Tag Archives: Review

Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur Review

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FEENY'S BOTTLE HiRes 2Feeney’s Irish Cream is often referred to as ‘The World’s Most Luxurious Irish Cream Liqueur’. High praise indeed. But how true? Well, very. This is a smooth rich liqueur made with the freshest cream from Ireland which is then blended with the finest Irish Whisky. It is smooth with a rich buttery taste and a milky finish. It is fresh as Feeney’s proudly states that it gets from dairy to distillery in 24 hours on its bottle. Blended and bottled in the Irish countryside in Abbeyleix, County Laois; It is stylish and can give any other Irish Cream Liqueur a run for its money. Delicious and prefect for Christmas.
 Feeney’s Irish Cream is available from Tesco stores and tesco.com

 

 

Mindfulness Colouring and Activity Book By Gill Hasson Review

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mindfulnesscolouringandactivitybookreview

This Mindfulness Colouring and Activity Book By Gill Hasson is an adult colouring book with a difference. It not only has colouring, but zen doodles, origami, mazes and word puzzles. A very impressive book to get you in the moment and take some time to de-stress. A great addition to the genre. 

Gill Hasson is the author of the international bestsellers Mindfulness: Be mindful. Live in the moment , How To Deal With Difficult People: Smart Tactics for Overcoming the Problem People in Your Life and Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions to make a positive impact on your life and career.

 

She is a teacher, trainer and writer. She has 20 years’ experience in the area of personal development. Her expertise is in the areas of confidence and self-esteem, communication skills, assertiveness and resilience.

 

Gill delivers teaching and training for educational organisations, voluntary and business organisations and the public sector. Gill’s particular interest and motivation is in helping people to realise their potential, to live their best life. The Mindfulness Colouring and Activity Book: Calming Colouring and De-Stressing Doodles to Focus Your Busy Mind is available here.

 

@thisiscapstone #adultcolouring

 

 

Good Food Show – Birmingham NEC Review By Tracy Baines

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This was my first trip to the BBC Good Food show but it was obvious from the outset that many of the clientele had been to previous events. In they poured, armed with substantial shopper trolleys and crates on wheels to depart much later with a hoard of goodies.

Photo-1Good_Food_Medfoods.

I’d accompanied my son and his wife who were working on the World Cheese Awards and was left in charge of my two year old grandson, Huxley. We arrived when it opened and were still there when it closed so I had a great overview of the general flow of the day (as well as sore feet).

Good Food Show - Birmingham NEC Tracy Baines2cheese

I wasn’t sure what I expected to find there, food obviously, and demonstrations, but it was so much more than that and I can see why people come back again and again. There was an entire warren of stands from the big names like Hotpoint and Stoves to small, individual family businesses launching new products.

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As well as food you could also buy anything from a dining table and chairs to a bed, a massage chair and a Lexus should you be so inclined. There really was something for everyone. Many of the stalls though offered fantastic food and drink products. I never knew there were so many brands of gin and craft beer available. It was quite an eye opener.

Good Food Show - Birmingham NEC Tracy Baines4

I wandered up and down the aisles watching demonstrations of garlic graters and miracle mops, and enjoyed sampling everything from sausages to ice cream. You could purchase a new set of pans and something to clean them with if you burnt them. It was a great place to buy Christmas presents and I was particularly taken with the 50s style aprons at The Sunday Girl Company. Fabulously fun aprons for mother and daughter – and Grandma!

Good Food Show - Birmingham NEC Tracy Baines5

And of course, you could take out a subscription to Good Food magazine.

If you were to overindulge your credit card Guide Dogs for the Blind offered a shop and drop service to offload your haul to save carrying it around. They were one of many charities represented in the show.

Many of the demonstration areas were ongoing so you could drift around from one to another. Phil Vickery, Lisa Faulkner and Lorraine Pascal all took to the various stages on the first day and Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood and the Hairy Bikers were appearing over the weekend.

Photo_6_Good_Food_Hairy_Bikers.

The best time to go is early when it first begins or late afternoon when the crowds have gone and people are drifting away anxious to avoid the traffic. It was easier to access the stands and you had more time to chat to the exhibitors about their products – and taste them of course.

If you haven’t been to the NEC before it’s a great venue, easy to park with frequent shuttle buses to

​ and from​

the exhibition centre. For those with mobility scooters and wheelchairs and yes, baby buggies, it was easy to get in and out of doors and facilities.

Various Good Food events are held around the country for most of the year so if you do go along be prepared: take a trolley and a credit card.

www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com

 

 

Asda Launch New Little Angels Festive Nappies & Vapour Bath | Review

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Asda Launch New Little Angels Festive NappiesAsda’s Little Angelreview

Asda’s Little Angels have launched some brand new ‘Supreme Protection’ festive nappies and they are gorgeous. They have a cute, fun, Elf design. Letting your baby join in the Christmas fun.

They also have a new Vapour Bath product which is perfect for helping to soothe those winter colds. It features a special no tears formula with a comforting menthol aroma and has had rave reviews. We tried both and loved them. The nappies are fun and the vapour bath helps clear up baby’s cold.

These gorgeous festive nappies cost £4 and are available from asda.com and in store now. The Vapour Bath is only £1.

 

Vapour Bath.littleangeasdaVapour Bath

Courvoisier this Christmas | Review

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Courvoisier this Christmasreview

Smooth and strong, Courvoisier is the king of cognac. It tastes sublime and is also great in cocktails. Courvoisier is a perfect gift for Christmas. Grab one of the below now is our advice. 

Let Courvoisier take you on a journey of the senses this Christmas 

Celebrate the everyday and add a splash of luxury to Christmas this year with the sights, scents, and tastes of Paris in a glass of the world’s no 1 cognac, Courvoisier.

 

Courvoisier this Christmas1A gift for cognac enthusiasts – Courvoisier XO Imperial

One of the world’s finest XOs, crafted from a blend of over 40 cognacs and aged for up to 35 years, this precious liquid combines exotic vanilla and cocoa bouquets, spicy amber and cinnamon aromas, and violet floral notes.

Courvoisier XO is available nationwide from selected Waitrose.com and stores (RRP £95.50)

 

 

 

 

 

Courvoisier this Christmas2

 

A gift for cocktail lovers – Courvoisier VSOP 

Courvoisier VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a distinguished cocktail. This blend of Courvoisier is an elegant mix of cognacs that are up to 10 years old, from two of the finest crus in the Cognac region

For a cocktail to make this Christmas, that’s as indulgent as it is delicious, serve the Courvoisier Champagne Cocktail with chic canapes to befit the most sophisticated of seasonal parties.

 

Courvoisier this Christmas3

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 part Courvoisier VSOP
  • 1 Demerara sugar cube
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Top up with Champagne

Method: Soak a sugar cube in bitters and drop into a champagne flute. Cover with Courvoisier VSOP and slowly top with champagne.

Courvoisier VSOP is available nationwide from selected Waitrose.com and stores (RRP £32.85)

 

A gift for wanderlusters– Luxury Gift Sets

Courvoisier’s new Célébration Sensorielle limited edition luxury gift sets will take cognac lovers on a multi-sensory, aromatic Parisian expedition from day to night this Christmas15Each of Courvoisier’s Célébration Sensorielle includes one Initiale® Extra or XO, along with two bespoke scents specially crafted to evoke the spirit of the dazzling Paris Golden Age in the night and day. The exquisite fragrances also perfectly complement and enhance the notes of the cognac so, whatever the occasion or triumph being celebrated, the moment becomes a truly unforgettable and sensory experience.  The Célébration Sensorielle Initiale® Extra comes with two scented candles and the Célébration Sensorielle XO gift set comes with two scented cones – simply light one of the scents, pour a glass of Courvoisier and raise a toast to the moment.

Courvoisier this Christmas4

Célébration Sensorielle Initiale® Extra gift set contains the bespoke day and night fragrances, in the form of two beautiful scented candles, along with the story of Courvoisier presented in a charming little book and accompanied by detailed tasting notes. (RRP: £397 – available at Harrods®, Harvey Nichols® &Hedonism)

Courvoisier this Christmas5

Célébration Sensorielle XO gift set contains the bespoke day and night scents in the form of two metal incense cones and a burner and is accompanied by the beautifully designed Courvoisier brand book with detailed tasting notes.  (RRP: £190 – available at Harvey Nichols & Hedonism)

 

 

 

Acquaint 100% Natural Sanitising Water Review

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Aquaint UK Generic 50mlAcquaint was a huge hit with the parents at Frost. Having a baby means lots of sterilising and washing your hands. Babies immunes systems are weak and keeping them safe is a priority. Acquaint is a sanitising water that is 100% natural and can be used on babies from birth. They can even swallow it. Impressive indeed. We loved it and will be buying in bulk. A genius idea that makes parenting easier, and anything that makes parenting easier is a hit with us. Frost loves.

 

Acquaint is a sanitising water that mimics the body’s immune system by using water and Hypochlorous Acid (HCIO) to cleanse and kill bacteria from any part of the body, or on any equipment.   Hypochlorous acid is known as a biocide that we already have in our bodies, making it extremely safe.    Aquaint contains .003% of this acid, and nothing else, no additives at all, making it the safest sanitiser on the market today

 

How?

Stage 1, bacteria, viruses or other harmful pathogens get into our bodies and start to invade the human cells

Stage 2 Neutrophils, which are the most abundant white blood cells live in human blood vessels and detect the pathogens and travel to the infection site where they surround the pathogen

Stage 3 Once the pathogens are then surrounded it produces an oxidant called Hypochlorous Acid (HCIO)that kills the bacteria almost instantly

 

When Aquaint is sprayed onto anything, the Hypochlorous Acid or HCIO is used virtually instantly to kill the bacteria, and all that is left is the water.   Aquaint is a unique, revolutionary and multipurpose 100% NATURAL Sanitising Water that kills 99.9% of bacteria in seconds. The water provides the base for it to be highly effective as a cleanser, and its only other ingredient, a NATURAL ACID (Hypochlorous Acid) that is produced in the human body to fight bacteria and germs, provides its anti-bacterial properties. Aquaint is endorsed by Allergy UK as an ‘Allergy Friendly Product’ and has passed stringent UK drinking water tests, making it the safest sanitiser on the market.

 

 

Why is Aquaint Different?

ü  It does not contain alcohol, fragrances, preservatives or harmful chemicals

ü  It does not leave behind any chemical residues and therefore it does not need to be rinsed off

ü  It does not dry out or irritate the skin

ü  It is gentle, powerful and extremely safe

ü  It is harmless if swallowed and is as safe as drinking water

ü  It is suitable for repeated use

ü  It is suitable for use during pregnancy and on new-born skin

 

Where can Aquaint be used?

ü  It can be used to sanitise the hands and skin (from birth) and in the mouth

ü  It is also suitable for use on surfaces, even on food

ü  To clean and insert contact lenses

ü  On any equipment, toys, kitchen bathroom etc

ü  On any broken skin, cuts without stinging

ü  Can clear athletes foot

ü  Can clear cold sores, and quickly

ü  Can clear Blepharitis

ü  Can be used to sanitise and use around animals, including use on them if necessary, it does not harm them

ü  Suitable for sensitive and allergy prone skin

ü  Can be used for nappy changing

ü  Suitable for elderly skin

ü  Effective mouthwash

ü  Babies soothers

 

From ocado.com and jojomamanbebe.co.uk

 

 

 

Khadi Anti-Aging Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Oil Review

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Khadi Anti-Aging Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Oil ReviewWe tried this natural product and loved it. It made a real difference to skin. It promises a lot and delivers. Recommended for hydrated, glowing skin.

 

Give your skin a new lease on life with the Khadi Anti-Ageing Face and Body Oil. Formulated according to the ancient principles of Ayurveda, this natural and organic wonder oil protects the skin against free radicals, boosts cell growth and repairs damaged cells, whilst improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

In addition, it also minimises pigmentation spots, leaving the skin clearer and more rejuvenated. The khadi Anti-Ageing Face and Body Oil costs just £11.90 and is available from selected health stores and independent pharmacies across the UK and Ireland, as well as online at www.khadihair.co.uk.

 

Containing pure Ayurvedic herbal infusions that have been prepared and blended by Ayurvedic experts in India, this unique facial oil is rich in essential oils, herbs and flowers that have proven complexion boosting benefits.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural healing that promotes a holistic view of beauty and wellness, which is key to the khadi brand: the aim to promote a beauty routine that incorporates the healing powers of herbs, oils and plants to achieve a more beautiful body.

 

 

This wonderful anti-ageing formula is packed full of beneficial natural ingredients:

  • Organic sesame oil helps nourish the skin. The fatty acids contained in the oil, such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid, are effective moisturisers that keep skin supple and soft
  • Almond Oil traps moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and nourished
  • Organic rose softens the skinand helps to delay the signs of ageing. Rose contains high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage. It also locks moisture into the skin, preventing it from becoming dull and dry.
  • Essential oilsof patchouli, myrrh, lavender and vanilla soothes the skin and calms the mind.

The Khadi Anti-Aging Face and Body Oil absorbs quickly in to the skin, leaving a subtle and refreshing aroma.

 

How to use:        
Can be used in the morning and evenings, apply to damp skin and gently massage using a circular motion. It can also be used as a body oil and massage oil

 

 

 

The Mousetrap at Chichester Festival Theatre: Review

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The Mousetrap on Tour
Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 28 November
www.cft.org.uk

Photograph by Liza Maria Dawson

TheMousetrap_SPThe cast of The Mousetrap in the 60th Anniversary Tour of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. Credit Liza Maria Dawson (27)

It is almost inconceivable that after 63 years there is anyone who hasn’t seen the world’s longest running play, and yet the Festival Theatre was full of wannabe sleuths last night.

Opening with an eerie whistling of the nursery rhyme Three Blind Mice, the killer doesn’t faff about – the first murder of the night takes place almost before the house lights have gone out.

Cut to Monkswell Manor, a guest house being run by a young couple whose enthusiasm is offset by their complete inexperience of running such a business.

As the snow falls and guests arrive at Monkswell, swiftly becoming stranded there by the wintery deluge, it becomes clear that among their number is someone with murder in mind – but who?

The mistress of suspense, Christie’s script certainly cranks up the tension beautifully. Everyone could be linked to the murderer and could therefore be a target. Menace and anticipation transcend the stage and the audience, as a man, quivers with anticipation.

There are a few laughs to relieve the apprehension, mainly born of Christie’s superb observations of character and human nature, but in the main the evening is more inclined to baited breath than belly laughs.

A bit more ham than cheese in places (some of the cast are guilty as charged when it comes to occasional overacting), the intrigue and enticement to find out who the killer is makes forgiveness of such over-the-top moments easy to grant.

Particularly strong performances come from Anne Kavanagh as the magnificent battle-axe Mrs Boyle, and also Luke Jenkins as a suitably authoritative Sgt. Trotter. Edward Elgood also convinces as the immature and borderline-bonkers Christopher Wren, who could just as easily wield a machete as he could a feather duster.

Is The Mousetrap dated? Truthfully, yes. But it is also a British classic; a splendid piece of ripe Stilton that should be embraced and enjoyed absolutely in its original form.

As to whodunit…

Ah, but that would be telling!