Name of product: BIBA Lipgloss/Zamac ring

Price: £15.00

The blurb: “This chunky cocktail ring will draw admiring glances with its nod to the iconic Biba logo. The lid slides to one side to reveal a shimmery pink gloss for the perfect pout! It can also be used to adorn your bag as a charm”

“Drawing inspiration from the original Biba themes of 1930’s Hollywood Glamour the collection comprises of a Lip Palette, Eye Palette, Face Palette, Nail Polish Collection, Eyelash Collection and Lip Gloss Ring”

Name of product: Rose & Co – Rose Water Bath Melts Gift Box

Price: £12.00 (Box of 4)

The blurb: “A cute mini cake box containing four handmade Rose scented bath melts. Add to a warm bath and relax, the melt will dissolve and sparkle gently, releasing shea & cocoa butter to soften the skin and impart a delightful fragrance to your bath” , suitable for all skin types

First impressions: The first thing I noticed was the voluptuous rose scent, seeping through the packaging before I even even opened it (prrr)

The pretty and feminine, cake-box-style packaging contains four “bath melts” that are cleverly crafted shaped into tiny cupcakes complete with individual cases and decoration – adorable

Can’t wait to try them out!

Ease of Use: Very easy to use, just pop one in a warm bath before you step in and watch it get to work!

Pros: The scent fills the bathroom with its sensuous aroma before you even step in, and the product moisturises the skin leaving it smooth and silky! They dissolve very quickly (including the rose decoration on top!) and only one is required for a total pampering (sigh)

TOP TIP: Instead of storing them in your bathroom cupboard, open the lid and pop the box in your wardrobe or lingerie drawer – far nicer than a drawer liner or scented sachet!

Cons: I absolutely love this product and think this product makes the most amazing treat (sans calories!). I would highly recommend them! They do look good enough to eat though, so be sure to keep this product out of the reach of little ones

Value for money: A steal!

Stockists: Online at Houseoffraser.co.uk and at branches of House of Fraser Apothecary

Name of product: Bonnie Baby Clothing

Price: From £10.00

The blurb: Tracey Samuel says “Bonnie Baby was born in 2004 after the birth of my daughter Alice Bee – and like her, the business has been developing and growing ever since. With over ten years’ experience as a fashion designer, most recently for Paris fashion house Sonia Rykiel, I quickly realized that my new life as a mother would not fit well around the hectic Paris-London commute! So I took the plunge to set up Bonnie baby, creating beautifully designed high-quality baby clothes in luxury fabrics. Of course, with my new found experience as a mum, I made sure all of our baby and toddler clothes are machine washable to make life that little bit easier!”

First impressions: Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. The blanket and sleep suit arrived deliciously packaged in cartons. The packaging is lovely and is the icing on the cake when unwrapping these lovely little outfits. The sleep suit is beautifully soft and snugly for precious little munchkins. The blanket matches the sleep suit and is reversible, soft and cosy for those Autumnal walks

Ease of Use: The sleep suit is size 3 – 6 months and although my son is a bit of a long legged, chubby monster, it is a good fit (he is 4months) although I am not sure he will still be able to wear it at 6 months . I love to pop him into a sleep suit, especially one smart enough to make other Dulwich Mums green with envy. The suit is actually so cute that we decided to pop him in it for a friends Christening…this however was before my partner and I decided to trim his nails and I promptly chopped off the end of his thumb (oh the shame). On a positive note I can truly say that the suit washed extremely well and that any trace of our appalling parenting was removed…phew

Before Mummy got out the nail scissors After….opps

Pros: Beautiful unusual designs in super soft fabrics and so hard wearing, they will wash and wear well

Cons: I have fallen in love with the new super soft rainbow collection and am just working on a strategy to sneak these in to our chubby mans wardrobe without his father noticing. I also feel the sizes could be a little more generous (either that or I have to admit my little one is a bit of a brute)

Value for money: These are gorgeous pieces for any little ones wardrobe and a wonderful may to initiate that…’I would love to ask where that suit is from but refuse to give her the satisfaction’ look in many a passing parent!

Stockists: Branches of John Lewis and online

Name of product: London Eye – Individual Champagne Experience and The London Eye River Cruise

Price: Individual Champagne Experience –
Adult (16 plus) £35.04 price on the day or £31.04 ( -10% online price), no discount for children over 4 years. Children under 4 years travel free

River Cruise
The London Eye River Cruise departs from the London Eye Millennium Pier:
10.45am, 11.45am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm, 3.45pm, 4.45pm, 5.45pm, and 6.45pm
Adult (16 Plus) £10.80
Child (4-15 years) £5.40
Child under 4 free
Senior (60 Plus) £9.00
Disabled £10.00
Family of Four £32.40
Children under 4 free
(Cruise times are applicable from April to October)

The blurb: “To really make your London Eye Experience sparkle, enjoy a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne served by your host while you relax and enjoy the sublime views of London

Champagne Experiences are perfect for small groups and couples, and are available daily at 12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00, 18.00, 19.00 and 20.00

The Champagne Experience includes:
• Priority boarding
• 30 minutes on the London Eye
• One glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne
• Complimentary London Eye View 360
• Complimentary goodie bag for children
• Non-alcoholic drinks available for adults and children
• 10% online discount

Additional glasses of Champagne can be purchased online or via the Priority Desk prior to your experience
To make your day even more fabulous, you can add fabulous fine dining within a short distance of the London Eye, upgrade to your own private Champagne or Pimm’s capsule or combine your experience at the London Eye with a London Eye River Cruise or visits to other attractions for a great day out and big savings on tickets!”

For our day out, we opted for a London Eye River Cruise

“Take a London Eye River Cruise and see London from a different perspective. Enjoy a unique 40 minute circular sightseeing cruise on the River Thames with fascinating live commentary that brings the city to life, presented by specialist guides
• 40 minute circular sightseeing cruise
• Fascinating live commentary presented by specialist guides
• 10% online discount
• Views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London”

First impressions: The view of London from The London Eye is a complete “must do” for anyone visiting London! A great day out or special experience for all the family or treat for that special someone, the vista of London from the pod is truly amazing

London Eye River Cruise is a relaxing sightseeing provides a view of London from another perspective with an informative commentary from the tour Guide who was very entertaining

Ease of Use: Collecting the tickets for both Champagne Experience and River Cruise couldn’t have been more simple, just amble up to the priority check in desk 15 minutes before the allocated time

Pros: Customer service was excellent, from the very friendly and helpful lady who greeted us at check in, to the guide who accompanied us on the tour and served our champagne. We skipped the long queue at boarding, which is a great time saver when you’re sightseeing for example or with impatient children
There were nine people in our pod and the tour Guide was very attentive and accommodating; happily offering to take photos for everyone in the group

The cruise was perfect, with an interesting commentary and fabulous views. There was lots of space on board the boat and nice food available from the cafeteria

Cons: There is not a lot of time allocated to get from the London Eye to the allocated Cruise! If you miss it – you will need to purchase new ticket (YIKES!)

Value for money: The entire experience was unforgettable and the memories are priceless! This was great value for money

Stockists: Book on-line at : www.londoneye.com

Name of product: DKNY – Golden Delicious Eau de Parfum Spray and Golden Delicious Clutch Bag (free with the purchase of any 50 ml or 100ml DKNY Delicious fragrance)

Price: EDP 30ml – £32.00, EDP 50ml – £46.00, EDP 100ml – £64.00

The blurb: “’DKNY Golden Delicious Eau de Parfum is a luxe scent that radiates lavish seduction. The newest, most regal apple of the DKNY Delicious collection, DKNY Golden Delicious has an elegance that is reserved for the most discriminating taste. It’s tempting, sensual and warm”

First impressions: If you like apple fragrances , you must check this out! Golden Delicious is the newest addition to the DKNY Delicious collection and it’s very special. The bottle is quirky and fun – this time the cap and oval DKNY logo are covered in gold. The scent begins with a flush of orange flower water and a pulse of floral notes such as white rose and muguet flower. It’s base is a warm mix of musk, sandalwood, and teakwood – divine!

Ease of Use: The cute bottle is easy to use and the scent is long lasting

Pros: I really like the shape of the bottle, a cute addition to my enormous handbag! The most important thing? The scent is absolutely gorgeous! You can smell apple straightaway but it’s not too obviously fruity or overwhelming, its more complex – a mix of exotic flowers and sensual woods. This perfume is perfect for long summer evenings

Cons: To be honest, I can’t see any – the fragrance smells pretty and lasts well for the whole day

Value for money: Good value for money

Stockists: At department stores nationwide

Name of product: Something at www.something-shop.com

The blurb: “Hello!

Welcome to Something…

If you haven’t heard of us before let me tell you a bit about what you will find. The collections include a unique selection of gifts, homeware, jewellery, handbags, children’s clothes and much more, from a broad range of brands and niche designers.

If you are near the store at 58 Lamb’s Conduit Street WC1 come in and see us. Click on our ‘About Us’ section below for more information.

Love Toni x”

First impressions: You know those cute little quintessentially English boutiques that you simply can’t walk past? This is an online version! The enticing home page (a photo of their physical boutique) just begged me to step in and have a browse…

Ease of Use: The site was very easy to navigate, divided logically into departments, with clear thumbnail images of stock, leading to details and price when clicked. Also easy to view the full site from my iPad – essential for commuter retail therapy, darling!

Pros: Some adorable gift ideas, good range of prices, an appealing site to look at (unlike so many other generic carbon-copy websites).
Prompt delivery, with the option of same day delivery for emergency gift purchases! This site is just the most super find!

Cons: Not really a con, as the organisation into departments is sensible, but it does lack some of the charm and spontaneity of exploring a boutique and happening upon that fabulous quirky item…

Value for money:. Good. Nice range of items and useful “gifts under £25″ feature

Stockists:

Name of product: Aromatherapy Associates – Renew Rose Massage & Body Oil

Price: £36 100ml

The blurb: Aromatherapy Associates have created a fantastic range of products for the skin, bath and body care that transforms a daily routine into something opulent and deeply luxurious!

According to the Aromatherapy Associates web site;

“Get your skin looking gorgeous and radiant with our intensively nourishing Renew Rose Massage & Body Oil, fragranced with beautiful, natural pure essential oils. Natural plant extracts and essential oils – pure nature, nothing else added

Nourish and regenerate your skin with uplifting rose absolute and natural oils. Easily absorbed essential oils tone, leaving skin silky-smooth. Evening primrose, which is rich in fatty acids, conditions and smoothes skin. Particularly effective for dry and dehydrated skin and after sun exposure

The Renew body range combines rich blends using rose oil and damask rose water, which nourish the skin – leaving it glowing, soft and smooth to touch

Reading from the accompanying press release;

“This product is an intensively nourishing blend of essential oils, ideal for improving the condition of dry, devitalized or irritated skin and effective against stretch marks during pregnancy” (wonderful if it will work on stretch marks) Apparently the oils will tone, the rose oils giving one a euphoric, feel-good feeling (could do with that after the week I’ve had), “the neroli oil has a soothing effect, so great for relaxing body and mind, whilst the evening primrose oil will soften and smooth the skin”

First impressions: Beautifully presented in a rose coloured box with well-designed white and gold lettering on the box. Inside is the lovely tall glass bottle containing the rose oil. The oil itself is very yellow, like olive oil. Its extremely runny as one would expect, it glides effortlessly onto the skin but the best thing about it is the fragrance! OHMYGOD – it is divine!

Ease of Use: Directions: Apply daily or as required, to treat sin for dryness and irritation or to help protect against stretch marks. Dermatologically tested and paediatrician approved. Sensible cautions: keep out of reach of children. Natural sedimentation may occur. Store away from light and heat. Once opened best used within 6 months

Pros: This is another outstanding product from Aromatherapy Associates! It absorbs very easily, leaving the skin feeling extremely well nourished, toned and smelling divine. It’s fabulous to apply after a warm bath/shower then leap into bed and sink into that luxurious English rose fragrance

I must admit that I don’t have dry skin, nor have I been exposed in the sun and I’m definitely not pregnant, so I can’t comment on that side of things

Cons: You really have to take pleasure in the scent of roses to enjoy this product

Value for money: 5/5 It is a perfect product, but it is not cheap (neither am I sweeties!)

Stockists: AromatherapyAssociates.com, 3rd floor at Liberties, Space NK, Fortnum & Mason and leading hotel and destination spas worldwide

My perfect poppets recently received a couple of Rubik’s Cubes to review and I have to admit that my own childhood memories came flooding back. As a child I owned a Rubik’s cube that had photos of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on the 6 sides – we all were once so very young and naive (sigh).

Our tiny son Max is now 9 years old and obsessed with a virtual world called Minecraft. He can be so very difficult to impress at times – he thinks we are incredibly old hat! My perfect husband James was actually filled with anticipation, he once won a Blue Peter badge and held a national record for his speed in working out this puzzle – I wish I was joking, my brother-in-law informed us during his best man’s speech (laughs socks off!).

The idea of our children eagerly engaged in something other than a computer game/Nintendo/Wii etc, filled us with glee! James hovered as the poppets eagerly ripped open the packaging.

James was ready to step in, to reveal his aptitude for this puzzle when The Boy Wonder suddenly stood up and ran into the study where he Googled a Youtube tutorial on how to complete a Rubik’s cube – even before he had fully unwrapped it. Max then mixed up the puzzle and completed it first time.

OHMYGOD (clutches chest).

James and I opened a bottle and sat outside on the terrace.

Childhood is not what it was…

TOP TIP: If you want your children to be occupied by this puzzle for more than 15 minutes, cut off their internet access. Our children are far more sophisticated than we were. They consider the puzzles that baffled us “retro” and “sweet” and this pair is just 8 and 9 years old (wails).

Price: From £4.99

Stockists: Online and at branches of Argos

Name of product: Tinc – stationery, gizmos, gadgets and social networking site for children

Price: From 75 pence (piggy scented pencil top) to £17.50 (USB drive) per item

The blurb: “Welcome to Tinc… a colourful, creative world of extraordinary stationery, gizmos and gadgets. An inspiring place where kids of all ages, whether 4 or 44, can come to feed their imagination and re-discover the joy of making, learning and doing. Kit yourself out with our quirky, fashionable stationery. Stick to your favourite colour, or mix it up a bit and clash your greens with your blues. It’s up to you

Then why not visit Tincville, the online community for Tinc lovers. Tincville is the weird and wonderful world of the Tonkins, Kronks, Huggas, Mallos and Floots – five tribes with unique personalities, which exist in quirky and unusual environments

Log in to Tincville to join a tribe and create a profile of your own. Once you are a member, you can share your creations and collections, meet your friends and give and earn Kudos, which will raise your character and your tribe to higher levels

Within the world of Tincville, Pounds are out and Pebs are in. Kids of all ages can have their account loaded with Pebs, which can be used as currency when shopping at www.tinc.uk.com

Pebs save the hassle of digging out a credit card for each Tinc purchase and mean that, as birthdays arrive, family members can give the gift of Pebs. Just a few Pounds will credit your Tinc account with thousands of Pebs, to be spent on some of Tinc’s unique and quirky stationery creations

Tincville. Come on in and join the fun!”

First impressions: I loved the bright zingy colours of the stationary – so many super things to chose from and all so unusual. I can’t wait to bring these into school. There is an electric rubber – how cool is that? The piggy scented pencil top smells so lovely, the velvet pencils, bendy pencil, bendy rubber, bendy ruler and electric sharpener are going to be a hit. Everyone in school will love my new kit!

Ease of Use: The electric eraser is so useful! It actually rubs from side to side without me having to move my hand! Each of the items is awesome as no-one else has them and everyone wants them now! The clever zippy pencil case is super as it unzips into a big string and then you can put it back together. I love my pebble hi-lighter too as you can hang it on the zip necklace around your neck. I even love the water bottle!

Pros: Boys will love these stationery products too as they come in black and white and green and blue as well as pink! There is so much to choose from and it will be easy to find an ideal gift to take along to a party on the fabulous web site!

Although there seems to be only one shop so far, in Bath, there are new stores opening everywhere soon! There is a super online community “Tincville” for free, for games and social networking – it is all good fun. I can load up my pictures and make wish lists and play games. The avatars are superb! You can earn points to go up “kudos” levels if my new online friends “like” the pictures I have put on my Tincville profile page! I can’t wait for all of my school friends to join this site now!

This is definitely going to be the next big hit in the school yard

Cons: There are no shops yet in London. Mummy is not so happy about me using a social networking site yet and doesn’t like me to spend too much time on the computer. She says that when she was my age she was up a tree eating an apple

Value for money:. Nothing on the site is too expensive and there is no monthly charge like Moshi Monsters or Club Penguin. I can add things to my wish list for when it is my birthday. Mummy and even my friends can buy me some of the special currency “Pebs” to spend on stationery on the site.

Stockists: Southgate Street, Bath, and online

Name of product: Molton Brown Intoxicating davana blossom shower satine from House of Frasher Apothecary

Price: £26.50 for 150 mls

The blurb: “A new era of beauty has arrived at House of Fraser. Indulge in Apothecary, our new beauty emporium and discover a wide range of cult, global and niche beauty brands to revitalise your mind and body. You’ll be spoilt for choice with so many lovely brands to choose from; Including Eylure, Rodial and Electric Body

Molton Brown Intoxicating davana blossom shower satine. Seduce your skin with our luxuriously foaming body cleanser, for all skin types”

First impressions: The smell of this product is delicate and feminine. It is beautifully presented, with a sturdy lid and a pump dispenser. The feminine blush colour of the product reflects the scent, which is now over powering or dominating

Ease of Use: This shower sateen is easily dispensed and lathers incredibly well. It is so moisturising that for me, it does away with the need for a body moisturiser if I am travelling light!

Pros: The scent is delicate enough to enhance the enjoyment of a shower, and not so strong that it impairs your favourite scent when applied on top! This is a huge pro for me. The second point about this product is that it will not easily spill in a case or sports bag – many luxurious shower gels are impossible to transport for use at the gym or if dashing off for a business trip. The lid of this product closes securely. I adore luxurious bath and shower products and I love to bring them away with me on business, and also to the gym – many are impossible to take away without first dispensing into fiddly little bottles! Another major pro is that unlike some of the amazing shower gels I have tried, that have a particular scent – one that my husband may love to use too, he will not wear this one, so he leaves this shower gel alone! Hurrah!

Cons: None! I will buy this. I have to say that I am loving the variety of brands on offer at the House of Fraser Apothecary

Value for money: It is not cheap – but then neither am I!

Stockists: Branches of House of Fraser Apothecary and online