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Last minute gift shopping? Look no further!

Wednesday 21 December 2016

If you are looking for last minute gift ideas you have come to the right place!


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Teenagers


Lynx Magic touch gift set

A very special edition to Lynx’s 2016 Christmas range, the Magic Touch set not only brings the recipient a 250ml shower gel, 150ml body spray and a 150ml anti-perspirant, but also a gift,in the form of a Magic Touch speaker. All presented in a lovely black box.

Not only is the fragrance lovely but the speaker which amplifies sound direct from your smart phone – letting you get ready to go out to your very own soundtrack. 

RRP £14 - currently half price at £7 in Tesco

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Help for heros aftershave

If you know a Gentleman who has been or is currently in the forces, have you thought about Help for Heroes XTREME The Fragrance for Men as a gift? 

The magic of this aftershave begins with the beautifully weighty hip flask that allows the scent to be splashed into the hand and directly applied. 

Modern, yet timeless fragrenced with hot spice and rugged smoky woods, diffused with amber and a touch of leather. The masculine scent is topped with a fresh citrus herbal notes of lemon and basil, your hero of the wild outdoors

Available from The Perfume Shop with at least £6 donated to Help for Heroes. RRP £35

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Gillette Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Special Edition ProShield Gift Pack


Give the gift of a sleek, close shave with Gillette’s ProShield Gift Set!

Included in the set is:
Gillette Fusion ProShield razor, 
three Refill Blades and 
170ml Active Sport Gel

The razor has lubricating strips before & after the blades, and features Gillette’s thinnest & finest blades. Also featuring FlexBall technology and a Precision Trimmer on the back. 

The 2in1 Sensitive Shaving Gel brings you a smooth shave from start to finish with a 
formula that hydrates to soften hair, protects your skin and improves razor glide for an 
incredible shave.

Perfect for the man in your life or any Teenagers just starting to shave.

RRP £24.99 at Tesco


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Pink Parcels Christmas Clutch!

A gift I would definitely have loved to receive as a teen - heck I love it now too!

It provides you with everything you need for the festive 'period’. Make sure you are prepared for your Christmas parties with the Pink Parcel Christmas Clutch, containing all the beauty and hygiene essentials you need for a night out. The clutch even contains a special small pocket to store your tampons in, so you’ll never be caught out again!

Packed full with goodies including an eye shadow palette, mascara, lipstick, lashes, nail polish, hair brush and much more. I can' think of any Teens or Ladies I know that wouldn't be happy to receive this as a gift.

The contents of the bag I received were worth £138 alone, with the bag itself worth another £19.99 Priced at £29.99 I think this is a fantastic gift and will definitely be purchasing one in future. 



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Stationary lovers



Click Star Wars BB-8 Gel Pen

This Click Star Wars BB-8 Gel Pen is one of the new Star Wars designs inspired by three movie legends.

Created with Clicks legendary appreciation for quality craftsmanship and writing finesse, these themed pens feature one of three major characters - Darth Vader, C-3PO, and the Stormtroopers.

The highly polished lacquer adds imperial elegance, and easy-to-use “click” mechanism with smooth-flowing gel ink makes this the perfect gift for any Star Wars - stationary lover.

£35
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Spotlight stationary


Spotlight stationary is a UK company offering stationery subscription boxes in different themes and designs.

Available as a one off order, Prepaid 3 - 6 months (£70/£140), monthly (£25) or bi monthly (£25) with £2 shipping in the UK.

These little boxes are thoughtfully packed full of quality notebooks, pens, pencils, postcards, greetings cards, pencil cases, gift tags and much, much more!

They usually have a few past boxes available to try as a one-off purchase in the shop if you'd like to try a box out before subscribing.

Perfect for any Stationary experts as a Christmas gift.


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For the Ladies in your life.



Ladies Accurist crystal charm bracelet watch

If your Lady is like me and loves her jewellery, pop over to www.Chapelle.co.uk for some absolutely fabulous bargains.

I have treated myself to a lovely new watch this year. The above Accurist purple charm bracelet watch caught my eye with it's vintage ;looking purple charms and faceted crystal beads

I clicked through to see the price, then my heart sank, RRP £150. Although as I continued reading I saw it had a massive 76% off the RRP and was actually selling for £35!!

I needed no further convincing!

Apart from the price, the best thing about this piece is that with it being a charm bracelet as well as a watch I can add, re-arranged or remove charms by simply unscrewing the end of the bracelet, making it unique to me! 

I can't wait to wear it on Christmas day.


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For those looking for a fresh look on fitness… iFit Vue


If you are gift shopping for a Friend or Family member who loves fitness or is looking to get for in the new year, I can recommend the iFit Vue

Complete with SmartMove technology, the iFit Vue not only detects your specific movement patterns, but also knows when it's user switches activities. 

Perfect for those-on-the-go, the Vue also boasts features such as:

Touchscreen display: View stats, log calories and receive smartphone notifications on the OLED touchscreen

Water resistant: Because the band is water resistant, users can wear it any time they work out

Real time reminders - Gentle vibrations tell the user when to move or when it’s time to wake up


Available in Sangria (pink) or black and blue.


Available now at www.NordicTrack.co.uk with an RRP of £99


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Personalised phone case from case station


I have ordered an iPhone 6/6S Folio case in Satin for my Mum this Christmas. It has her favourite picture of Liv on it along with the inscription "Nanny's Girl" - guaranteed to tug on the heartstrings!

It looks fantastic and is very functional too as not only will it keep her phone safe but it can also store cash/cards and transforms easily in to a stand when required.

The whole process was very easy to complete. Simply start by choosing the product you would like to create for, the type of case you would like and then upload the photograph you would like to use and get creative!

The website is very simple to use, within a matter if minutes I had my case ready to order.

I cant wait to see her face when she opens it!

Priced at £24.99 from Case Station

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For any Cat lovers check out Tabcat!

In short Tabcat is the world’s most accurate, effective and lightweight cat-locating device.

Helping make sure all beloved cats are protected and safe, Tabcat will provide the owner with reassurance should your pet stay out longer than usual ot venture further away than they usually do.


The Tabcat tag simply attaches to a cat’s collar and the handset then enables you to track your cat with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) pinpoint patented technology, which is more reliable and exacting than Bluetooth and GPS-based devices in guiding you to a cat’s location (up to 122 metres). The handset beeps and flashes to guide the way, becoming more frequent as you get closer to your beloved cat. 

Each kit contains two battery powered splash proof black tags, and a handheld tracking device which can track up to four cats, with additional tabs available for purchase. Ensuring all of your furry friends are safe. Each CR2032 lithium battery should last up to one year, based on typical use.

Available at www.mytabcat.com priced at £69.99.


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Picture keeper connect - kiss your phones storage issues goodbye!



We all know how frustrating it is when the dreaded “No Storage” message pops up on your phone at the worst possible time. In the blink of an eye that memory you wanted to capture has gone. 


Whether you run out of battery, memory or your phone suddenly crashes, Picture Keeper Connect can be on hand to make your day a little less stressful.


Not only can you back up and restore pictures and videos in a super simple way; you’ll also still have access to your contact list if your phone crashes - think about how important that is, who's number do you know off by heart these days?!

This handy little pocket sized device makes the perfect Christmas present for anyone who use their phone or tablet to store a lot of images. Use anywhere, anytime - no internet connection required.

It is so easy to use too, simply download the app, plug it into your phone or tablet and click start backup, the app will do the rest for you, helping to keep memories safe forever and maximise storage on your device.


It is super smart too, next time you connect, it won't duplicate all of your images and videos, it simply picks up where it last left off.  You can also take advantage of the app features and get high quality prints of your photos shipped directly to your door, all at the touch of an app!



Compatible with both iOS and Android phones and available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. 


Available at Amazon and www.Picturekeeper.com from £99.99




For the outdoor activity people.

Ultimate Adventures - Smartbox from Buyagift is the perfect gift for anyone who loves outdoor activities like flying, water sports, driving or one of 520 other experiences on offer with this gift at many locations Nationwide.

With experiences for up to four people at a range of locations throughout the UK the recipient of this gift is sure to find exactly the thing to get their heart racing and adrenaline pumping!

With a huge range of activities available such as driving a 4x4 on rough off road terrain, seeing the world as they’ve never seen it before from the dizzy heights of a helicopter, putting their driving skills to the test while speeding around an ice circuit in a go kart or riding a Harley Davidson, you will definitely be in the good books for handing over this gift on Christmas Day!
Priced at £159.99

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Helly Hansen winter wear

A stylish, tall boot made from waterproof leathers for added warmth and protection, the Louise boot is more attractive than most Ladies walking boots.

Styled with a feminine heel, combined with protective waterproof leathers, these boots are perfect for the active Lady that still wants to look her best but also needs warmth and protection.

Made from a waterproof, Silky Nubuck leather with a cosy faux-fur lining and Ortholite comfort footbed, these boots are as functional as they are Feminine. Finished with HellyGrip Rubber to help keep you upright in all conditions, these will be a firm favourite this Winter.

Priced at £160





These lovely faux fur lined Gandberg boots are an ideal choice for the winter. 

Whether you are a hiker, walker or just preparing for the Winter weather these boots would be the perfect choice. Madewith flexible midsoles for extra comfort and thick HellyGrip rubber outsoles which are specially designed to cope with icey and frosty conditions, they will help to keep you stable no matter what the winter weather throws at you!

With uppers made from a highly breathable alternative to leather, these boots are even vegan friendly! 

Priced at £110

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With the number one request on her letter to Santa being for snow and a sledge, Liv is now fully prepared should her wish come true!

These shelter pants feature taped seams, are waterproof and windproof, protecting your Children from the elements while allowing the material to breath too. 

Complete with lightweight lining for added comfort and reinforced knee areas to cope with the wear and tear of kids!

The perfect outerwear to keep Liv warm and snug this Winter.

Priced at £50.




Finishing off the outfit is this gorgeous Legacy Parka, made from 100% Polyamide, this parka is Waterproof, windproof, breathable  and has strategically taped seams for extra protection against the elements too. 

Complete with a detachable and adjustable hood faux fur hood and fully insulated to keep your little one warm, it is also very slimline compared to a lot of similar designs which are very bulky.

As if all that wasn't enough, it is also machine washable at 40° - which is a must with Children!
Priced at £80


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Electrical items
If anyone on your list has just moved house, loves doing DIY or has simpley asked for Electrical items like power tools or even household items like heaters or security etc then look no further!


Pop on over to the Electrical Guys page and finish your Christmas shopping as quick as a flash!
 
Their prices are brilliant anyway but they have a lot of items on clearence at the moment so why not grab yourself a bargain Christmas gift and gain that all important tick off your list while you are there.

As if that wasn't good enough, how about free next delivery on orders over £50? Last day for Christmas delivery is Thursday the 22nd December at 4pm.

Happy shopping!
 
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Posting parcels?
 
Do you have Christmas gifts to post? I know I do. Every year I swear never to leave to leave it so late again and every year I'm frantically searching for a reasonably priced reliable courier to make sure Livs Aunty gets her Christmas gifts in time.
 
Well not this year! I have already planned for next day delivery with TNT.
 
 
 
For an quick and easy instant quote simply type in the collection and delivery postcodes and also the weight of the parcel. It's that simple!
 
As an established and trusted company, TNT Direct are there to help if you would rather speak to someone, nothing is too much trouble in my experience.
 

 
 


Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from LifewithLiv x

Whitbred Inns festive menu at The Beeches Gresford - our thoughts.

Every year in November, the festive menus make their way on to the tables of your local pubs and restaurants.

While a lot of people groan at the thought of more Turkey dinners, my Husband and I can't get enough and usually sample two or three before Christmas Day when my Mum makes a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings and Boxing Day when Hubbys Mum does the same (are we lucky or what?!)

This year we tried three different places and I wanted to show you our favourite as it was - hand on heart - the nicest we have had in our whole 12 years together.

A couple of weeks ago the three of us piled into the car with Parents and headed off to a nearby Whitbred Inns pub and restauraunt called The Beeches in Gresford.

Upon arrival Liv immediately started jumping up and down with excitement as we were greeted by festively dressed staff surrounded by beautiful decorations, we were even seated by a wonderfully happy Elf, complete with jingling bells every time she moved.

The staff were all very happy and chatting away with customers and greeting us as they passed.

Once sat at our table I let our waitress know that we had placed a pre-order - this is the point a lot of places go downhill as I would say more often than not they can't find the pre-order so we have to order again anyway - not so here! The waitress smiled and said that was great and she would let the kitchen know we had arrived, I asked if it were possible to have Livs main brought out with our starters and was told that would be no problem at all.

While we waited Liv did some colouring in the pack she was given and we pulled our Christmas crackers and read the silly jokes.

Before we knew it the starters and Livs main had arrived - and they were all absolutely delicious!

My Dad and I had opted for the prawn cocktail, my Husband for the pate and my Mum the soup. All plates were cleared!



Liv was still happily making her way through her main course when ours arrived, 3 turkey dinners with all the trimmings and a steak for my Husband - cooked to perfection he proclaimed!

One if the biggest sins in a festive menu for us is frozen veg, I am pleased to say there wasn't a soggy frozen sprout in sight! All piping hot, fresh and delicious, served with lashings of (extra) gravy!

We had one dessert off the menu for Liv which was a chocolate brownie and mince pie ice cream! I had a quick taste - purely for research purposes of course - and it was amazing. If we go back I will definitely  be ordering one for myself. Liv also bought one of the cakes on sale on behalf of a charity for £1, she took it home for the next day and declared it yummy and delicious!



Throughout the meal the staff were very attentive - not just to us but other diners too, clearing away plates quickly and checking if we needed any more drinks. Nothing was too much trouble, which I know first hand is hard to keep up during such a busy time but they were brilliant.

We all cleared our plates and had no complaints at all which is virtually unheard of!

Definitely a 10/10 from us!

The festive menu consists of 2 courses for £13.49 or 3 courses for £16.49, Kids main is priced at £6.99.
 
To check out all of the menus please click here.
Please note the festive menu is available all day until the 30th December 2016, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Disclaimer - I was sent a voucher to cover some of the bill for this review, however all images and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

 





Still shopping for the kids? Check out my favourite gift ideas

Monday 19 December 2016

We all know how hard choosing the perfect gift for everyone can be, so with that in mind I have put together some of my favourite Kids gift ideas this year. Happy shopping!



LeapStart Senior


LeapStart is the perfect gift if you are looking for an all-in-one learning system that will help to build kids educational and social skills. The new interactive system brings learning to life, by teaching key educational and life skills to provide your Children with the tools they need to prepare for the bigger world!

The LeapStart system works intuitively with a library of 16 activity books (sold separately), covering four learning levels. These books grow with your child, helping to teach 50+ key skills from the alphabet and 123’s to space science, basic coding and educational problem solving.

This of course helps them prepare for the future and supports their learning during Nursery, Reception and year 1.

Liv received the LeapStart earlier this year and absolutely loves it! She has always loved reading stories to herself, obviously making up the words, but the amount of words she can read in Reception astounds me! The best is she doesn't even know that she is learning - to her she is just having fun!

Rrp £34.99 www.leapfrog.com

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Zwoosh ball


Zwoosh Ball is the amazing floating ball game that is perfect for indoor play. Powerful fans create a cushion of air underneath, turning any surface into an instant playing field! 

The rebound bumper protects furniture, skirting boards and walls so it is safe to play with inside, plus the clever ‘Disc’ design keeps Zwoosh Ball firmly on the floor.

The built in flashing LEDs mean the fun doesn’t even have to stop when the lights go out!

Requires 4 x 1.5V AA batteries (not included)

Priced at £11.99 from JML.

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Sparkle club shoes and bag

Liv is a typical Girly Girl, loving all this pink and glittery, a mix of the two and she becomes delirious!

When she was asked to chose some shoes from The Sparkle Club she was so excited, throw in to the mix that they offer matching bags and she was jumping up and down with excitement!

Offering beautiful children's shoes in sizes 8 to older girl's 5, the Sparkle Club (based in Blackburn) design glitter-mad shoes and matching handbags in bold colours - think Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz!

Liv has worn hers a few times and I am pleased to say that very minimal glitter has fallen off and I can't see where when I look at the shoes.

They are fabulous quality and the perfect gift for any little glitter Princess like mine!

Prices start from £16.99 for the shoes and £8 for the little bags.


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Baby born interactive doll


This adorable New BABY Born Interactive Girl Doll is just like a real baby! 

Complete with 9 life-like functions such as controlled wetting and pooping, crying real tears, eyes that open and close as well as arms and legs that move, your little one will feel just like they are looking a real baby!

Accessorized with a bodysuit and hat, this doll also comes with a plate, a spoon, a portion of porridge, a bottle, a potty, a nappy, a dummy, a dummy chain, a birth certificate and matching friendship bracelets for your little one and the doll, there is a lot to keep them occupied this Christmas.

She is even bath able so your little one can either take her in the bath with them or bath her in the BabyBorn bath.

Suitable for ages 3+ no batteries required.

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Discovery kids Telescope and walkie talkies

These lightweight Discovery Kids Digital Walkie Talkies, have an outdoor range of up to 3km, meaning your little ones can keep exploring whilst keeping in touch - even from one garden to another! 

With 3 channels, a ringing tone to alert incoming transmissions and LED display, night light, one-on-one outdoor communication has never been more convenient and fun!

RRP £24.99

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This Discovery Kids 40mm Astronomical Telescope will allow your Children to view the moon, other planets and the stars with it's 25-50 times magnification, two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) and can be used hands free with the tripod.

This fabulous Science toy has real working features that inspire kids to investigate and learn, of course while having lots of fun!

RRP £19.99

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Shopkins Kinstructions food court



The Shopkins Kinstructions Deluxe Food Court is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy a pizza under the palm tree, get a treat from the ice cream and cotton candy parlour, or head to the mezzanine floor for some sushi.

This lovely set comes with more than 300 pieces which are compatible with other similar construction kits.

Not only that, it also features eight Shopkins figures that can be pulled apart to mix and match with each other, making their own Shopkins Characters. If that isn't enough, each set also includes one mystery Shopkins figure!

RRP £34.99

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Mia's vet clinic Lego set 


With this Vet Clinic Lego Junior set is perfect for age 4 - 7, with slightly larger pieces to fit more comfortably in small hands. Your little ones can help Olivia and Mia’s veterinary team look after the injured and sick animals. 

They can pick up animals in need in their ambulance, wheel them into the clinic on the examination table where they can be treated. Included in the set is a little rabbit, a baby rabbit, a cat, a turtle and hedgehog who all need looking after. 

Also included are a huge range of accessories including a stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, feeding bottles, medicine spoon, clipboard and pen, ice pack, syringe and animal food.

Not suitable for under 3's due to small parts - RRP £24.99

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BIC colouring activity set


This large BIC Kids Colouring Activity Set, includes a whopping 80 pieces across colouring instruments and stencils.

It is the ultimate colouring companion for budding young artists this year and is guaranteed to keep them busy this Christmas.

The addition of a carry handle makes the box set ideal for taking away on Christmas breaks, so children can colour to their hearts’ content!

Contains -
20x Colouring Activity Templates
18x Tropicolors® 2 Easy to Sharpen Colouring Pencils
18x Plastidecor® Extra Clean Colouring Crayons
12x Kid Couleur Ultra Washable Colouring Felt Pens
12x Magic Felt Pens with Magic Effects
1x Ecolutions® Washable Glue Stick

Available from Tesco RRP £22

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Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck Playset

This Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck playset is something I definitely would have loved as a little Girl! 

This set is designed to allow your little ones to easily make their own lip gloss. Included in the set is the lip gloss ingredients, mixing accessories, 1 scented Num, 3 lip gloss container Noms, and 1 collector's men.

Have fun mixing up your own colours and flavours together and wearing them too!

RRP £32.99

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Leapfrog Read with me Scout and Violet 

Read with Me Scout & Violet is the perfect gift if you’re looking for a toy to encourage a lifelong love of reading. 

Scout and Violet are cuddly interactive learning puppies that encourage and engage children by asking questions throughout the story to help build comprehension skills and ensure an exciting reading experience. 

These playful pups come with five colourfully illustrated books, which help to teach children a variety of educational skills. 

As Scout and Violet complete each page, they will ask your Child one of over 70 different engaging questions to make sure they were paying attention to the story!

A fantastic way of helping them learn without them even knowing it!

Suitable for ages 2 - 5 RRP £29.99

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LeapPad Platinum Tablet

All-new tablet featuring a 7” hi-res multi-touch screen with sharp, crisp graphics, makes learning fun come to life before your very eyes!

With a fast and powerful processor, sleek design and Wi-Fi with Kid-Web, this tablet helps to keep your kids safe in several ways, like protected web browser serving up a ton of kid-appropriate videos and more.

Children can also access 800+ games (sold separately) all of which are designed or approved by LeapFrog educators with select titles featuring Just For Me Learning.

Unlock more gameplay with 6 bonus LeapFrog Imagicard™ digital game and interactive cards including a demo game, photo fun, trivia and more. (Game download required.)

Suitable for ages 3-9 yrs.


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LeapFrog Fridge Numbers Magnetic Set

This LeapFrog magnetic fridge number set is yet another clever learning tool from Leapfrog.

The aim of the game is to help Scout pack his picnic up by playing matching games and sing-along fun. Explore numbers with the 20 interactive, colourful tiles that talk, sing and teach. Plenty of fun to be had!

What's in the box:
Magnetic Tile Reader
20 Interactive Magnetic Tiles
Parent Guide

Suitable for ages 2-4.

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Stocking fillers



Toothbrush cover

Dentek have designed these cute little toothbrush covers to help make brushing more appealing and keep the head of your Childrens toothbrush covered. Available in several fun designs including a dog, lion or penguin, the covers allow for ventilation helping keep dirt and germs at bay both on the go and in the bathroom.
Priced at £3.99 instore at Boots.


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Jelly Bean flavoured lip balms

Liv is absolutely obsessed with "lipsticks" and has asked for her own make up this year. Obviously at 5 years old I don't want her with a face full of make up so this Jelly Bean Merry Kissmas gift set is the perfect compromise.

The 6 piece collection- consisting of six flavoured lip balms- Berry Blue, Tangerine, Tutti-Frutti, Very Cherry, Strawberry Jam & Wild Blackberry will be a firm favourite of hers this year!

Jelly Bean  RRP £10 Sainsburys

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Shopkins kinect mini pack


This little Kinnect mini pack includes a shopping trolley and two Shopkins figures. 

Each set comes with two different characters inside including Strawberry Kiss & Posh Pear, D'Lish Donut & Soda Pops,  Freezy Peasy & Wild Carrot or Lippy Lips & Polly Polish.

The perfect size and price for a stocking filler, these will definitely be a favourite in our house!

Priced at £4.99 from www.trendsuk.co.uk


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 Itty Bittys 



These adorable little Santa and Rudolph teddies are just adorable and at just under 5 inches tall, they are the perfect size for little stocking fillers. They are lovely and soft with a little beanie bottom to help them stand up. Great for little ones too as they have cotton stitched eyes so no small parts for them to pull off.

Not only for Christmas, these little delights are also available in a huge range of Disney, Star wars, Wizard of Oz and many other characters! I feel a collection coming on!

Pop over to www.hallmark.co.uk for a look at the full range. Priced around £7.99 each
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Christmas gifts for the home.

Sunday 18 December 2016

For those of you still shopping, I hope my gift ideas for the home help!




Savisto 3 in 1 Hand Blender Set with Attachments

Working from a powerful, 750 watt motor with 5 speed settings and a turbo button, this Savisto 3 in 1 Hand Blender would be perfect for any budding chef or new home this Christmas.

Complete with a stainless steel blender, food processor, whisk and an 800ml beaker for use with the blender and whisk, it is practical, functional and stylish too.

What’s in the Box?

1 x 750w Hand Blender Unit
1 x Stainless Steel Blender Attachment
1 x Stainless Steel Whisk Attachment
1 x 500ml Food Processor with Stainless Steel Blades
1 x 800ml Plastic Beaker


Available in black or red priced at £37.99 reduced from £59.99
 
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Winchester loose tea, party hamper. 

This Winchester loose tea party hamper comes beautifully presented in a lovely wicker hamper. Once opened you will find a delicate White Teapot, 2 White tea Cups and Saucers, 100g Fine Tea Collection English Breakfast leaves, and 100g Fine Tea Collection Orange Blossom leaves.

This would make a lovely gift for those that are difficult to buy for!

Priced at £25 from Ahmad Tea.
 
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EasiYo yoghurt maker.


EasiYo’s new bright and bold Red Yogurt Maker is the perfect way to make delicious, fresh yogurt in your own home for all the family to enjoy.

The new maker – featuring the first redesign in it's 23 year history – is sleek and stylish, yet simple. Purposely made easy to use without any moving parts or electronics to break, it’s also easy to clean, features an easy grip handle and non-slip feet and is the perfect size to pop up on a kitchen shelf.

The main feature of the redesign was to replace the old polystyrene insulation with a new layer containing New Zealand wool - which helps to keep the yogurt at the right temperature during the fermentation process.

With a huge range of flavours available for the EasiYo yoghurt maker, which will you choose? The favourite in our house is Greek style with honey - yummy!
 
 
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If you know someone who has just moved into their first home or are updating, check out Aldi's special buys for inspiration.


We have recently upgraded all of our old discoloured pans with these beautiful copper ones from Aldi. Prices start at £19.99 for the smallest milk pan and I can tell you they are worth every penny! My favourite is the Sautee pan with lid, priced at £34.99. It cooks everything evenly and quickly while the lid prevents splashes too.

We have also got a lot of decorations for Aldi this year, including new tree lights, icicle garden lights and my two favourite - Gold/red/silver ribbon light up parcels priced at £14.99, all colours are gorgeous.
 
Also Livs favourite- a 6 foot inflatable Santa for the back garden!

He adds a lovely festive feel to the garden and brings Liv pure joy every time she looks out of the window.
 
As always brilliant products at the lowest prices. Thank you Aldi!


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Now on to the food and drink! Here are some of the firm favourites in our house.
 

Referred to as the Worlds most luxurious Irish Cream Liqueur, Feeneys contains 100% Irish grain whiskey and rich dairy cream. The cream goes from Cow grazing in the pastures t the distillery within 24 hours giving it the distinctive creamy taste.

Winning Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits competition and voted Platinum Best in class at the SIP consumer taste awards in the US, you really can't go wrong with a glass or three!

I can't wait to crack open my bottle on Christmas Eve - delicious! 
 
 
Available for £12.45 here.
 


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We always have a bottle of Tia Maria at Christmas, this year the bottle has been redesigned with a sleek contemporary twist.

Whether you just drink it with coke like me or are more adventurous making the likes of espresso Martinis, if you like coffee you will love Tia Maria! With it's exotic infusion of natural vanilla, the finest fresh Arabica coffee beans all complemented with a touch of Jamaican rum, no other liqueur can make a coffee cocktail quite like Tia Maria.
 
Available nationwide in all good retailers at an RRP of £15 - £17

 
 
 
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If you are expecting guests that don't drink spirits, I recommend trying Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer. It is a delicious and refreshing drink which can be diluted with lemonade or makes fantastic cocktails. Available in original ginger as well as fruity versions like raspberry and strawberry and lime, something a little softer is always welcome over the festive period! Priced from £1.79 at good retailers.  
 
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Inside this beautifully presented Grand Rocher is a hazelnut and milk chocolate shell containing several classic Ferrero Roche.

This not only tastes amazing but looks lovely too, great as a stocking filler or to pop under the tree.

Priced at £4 in Tesco

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This Champions tin contains all of the old favourites such as Black Jacks, Fruit Salads, Wham bars and even sherbet Dib Dabs!

Go back in time and reminisce for just £5 a tin! I can't wait to open ours and introduce Liv to some classics.
Available from Asda.
 

 
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These Guylian seashells remind me of many Christmas's as a Child. Every year I bought a box of these for my Mum then my Brother and I ate most of them!

Not only are these praline filled Belgian seashells delicious, but every box bought helps support Project seashore - an international marine conservation organisation.

Priced around £5 a box they are far from expensive but are absolutely delicious.
 
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These dark chocolate mints contains exclusively natural flavourings. Ideal for people with allergies, vegetarians or vegans as they are free from dairy, egg, gluten, nuts, peanuts and tree nuts. Kinnerton understand how important it is to make their "Just Chocolate" items free from dairy, egg, gluten, and nuts so that it can be enjoyed by almost everyone.

Perfect for adults, children and chocolate lovers with allergies or dietary requirements, it also tastes absolutely delicious too!

Priced at £4 a box from Asda. Be ready with a sweet treat for everyone this year.
 

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Which is your favourite Christmas advert this year? 
 
We absolutely LOVE the Vision Direct offering this year starring the utterly adorable Gizmo the pug!

Basically Gizmo the pug and his neighbour - Cuddles the cat - are battling it our for the most festive house. They continually fight to outdo each other on everything from the tree to garden decorations throughout the short advert, which of course appears to end badly for one of them, but which one?!
 
Watch it below to find out.
 


The facial expressions on Gizmo and Cuddles are what makes this advert for me, I was giggling straight away at their adorable little faces and Liv becomes hysterical with laughter when she watches it - definitely much loved in our house! Let me know what you think when you watch it.

For competitions, games and a festive countdown advent calendar, pop on over to
Vision Direct - Gizmo saves Christmas