals. Antibacterial, biodegradable and approved pet safe, these are also mini wipes because they measure 18 centimetres by 20 centimetres in size. These wipes are for all over use, not just for muddy paws! They’re approved for human use too so you can take these out with you on walks or if you’re visiting someone, but I should imagine these are great in a pet emergency. They’re made from plant-based viscose fibres but can’t be flushed, just put them in the bin or a compost.

All of the wipes in the FreshWipes range are available online and in boxes as well as packs at: https://www.freshwipes.co.uk/collections/body-wipes They’re such a handy idea, and work really well that I can’t believe someone hasn’t come up with this idea before!

Naturtint Hair Food Hair Masks

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Home, 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.

After the chaos of Christmas, and into the new year with best intentions but enough central heating to heat Battersea Power Station, Naturtint have some lovely Hair Food hair masks to replenish your locks. We were sent the Quinoa and Chia Hair Food hair masks to try (there are also Goja and Purple Rice in the range) so we set about trying the repair the winter damage.

Starting with the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask, it not only helps protect and shine coloured hair, but it can be used on hair that hasn’t been coloured and boosts shine. With 99% naturally derived ingredients, the added milk thistle gives a smooth, glossy shine to hair and shea butter helps prevent damages by making it more flexible. Naturtint Quinoa Colour & Shine Mask is free from parabens, artificial fragrances and is cruelty free plus vegan friendly.

The Naturtint Chia Protective Hair Mask is also for both coloured and untreated hair. The chia’s proteins and amino acids promote healthy hair growth and baobab proteins give strength and vitality. The Chia Protective Hair Mask not only leaves hair silky smooth but it leaves a lasting protection on the hair, which is great if you wash your hair daily, or need to protect from the environment.

Both hair masks leave an impression, especially as they are on the hair for a minimum of 4 minutes so they give a deeper nutrient bath to your hair. Both protected my coloured hair, and both left it softer and with subtle, fruity fragrances. Over time, I think they will repair more of my curly hair but I found the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask kept my colour shinier and the Chia gave a more overall, defined look to my curls because it was more moisturising.

These are only 2 masks in the whole set, there’s more to explore! They’re a lovely addition to your haircare routine to give a deeper, more moisturised shine.

Priced at £7.49: https://naturtint.co.uk/product/naturtint-hair-food-quinoa-colour-shine-mask-150ml/

Naturtint Hair Food – Chia Protective Mask (150ml)

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

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

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/

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

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