The Leifheit Tower 450 dryer is designed to be flexible for different drying needs and can be used inside as well as outside the home. Extra tall, it accommodates up to five washing machine loads and provides a spacious 45 metres of drying space, ideal for drying long laundry. It is equipped with practical extras, providing two coat hanger holders on either side of the dryer's frame as well as 6 hanger loops at the top.

The dryer stands steady with a strong robust steel-frame to support heavy washing. To maximise the use of the whole dryer, the frame is opened with the four tiers hinged horizontally. For space saving, the dryer can fold in half and stand flat against the wall or radiator. With 360 swivel wheels, the dryer is portable for around the home, providing the added ease of moving it on a flat surface, even when fully loaded.

To suit drying different laundry lengths, each tier is adjustable, either set horizontally or left vertically. Drying rails are strong, durable and plastic coated to protect against rust forming.

The dryer stores flat for convenience. Each shelf swings vertical and dryer folds inwards.

Open: H 176 x W 69 x D 73 cm. Closed: H 171 x W 69 x D 6.5 cm.

Weight: 5.4kg.

About Leifheit

Leifheit's wide range of Airers and Dryers are designed for practicality, ease and functionality and are sufficiently robust for frequent use.

Leifheit offers something for every home. For over 50 years Leifheit has been one of the leading suppliers of household goods in Europe and - true to their motto - have "always better ideas". Their innovative products with trendsetting designs are of highest quality and are one of the characteristics of the Leifheit brand to make life at home easier and more convenient. Leifheit's laundry care products are well made to ensure laundry is fresh, clean and well kept whilst aiming for maximum functionality and attractive design.

I have considered having one of these airers for some time. The radiators in my house are never on enough to dry/air clothes successfully and so I have a standard clothes airer which is great, however I need more space and so this seemed the ideal answer. However, I was not impressed and I don't think it is right for me. 

I first tried it with towels - however if you hung a large towel on the top, you couldn't use any other shelves because it hung down. You also couldn't hang a towel on the outer bar because the racks rest on a bracket at the end, which also cut out drying space. Wet towels are heavy and I did not feel confident that with regular use that the bars would last for a long time. 

I then tried it with a regular load and there is lots of drying room for underwear etc however I had similar problems with not being able to hang long or bigger items but small underwear is perfect.

I did like option of unclicking the lower shelves to let long items hang down and the unit remained sturdy with less shelves in. This also meant that when ironing I could have the unit beside me and hang the shirts on hangers. 

The unit also stores really compactly with all the shelves hanging flat so it can be stored behind a door or in a cupboard with ease.

In summary I think i am going to stick with my usual airer and use curtain poles to hang bigger items when I need to get them dry.

I received this item in return for an honest review through the Amazon Vine Programme.

Igenix IG740R Cordless Pyramid Kettle, 1.8 L, 3000 W - Red

Igenix IG740R stylish 1.8 L cordless traditional kettle comes with a special designed handle with soft grip for easy pour action. It features a rear water level indicator window, concealed element, auto cut off when the water boils and a removable washable filter. It has a 360 degree base for right and left handed use and has a large 1.8 L capacity. The kettle is also available in cream Igenix model IG740C.

I have never had a stylish kettle. I don't drink tea or coffee and my husband isn't bothered what the kettle looks like as long as it boils water for his morning cuppa he is happy. However I fell in love with this kettle as soon as I saw it and when I got it delivered and opened the box I loved it even more.

As far as I am aware, a kettle is a kettle - it boils water and that is it. Well, yes this one ticks that box although my husband does believe that i is slower than our old, borning, jug kettle but it isn't that slow so I am not marking it down on that point. The only negative I can think of is that the water indicator is difficult to read - it is at the back of the kettle and when I was filling the kettle from the tap it was closest to me and therefore I think in my shadow and I had to take it away from the tap to read the measure.

I love the bright, shiny red exterior and I also really like the shape of it. Its base design means that it can be swivelled for either left or right handed people, and it's handle shape and design keeps hands well away from the steam, meaning no chance of burning fingers. The handle has a good grip and is comfortable hold.

In summary I would say this is a beautiful design and a good kettle to put in any kitchen.

I received this product through the Amazon Vine Programme in return for an honest review.

Alex Toys Craft - Do-It-Yourself Card Crafter Kit

The ALEX Toys - Craft, Do-It-Yourself Card Crafter, 107C lets you make homemade cards for any occasion. No need for a store-bought card when you can design your own with a personal touch. With (250) pieces in this kit, there are endless possibilities! Stamp your own patterns and create 3D layers! The card set includes (12) printed cards, (12) assorted envelopes, (101) stickers, (47) paper shapes, (30) sticky gems, (40) adhesive foam squares, (3) wooden stamps, stamp pad, (2) rolls of washy tape, twine, glue stick and easy instructions. ALEX is renowned for producing quality craft projects for children of all ages, and this year is no exception. Our signature detail and creativity continues with wonderful new introductions, turning classic crafting into modern projects with a sophisticated look and finish. Parents love the quality ALEX puts into traditional crafts, and kids love that we make them trendy! The ALEX Toys - Craft, Do-It-Yourself Card Crafter, 107C is recommended for children age 6 and up. ALEX Toys takes the mission of providing children with quality creative products that foster personal expression and build self-esteem to heart! ALEX products are currently sold in over 80 countries worldwide in specialty toy and retail shops.

Box contains:

12 x printed cards; 12 x envelopes; 101 x stickers; 47 x precut shapes; 30 x sticky gems; 40 x adhesive squares; 1 x twine; 3 x wooden stamps; 1 x stamp pad; 2 x washi tape rolls; 1 x glue stick; 1 x instructions

I make hand made cards myself and have sold quite a few and so I think i am well aware of the craft making materials on the market. I like to use good quality materials but I am not always keen to 'share' my materials with my children when they want to have a go. To give my daughter her own crafting materials kit would solve this problem and this fits the bill perfectly. 

There is a great selection of crafting materials contained within the kit and includes everything, except a pair of scissors, to get going stratght away, including a glue stick. The kit enables children to have a go at a number of card making techniques, with wood stamps and ink pad, stickers, sticky gems and precut shapes all included, which when mixed and matched will make some fantastic cards for children to send to their friends and families.

The current Amazon price is £14.99 which is a reasonable price, when the individual components are priced up.

I reecived this product through the Amazon Vine Programme in return for an honest review.

A fantastic present to give to a child this Christmas time.

Philips GC2046/20 EasySpeed Steam Iron with 110 g Steam Boost/ Ceramic Soleplate and Safety Auto-Off, 270 ml, 2200 Watt, Blue

• Powerful Pressurised Steam Iron - produces 35g per minute of continuous steam and a powerful 110g steam boost to remove deep creases
• Smart scale clean slider & reminder - takes less than 1 minute to descale for longer steam performance and lifetime
• Safety Auto-Shut Off - The iron will switch off after 30 seconds if left on the soleplate or after 8 minutes if left on the heelrest.
• Ceramic soleplate - durable, scratch resistant and glides easily on all fabrics
• Vertical Steam - iron out creases in curtains or hanging clothes.

I seem to get through irons at the rate of least one per year. I only do my family's ironing, unlike my mum who takes in ironing too, but I don't seem to have much luck with irons. Therefore I have tried out many brands and different styles over the years.

This iron is by Phillips, a brand I have used many times and one I keep coming back to as one of my favourites.

It is a light iron, I used to think that I preferred heavier models but am now becoming a firm favourite of the lighter ones. It is easy to hold, fitting nicely into my hand, without the need to stretch fingers round the handle etc.

It heats up quickly and the temperature is easy to control with an accessible dial, however i did think that the maximum temperature was cooler than previous irons I have owned.

The soleplate is great - I have not managed to scratch it or leave dirty marks on it, like other irons I have used and it glides easily over all fabrics I have tried. It also irons well and no crease has beaten it so far!

The iron's power cord is not the longest I have seen on irons, it would benefit from being extended by 50cm.

The only other fault I could find was the water reservoir - it only holds 270ml of water, which I found to empty quickly - however I do do a large amount of ironing at one time and therefore maybe I need to buy a model with a larger reservoir. Also the reservoir has a cover over to stop spillages, which is a great asset, however I am right handed and I found the hinge on the cover to be awkward - I would prefer it to open the other way to make it easier to use a jug to fill it with. 

In summary, I would recommend this as a great iron for a student leaving home for the first time or for someone who does not have huge amounts of ironing to do, however for myself, as a busy mum, I would prefer an iron with a larger water reservoir and longer flex.

I received this iron, through the Amazon Vine Programme, in return for an honest review.

Edge Beanbags Techbed - A Beanbag Tablet Stand Pillow Bean Bag Cushion Holder for all iPad iPad Mini iPad Air Surface and other ebook readers - 25cm x 25cm x 31cm bean bag.

The Techbed is a genius accessory for all Ipads, notepads, ebook readers and notebooks. Rest your device on a chair arm or snuggle up in bed, the Techbed keeps the device easily balanced - no slipping and sliding. We use the same top upholstery grade fabrics to ensure a hard-wearing but soft feel finish for your techbed.

I can not congratulate this company enough on their customer service & fantastic service. I placed my order, the next day I had confirmation that my Techbed had been despatched and then Philippa rung me the next day to tell me it would be delivered that day and even gave me a 1 hour time slot of when it was to be delivered! I have not received such fantastic service from any other company.

The Techbed itself is a simple product design but it works so well. I was surprised when it arrived at how light the product is. I think I was expecting a heavy Techbed but it is so light. I assume it is filled with bean bag filling or something similar. It fits a range of size hand held devices - I have used it for my kindle paperwhite, samsung tablet and also samsung mobile phone and they all work perfectly. I use it while sitting on the sofa, at the kitchen table or lying in bed and it holds the device at the perfect angle every time.

Fantastic invention, recommend to all.

The Techbed can be bought through Amazon here and is avaliable in ten different colours

Sealy Posturepedic Pocket Spring Back Pillow - Soft

• This pillow provides soft support and is suitable for Front and Back sleepers
• 65 x 40 x 14 cm
• Knitted cover/ 28 Springs & Memory Foam inside
• To clean wipe only
• Guaranteed for 3 years

I suffer from neck and back pain and have been looking for a pillow to support my neck for some time. I usually sleep on my side or front and so wanted something that would support in either position. I think that I have an answer to my hunt in this pillow.

The Sealy Posturepedic pillow is soooo comfy! It is quite a large pillow and I must admit I haven't tried to find a cover for it yet but I think it may need a slightly larger than usual pillow case to cover it comfortably without it being squashed.

This pillow is a soft support but it was supportive throughout the night and I did not feel that I was sinking into the pillow. When I lifted my head in the morning it immediately sprung back to its original shape and was very tempting to just have five minutes more.

The pillow looks expensive - it is very well made and has a beautiful quilted top and bottom. It also feels luxourious, and therefore could easily be used without a pillow case.

I would definitely recomeend this to anyone looking for a new pillow. It is supportive and well made, while looking very expensive.

I received this product in return for an honest review through the Amazon Vine Programme.

Lego Friends Show Stage (41105)

 

When the Lego Friends series of Lego originally was released, I was lucky enough to see some of the first kits through a research panel on an online forum - the outcome was that as with all Lego kits they were fantastic kits, however why the pastel colours? Lego is unisex and does not need to be sugary pink and purple to attract girls to play with it. The debate has continued and I think that Lego have listened to the consumers.

This Lego Friends kit is, dare I say it, more gothic! Blacks, pinks, blues and yellows make up the kit and it is a much nicer colour palette. The actual model will appeal to girls, but I think that it will also appeal to boys too. Lego have released a number of Pop Star Lego Friends Kits and so this can be added to with other kits. This kit is one of the more expensive kits from this range but there is quite a bit for children to construct and will keep them amused for a number of hours. 

There are some tricky bits in the construction of this kit, but as with all Lego instruction booklets, there are fantastic step by step instructions which children age 8+ will be able to follow with little or no help from others.

This would be a great gift to give to children aged 8+ that they will love to build and love to play with for many hours.

I received this product through the Amazon Vine Programme in return for an honest review.

Blog Tour - Moonlight on Nightingale Way by Samantha Young

Logan from Echoes of Scotland Street is back with his own smouldering story, as the bestselling On Dublin Street series returns...Logan spent two years paying for the mistakes he made. Now, he's ready to start over. He has a great apartment, a good job, and plenty of women to distract him from his past. And one woman who is driving him to distraction...Grace escaped her manipulative family by moving to a new city. Her new life, made to suit her own needs, is almost perfect. All she needs to do is find her Mr. Right-or at least figure out a way to ignore her irresistible yet annoying womanizer of a neighbor. Grace is determined to have nothing to do with Logan until a life-changing surprise slowly begins turning the wild heartbreaker into exactly the kind of strong, stable man she's been searching for. Only just when she begins to give into his charms, her own messy past threatens to derail everything they've worked to build...

 This is the sixth, and last, book in the Dublin Street novel series by Samantha Young. This one focuses on Logan, who is readjusting to life outside of prison. He was initially introduced in the fifth book, as Shannon's older brother.

As with all of Young's books this one is full of emotion, great story and those sizzling steamy scenes which I know I will devour! But it's uppermost theme continues to be that of family and friendship in many forms. Each installment has introduced new characters but old favourites continue to pop up, which is like revisiting old friends.

This installment is the perfect end to the series, however I am going to miss the cast of Dublin Street and I hope that Samantha Young's next project is as fabulous as this series has been.

Thank you to the publishers for providing me with a review copy via Net Gallery in return for an honest review.  

Ozeri 4x3razor Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer with Tri-Axis Technology

• New 3D Tri-Axis Bosch Sensor from Germany (with X, Y, Z vector detection) provides superior accuracy in any position.
• Designed for high-performance athletes, the 4x3razor is the world's thinnest and lightest pedometer -- 0.5cm (less than 0.2") thick and weighs just half an ounce.
• Records steps, distance, calories and exercise time with the most advanced Tri-Axis technology.
• Counts up to 1 million steps with 7-Day Memory, and includes a built-in Clock and Sports Timer with Auto Sleep technology
• Razor thin design that fits in any pocket. Ships with a belt clip, extra battery, and detachable lanyard included. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

The Ozeri 4x3 digital pedometer is a small, lightweight pedometer that has lots of potential. It not only measures both steps and distance walked but can also tell the wearer the speed walked and, more importantly to me, how many calories have been burned in each session.

It is a slim line model, with a spring clip on the back making it easy to attach to any waistband. It can easily be hidden under longer tops and can’t be seen due to its sleek design. It is well made, and I have had no problems or system errors in the many months I have been using it.

It is easy to set up and can be used in one of two scales – miles or kilometres. It has the scope to keep 30 days of steps taken, distance travelled and calories burned in its memory

The instructions state the battery should last an average of seven months (based on an average of 10,000 steps per day.

I liked the added feature that it the pedometer would not sense motion like travelling in a car as additional steps taken, there is a suspend feature which prevents motion activation in vehicles.

In summary this is a great pedometer – I have used a number of the free pedometers that companies have given out over time and they are great for someone who is only interested in the number of steps taken each day but for those who wish to train for events or those who wish to use walking as an aid to weightloss I think this is a fantastic pedometer.

I received this product in return for an honest product review.

Dr Miriam Galt Fill and Spill Barn

Introducing a new range of developmental toys for baby’s first year and beyond. Developed with Dr Miriam Stoppard, the UK’s most trusted parenting expert. Each toy is designed to encourage learning through play and includes a play guide written by Dr Miriam with tips on how to play with the toy in the most beneficial way while having fun!A wooden barn with 8 farm animals to put in and take out. Encourages hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity including the important skill of picking up and letting go. All wood is from renewable sources.

A wooden barn with 8 farm animals to put in and take out. Encourages hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity including the important skill of picking up and letting go. All wood is from renewable sources. Part of a range of baby toys developed with Dr Miriam Stoppard, the UK's most trusted parenting expert. Includes a play guide written by Dr Miriam with tips on how to play with this toy in the most beneficial way while having fun!

I work in a children's centre and one of the most popular toys we use is the farmyard and therefore when I was offered this through the Amazon Vine programme in return for an honest review I was very interested in testing it.

First impressions was that it was very nicely packaged and packed within the box, with pieces wrapped in tissue paper to ensure no scratches etc before it was given or bought. The main farm barn is well made, with a removable roof. The corners have been rounded to ensure safe for young hands. It is not a large farm, just the right size as a first farm for toddlers. It is, however, one which can be bought as a first farm and then added to a larger farm set. 

Now, since receiving this item I have had time to consider one issue that I have with this product - the animals are not animal shaped - they are carved out of wood and have a cartoon style animal picture on them, beautiful as they are, but are solid shapes, not proper animals with legs to stand on, or chew on!. This product has been endorsed by Dr Miriam Stoppard, who Galt have said is teh UK's most trusted parenting expert, I am not arguing this, however when I have spoken in the past to Speech and Language experts through my work, they have said that children should see 'real photographic' images of things when learning, therefore surely farmyards should have pieces which look like animals, with four legs which can be grabbed at and a head which can be held, not a shaped piece of wood.

I also found the enclosed leaflet in which Dr Miriam told the reader how to play with the toy rather patronising - it also appeared to me to be too advanced for a 12 month old - Here is a DOG, he WAGS his TAIL and says WOOF WOOF - for example is too much for very young children and although some parents do need tips on playing with their child I do not think the leaflet was very informative.

However, after everything I have said, I do like the actual toy - great size for a young toddler, something which could be used for many years and used as a base for a farm which could, for example, be suggested to people to add to for future birthdays or Christmas, where people could buy separate pieces to add to the farm (eg separate animals, tractors, fencing etc). 

I received this through the Amazon Vine Programme in return for an honest review.

The 20 cm Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with Textured Ceramic Non-Stick Coating from Germany (100% PTFE and PFOA Free)

Utilizing GREBLON -- a natural ceramic coating from Germany, the Green Earth Pan by Ozeri is one of the world's first frying pans to achieve non-stick perfection while remaining absolutely free of PTFE, PFOA and other harmful chemicals. This version of the Green Earth Pan features a textured ceramic cooking surface designed to prevent food bonding for superior non-stick performance. The elevations of the textured cooking surface also create air pockets which distribute heat underneath food to enhance cooking performance. Conventional non-stick cookware is achieved through a coating of PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene), a synthetic substance that has waxy properties. At very high temperatures, PTFE begins to decompose and release fumes which are documented to be lethal to birds and small pets, and which can be harmful to humans. In addition, traditional pans incorporating PTFE are manufactured with the aid of PFOA (PerFluoroOctanoic Acid), which the EPA has classified as a 'persistent pollutant of the environment'. With the Green Earth Pan's GREBLON ceramic from Germany, even under high temperatures, no harmful toxic fumes are ever released into the environment. This is because the Green Earth Pan utilizes a 100% ceramic coating derived from nature - not from a laboratory. The Green Earth Pan's ceramic coating is completely free of PTFE and PFOA. The Green Earth Pan's natural ceramic coating is also far more durable and scratch-resistant than other non-stick surfaces. With better non-stick properties, the Green Earth Pan allows you to cook with as little as half the amount of oil normally used, and it makes cleaning a breeze. The Green Earth Pan by Ozeri is made of the highest quality anodized aluminum that allows for even cooking and fantastic browning without the risk of hot spots. It boasts a magnetized bottom for rapid heat transfer on induction stoves, and a heat resistant silicone coated handle. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

As soon as I received this frying pan I was very pleased with it - it's bright, lime green colour stood out and looked modern and stylish within my kitchen. It was a good weight, although it wasn't too heavy, easy enough to hold in one hand. It felt solid and had the feel of a well made and premium frying pan.

Before reading up on this product I was unaware that other frying pans release toxins when they overheat or when they get old, however this 'green earth' frying pan does not do this. It is 'ecofriendly' and does not release any toxins.

As a household we are trying to eat healthily and do not like to use much oil or fat when cooking. This frying pan requires very little oil - a quick spray is all it takes to get optimum cooking temperatures etc. The frying pan heats up quickly, the handle does not heat up and it can be used to finish food cooking in an oven which I also liked as a feature. The pan also requires very little maintenance. To clean the pan after use it needs only a quick clean with a damp cloth and is ready to use again.

I have used the pan to cook a number of different foods and I have found that there were no foods which stuck while being cooked, they all easily slipped out of the pan when cooked. The pan was perfect for use under the grill or in the oven to finish food cooking.  The only downside that I have found for this pan is that the green outer colour of the pan has become discoloured and stained after over-spill of sauces being made in the pan. These have not come off while being washed and over time is beginning to look 'grubby' however it does not outweigh the pros outlined above.

I am really happy with this pan - it is reasonably priced and as it is available in a number of sizes I am sure that I will be buying more pans in differing sizes soon.

I received this product in return for an honest and unbiased review from Moderna Housewares. 

Bic Evolution ultra-resistant colouring pencils made from recycled materials. These quality colouring pencils are available in 12 vibrant colours and provide great coverage. The highly pigmented quality leads are protected by a unique sheath that makes them resistant to shocks. As they're made from resin, not wood these pencils are chew resistant and won't splinter if broken. 

This special circus pot contains 60 pencils (12 different colours) with matching barrel & tip and a funky contrasting nose cone. 

For more than 60 years Bic has created and produced simple, inventive and reliable products, which are the preferred choice of millions of consumers worldwide! Bic Kids products are made in the expert tradition of Conté, a colour and drawing supply brand renowned since 1794, part of the Bic Group since 1979. BIC manufactures all of the BIC® Kids products.

There are many plus points to these pencil crayons:  good selection of colours, good storage included, bright colours and five of each colour per pot meaning no arguing over wanting the same colour at the same time, easy to sharpen and comfortable to hold and give good courage and deep colour quickly. However I also found that the leads snapped easily and although the storage is good, they are not easy to transport in the pot as there is no lid. I also believe that the RRP of £25 is rather expensive for the pencils, even with the Bic name and manufacture behind them. However at 45p per pencil it is not overly expensive. This pack would be a great idea for schools, nurseries or art groups wanting multiples of the same colour. The colour selection is good, vibrant colours, however there is no black, white or dark brown included which I think is missing from this selection. I like the idea that when the pencils are sharpened there is another bright colour around the lead which all adds to the circus theme (i.e. when the yellow is sharpened, a bright green is revealed).

In summary I think that these pencils are a good purchase for art fans, however they are quite expensive and, dare I say it, too good for children to have as everyday colouring pencils. Keep them for the adults or use on special colouring projects.

I received this product via the Amazon Vine Programme. 

Cole and Mason 16-Jar Filled Hudson Herb and Spice Rack Carousel

Preparing, sharing and enjoying good food is at the heart of every home. Cole & Mason’s high performance, good looking seasoning products help everyone to cook more confidently and create delicious, flavour-packed dishes.

Market leader in salt and pepper mills and expert in seasonings, our knowledge and experience reaches right back to 1919, when our company began. Now we have applied that expertise to herbs and spices.

People today have an appetite for more adventurous dishes using a rich variety of seasonings. At Cole & Mason, we share this enthusiasm and understand how new and exotic ingredients can transform cooking and eating. We also know that the right equipment matters and can take your cooking to a whole new level. From the way it feels in the hand to how it looks in the kitchen or on the table, Cole & Mason seasonings cookware delivers superior performance.

The choice of herbs and spices available today brings bold new flavours and colours into the kitchen. To help food lovers get the most from these ingredients, we have a brand new range of jars, racks and carousels for storing and dispensing herbs and spices, along with stylish pestles & mortars. We believe the Cole & Mason herbs and spices range will quickly become as popular with committed cooks as our salt and pepper mills. And they make great gifts.

The new range of Cole & Mason spice racks really have been designed well, with smoothly rotating bases, and well crafted jars. The lids provide three different options, shake, pour, and seal close. Both spice rack, and carousel have been built sturdy enough for lifting in and out of the cupboard, whilst looking good to leave on the worktop to show off.

The spices included are the best recommendation for each different configuration of spice rack or carousel. This product also comes beautifully packaged so it makes for a great gift.

Box Contains

1 x Spice Carousel

16 x Filled Spice Jars

Product Description

Key features. . Stylish and elegant glass jars. Sleek chrome caps shake, our and seal. Carousel spins for convenience. Re-fillable jars sealed for freshness. Central convenient carrying handle. . . Contents:. . Cumin seed 0.98oz (28g). Ground paprika 0.70oz (20g). Ground bay leaves 0.35oz (10g). Ground parsley 0.19oz (5g). Caraway seed 0.86oz (24g). Fennel seed 0.63oz (18g). Ground dill 0.32oz (9g). Ground mint 0.19oz (5g). Ground cinammon 0.79oz (23g). Coriander seed 0.63oz (18g). Ground basil 0.29oz (8g). Ground oregano 0.14oz (4g). Ground chilli flakes 0.76oz (22g). Ground rosemary 0.57oz (16g). Ground thyme 0.25oz (7g). Ground marjoram 0.110z (3g). .

This is a stylish, sleek and compact spice rack which would not look out of place in any modern kitchen. In black, chrome and clear glass, this spice rack is one which should be on display rather than hidden away.

The jars are a good size and come pre-filled. My only negative re the jars is that the spice names are printed on the lid and it  is not possible to read the names of the jars on the bottom shelf unless you pull each jar out when the top shelf is also full. However as the jars are clear this is not a huge problem - just a little negative. 

The jars all fit in securely and do not fall out easily. The carousel also rotates to enable easy access to each jar, The unit is also lightweight, even when all jars are full. 

The carousel takes up very little room on a worktop counter - about the diameter of a biscuit tin (or one of those chocolate tins everyone has at Christmas time) but contains 16 good size, refillable herb/spice jars.  The herbs and spices which are contained within the unit when initially bought are good quality, aromatic herbs and spices which will flavour cooking perfectly.

The jars each have the easy to use dispenser in the lid, with the option of the lid being closed, sprinkle or open pour dispenser, making it easy to control the amount of herb/spice dispensed at any time. The jars are also comfortable to hold, they are not bulky but are suitable for people with grip problems as they are not slight or flimsy. They appear to be made of a thick glass which, hopefully, means they will be long lasting and will survive the occasional fall on surfaces or floor.

In summary, I really like this carousel. It is smart, sleek and modern, taking up little room on a worktop - however if this is too big to fit a kitchen or is to be given to a reluctant cook who uses few or a confident cook who uses lots of different herbs and spices, there are other units in the range to suit these cooks too. It would make a great housewarming present or maybe for a student leaving home for the first time.

I received this through the Amazon Vine Programme.

Me To You Tiny Tatty Ted Cuddly Comforter

A cute comforter toy which makes the perfect gift for a special baby boy. Soft and snuggly, it’s suitable from birth once all tags and packaging have been removed.

Tiny Tatty Teddy is a loveable grey teddy bear with a blue nose and a warm heart. He has soft fur and cute patches, and he’s always looking for cuddles.

This adorable Me to You teddy bear appears on a fantastic range of beautiful baby and toddler products. Gorgeous designs feature soft, neutral colours, which means that Tiny Tatty Teddy gifts are perfect for baby girls and boys!

A Tatty Teddy Bear comforter made by soft toys and gifts manufacturer Carte Blanche . This cute cuddly toy is suitable from birth and is from the desirable Me To You Tiny Tatty Teddy Collection. Coming in a presentation gift box this makes the perfect gift. There are more Tatty Teddy gifts available in the Me to You Tiny Tatty Teddy collection including comforters snowglobes and soft toys.

Tatty Ted/ Me To You bears are very popular and I don't think it matters what age or gender you are, a tatty ted bear is one of those characters which everyone likes.

This Tatty Ted is one of the Tiny range. Aimed at gifts for new babies and their families they make adorable presents for a new birth or christening gift. This Cuddly Comforter is made  in the softest of materials. It is a teddy bear's head and arms with a blue blanket that can be grabbed and held tight by the littlest of hands! 

It is packaged perfectly and would make the perfect gift for a newborn. It is also available in pink, however before this could be bought as a gift it is necessary to know the gender of the child as unfortunately no neutral option is available. 

This is a high quality, well made, licensed character gift, suitable for births or christenings. It is a reasonable price and packaged beautifully.

I received this through the Amazon Vine Programme.

Top of the Lake DVD Release and Competition

From Oscar® winning writer/director Jane Campion and the Oscar® winning producers of The King’s Speech, Top of the Lake is a powerful and haunting mystery story set at the edge of the world starring Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), David Wenham (Lord of the Rings), Peter Mullan (War Horse) and Holly Hunter (The Piano). Top of the Lake BBC DVD and Blu Ray release is available from 19th August and comes with exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew.

Top of the Lake begins with a mystery - Tui, a 12 year old girl, walks chest deep into the freezing waters of an alpine lake in New Zealand. She is five months pregnant and won’t say who the father is. Then she disappears. 

Robin Griffin is a gutsy but inexperienced detective called in to investigate. But as Robin becomes more and more obsessed with the search for Tui, she slowly begins to realise that finding Tui is tantamount to finding herself - a self she has kept well hidden. 

Set against one of the most amazing and untouched landscapes left on the planet, Top of the Lake is a powerful and haunting story about our search for happiness where the dream of paradise attracts it’s dark twin, the fall.

From the very first second, this TV series takes you on a journey to the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. The first scene is very haunting as Tue, 12 years old, begins to walk into a lake. Thankfully she is rescued, but it is not until she is taken to a hospital that the frightening truth begins to unfold, she has been raped and is five months pregnant. 

Added to the poignancy of the first scene is the silence. As the viewer watches this young girl walking into the lake, water up to her neck, you could hear a pin drop until suddenly a woman's voice breaks the silence, trying to stop the girl from continuing to walk further and deeper into the water.

A local women is contacted to lead the police investigation. A career orientated woman who had left her hometown to further her career in the police force, however has returned due to the ill health of her mother. It soon becomes clear that Detective Robin Griffin actually left the hometown because of more than just a new job oppurtunity. As the series progress, viewers soon see that not is all as it seems in the village. 

An area of land, called The Paradise, is believed by some locals to be an area on which no one should step, however a women's refuge is set up on the land, a small commune where women live in 


I found the script writers to be very clever; in parts the dialogue was at a mimimum, almost silence for minutes, but then in others there was lots, all adding to the mysterious air that seemed to be throughout the series.

I was unsure if I liked the series after watching the first episode, however by the end of episode 2 I was hooked until the last episode.  There were twists and turns throughout the series which was cleverly written and although some may have been foreseen, many came as a shock which all added to the series draw. 

The series is set in beautiful scenery and coupling this with fantastic script writers has made this a series that should be watched by anyone who enjoys a good drama. 

The box set also contains extra behind the scenes interviews with both cast and crew which are well worth a watch.  The high calibre cast list and Oscar winning writer all add to the excellence of this series, one which I am sure will be shortlisted for awards in the coming year.

Thank you to The Big Shot for sending me the series to review.

The box set DVD can be bought from both Amazon and Itunes
It is also avaliable on Blu Ray from Amazon Blu Ray. 


The lovely people at The Big Shot have offered a copy of this fantastic series on DVD to one of my blog followers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kobo Arc

Kobo Arc is the only premium eReader on the market. Designed for the discerning reader, Kobo Arc offers a completely immersive reading experience and the most paper-like E Ink display*. Get lost in your favourite eBooks thanks to Kobo Arc's advanced, high-resolution, extra-large screen and elegant, inspired design. For readers who want the best, Kobo Arc is your eReader of choice.

I was recently sent a Kobo Arc to review. I already have a different eBook reader which I use, although I still find myself reaching for the traditional paperback to curl up with at night and so was wondering how often I would actually use the Kobo Arc during my two week testing period. I found myself using the unit every night to check into social media sites before I read a few chapters of my book. It was a lot more convenient to use to do a little surfing or checking emails than using my laptop.

When I received the unit I was immediately surprised how light the unit was – it weighed little more than my own eBook readers, surprisingly a lot lighter than my husband’s tablet. It is very sleek in design, with inbuilt speakers. I was able to hold it comfortably in one hand (I have quite small hands). The screen is a reasonable size, larger than my existing reader, although smaller than many tablets – however when using the unit it was easy to hold, fitting in the palm of my hand and easy to hold between thumb and outstretched little finger. It would fit easily into everyday handbags or laptop cases, although I would have to use it within an additional cover/case to protect the screen from accidental damage.

When turning on the unit I was able to easily set it up for home Wi-Fi access, enabling me to access the Kobo bookstore to fill up the reader with newly released books at reasonable prices, however I did not see as many offers and cheap prices as on other eBook stores.  I have, in the past, bought a number of books from Amazon and was able to also download these to the reader using the Amazon Kindle App available from Play Store.  There is also a taste app which, through a number of trial book selections, will suggest future reading when looking for a next book to read.

Kobo Arc takes E Ink clarity to the next level. Clarity Screen+ delivers an incredibly crisp, clear reading experience because with a 1440 x 1080 resolution and 265 dpi, it's the best E Ink screen on the market.* Enjoy a completely glare-free eReading experience anytime, and rest assured that your eReader's screen is durable in the face of scratches and drops

Thanks to seamless page turns, automatic bookmarks, adjustable fonts, and text so razor sharp you can throw away your glasses, Kobo Arc offers an unrivalled reading experience.

I spent many evenings reading books on the unit. I found the screen easy to read and really liked the E ink display which was very clear and caused no eye strain or tiredness when reading for hours on end. It is also possible to select one of many different fonts to read a chosen book in, which I have not seen on other eReaders. It was easy to read in both sunshine and dull weather, with no glare on the screen from the sun or artificial lighting.

I also do a lot of cross stitch and I was able to email my working chart to the tablet and then read the pattern from there instead of having flimsy paper copies spread out on the settee. The charts were in both colour and black and white and were easy to read on the screen – I could also zoom in on complicated parts to ensure correct stitching.

Comfort Light is a breakthrough front-light that's perfect for reading in any lighting condition. The revolutionary Comfort Light is incredibly even and adjustable for a beautifully lit night-time reading experience. And because ComfortLight illuminates the page, rather than emitting light outward toward your eyes, you'll enjoy a truly comfortable read. 

I found that I was able to read easily during the evenings and did not need to turn on other lights when it went dark, therefore not disturbing others who were watching television while I was reading at night.

Quirky additions included giving how much of book had been read in both % and pages remaining, also there was a ‘reading time’ clock and time remaining clock shown on main screen for selected book.

I was also able to access Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter on the unit. There is a full QWERTY keyboard accessible via the touch screen and it was easy to both read and make posts/tweets.

Surfing the internet was also very easy – with websites loading quickly and it was easy to navigate around the sites.

My husband was able to use the unit to take photos and had a good time manipulating the photos using the software already installed. I must admit I didn’t realise that there was a camera on the Kobo and had not tried this, it was not clearly evident from the screens but once found it was easy to use and to post photos directly to twitter and/or Facebook. The clarity of the photographs was very clear.

I was also able to install apps on the unit for many of the current popular games: Candy Crush and Logo Quiz were two that I tried. It was easy to play both games and the graphics looked crisp and defined throughout.

One point which my husband made was that there were only two screens for adding short cuts etc – however with the making of Tapestries possible (see below) this enabled more ‘screens’ to be utilised.

Kobo Arc has staying power. Kobo Arc’s battery can stand up to 10 hours of reading or two weeks on standby. 

The Arc was charged from flat in about four hours and although the battery life is stated at up to ten hours reading time, this was greatly reduced when surfing the internet or playing games. However I was able to use the tablet for  a couple of hours surfing and then an hour or two’s reading before having to put it back on charge.

Tapestries

Kobo’s exclusive interface, Tapestries, allows you to organize your content thematically and pin media you find interesting into customized groups. Tapestries also figures out what you’re interested in, based on what you’ve pinned and collected, and suggests content that appeals to your personal interests.

I found this really useful. Very similar to Pinterest, I was able to surf online bookstores and websites and instantly save images or links as I wanted to one place. It was easy to set up individual Tapestries for all of my interests and pin media as I found it. It is also possible to have Tapestries within Tapestries, therefore meaning lots could be made and stored on the device, however this could become confusing if there were a number of Tapestries within Tapestries. If the unit was being used as a family device, it would have been useful if Tapestries could be password protected to stop youngsters accessing material not suitable for their young eyes.

Cinematic sound

Kobo’s built-in front-facing speakers direct sound toward your ears so you catch every last whisper with incredible clarity. Enhance the audio experience with SRS TruMedia™*, a feature-rich audio solution tuned specifically for tablet devices, so each sound cuts through the background din in full, rich volume. Surround yourself with sound in an incredible, cinematic headphone experience.

I found I was able to listen to music, enabling me to have music on the go, which was of good quality. I did not watch any movies on the device but watched short video clips which played clearly and also was of good quality.

In summary – I did like the device and I used it every night of the two weeks for which I had it on loan. It was nice to be able to check mail and social media sites without having to get the laptop and on a screen bigger than my Smartphone. I liked the size of the unit – it was lighter and smaller than my husband’s tablet, meaning I could hold it in one hand and curl up with it on the sofa for night time reading and I was very impressed with the display. My husband likes to watch movies etc at night and I was able to read without having to have any lights on, disturbing his viewing. However, I am unsure if I was choosing a unit to buy if it would be a Kobo – due to having bought many books in Kindle format and Kindle appear to have a larger selection of books available, and lots more special offers on price.

My children (aged 9 and 11) also had use of the device for a short time and were able to connect to the internet and play games on it with no problems incurred. It was just the right size for them to hold too. It would be a great device to keep in my handbag when I knew we were going to appointments or where they would be sat around waiting for some time. There was a selection of children’s books also available in the online store that would have been suitable for both ages.

I was offered the use of a Kobo Arc device for two weeks in return for an honest review. Thank you to Cherish PR for sending me the unit.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep

We've got your back even in the middle of the night! When baby stirs or startles, this Sleep SheepÕs sound-activated sensor automatically restarts its soothing white noise to ease your baby back into slumber.

Features:

Plays soothing sound options:

Mother's heartbeat

Spring showers

Ocean surf

Whale songs

Special sensor to activate sound

Responds and restarts its soothing sounds when baby vocalizes

Three sound sensitivity levels to adjust the sensor to environmental noise

Restarts from the last melody played at the same sound level last selected Plush character and sound box features

Two sleep-timer options: auto shut-off in 23 minutes or 45 minutes

Classic style sleep cap Ð exclusive to Sleep Sheep-Smart Sensor

Requires 2 AA batteries; batteries are included

Suitable for ages Birth +

A lovely soft sheep toy which is programmed with a number of different sounds, chosen to assist in getting young babies back to sleep with minimum contact from parents. It is in neutral colours and is therefore suitable for both boys and girls and will suit any nursery decor. 

My first impressions of this product was that it is well made, very soft touch and child friendly. There are Velcro straps on the back to enable the toy to be attached to a cotside, out of reach of children. 

The choice of sounds are relaxing and there are sure to be a sound that every child likes. The toy has a sensor which means the sound will restart when the child makes a noise - this is great as an adult does not need to go to the cot/basket when the child reawakens. There is also a timer which automatically shuts off the sound. 

The removable sound box makes it easy to wash and clean. The removable sound box also means that when the child is too old for the relaxing sounds it can still be used as a cuddly toy.

It is a great idea for a present for a newborn baby. 

I received this through the Amazon Vine Programme. 

BT Home SmartPhone

The UK's number one phone brand* brings you a revolutionary new touch screen phone that enables you to surf the web, check emails, update Facebook, and download apps, all on your home phone. No need to fire up your laptop to go online, BT's Home SmartPhone is always on and one tap away from the information you're after. Fed up with the kids taking your mobile to go online or play games? Get the Home SmartPhone for the family to keep everyone happy, and keep your mobile as your own personal device. This BT SmartPhone brings the home phone into the 21st century, making it the phone for the connected home.

Touch Screen

The 3.5" capacitive touch screen allows you to quickly and easily search the web, including the ability to zoom in and out using the pinch of your fingers.

Downloadable Apps

You'll find that the BT Home SmartPhone comes pre-loaded with Facebook and Twitter apps, allowing you to easily keep in touch with friends and family on your social networks as well as over the phone. Keep yourself entertained with Tune-In Radio and YouTube, or choose from games, tools and loads more apps to download through the Opera mobile apps store.

Browsing Online

Want to search online and don't want to wait for your computer to boot up? Use the Home SmartPhone to quickly find what you want, wherever you are in the house. With the flexibility offered by the BT Home SmartPhone, you'll be able to look up recipes online in the kitchen, or check your email in the garden. You can even call direct from selected telephone numbers online just by clicking on the number and selecting "Call".

Save up to 300 numbers, giving you all your contacts at your fingertipsAll the Standard Phone Features You'd Expect

• See at a glance who's calling with caller display
• Never miss a message with 24 min recording time on the answer machine
• Record your own greeting or choose one of ours
• Don't miss important messages when your away from home, access your messages remotely
• Listen to your messages privately through the handset, or play them using the hands-free speaker

Plus Additional Smartphone Features

• Store all your favourite music on the phone and play it around the house with the video and music player and 2GB expandable memory
• Comes with a front facing camera**, so if you want to go online and make video calls your friends can see you while you chat

Freedom to Move Around

The BT Home SmartPhone features a long range of up to 300m, allowing you the freedom to walk around in and outside your home without interrupting your call. You can also talk while doing other tasks thanks to the hands-free function - bringing the caller's voice into the room and letting you get on with things while you chat. You'll find this phone to be perfect for those long conversations, with a talk time of 8 hours and a standby time of up to 80 hours.

Crystal clear sound means you won't miss a word. Our phones are stringently tested in the UK to ensure they all meet our high standards.Quality Built-in

Even Better for the Environment

Eco credentials come as standard with this BT Phone and it's good to know the packaging it comes in is recyclable. You also find that the BT Home SmartPhone uses an energy-efficient power supply so is kind to the environment as well as your wallet.

What's in the (Recyclable) Box?

• One base station
• One Charger unit
• One mains power supply
• One handset
• One telephone line cord
• One USB mains power supply
• Rechargeable battery
• User guide

* UK's Best Selling Landline Phone Based on Sales Source: GfK RT UK Landline Phone Market in Volume & Value, March 2012 - March 2013
** The BT Home SmartPhone comes with a 1 megapixel camera out of the box which will be upgraded to 2 megapixel with over the air (OTA) free software update.

Box Contains

Handset
Rechargeable Battery
Charger
Base Station
Power Supply Unit
Line Cord
User Guide

I have been using this telephone for nearly one month. When I originally received the box, I was able to set the telephone up very quickly. Very easy to install as soon as it is taken out of the box. I was able to set it up on my home WIFI and was able to surf the Internet. It is possible to set up both facebook and twitter on the handset, however I was disappointed to find no parental controls to protect these from use by my children.

I have used the phone for both telephone calls and Internet use. For phone calls, the phone allows clear and crisp calls, easy to use. I liked the ability to import telephone books from other devices and was able to manually input contacts into the phone - great as my husband and children will not look a number up in my handwritten address book and expect me to recite numbers from memory at the drop of the hat.

I do, however, have a number of negative points regarding this phone.

• The handset feels cheap and light. It does not feel like it will last - my mobile phone feels well made and I am 'confident' that if it is dropped, the handset will still work, however this handset does not feel like it will last many drops. 
• there is no option to lock the handset to stop little hands from exploring. I found on a number of occasions that someone had been messing with the phone and things had been activated to make all calls Internet calls rather than normal telephone calls which meant I had to spend half an hour going through menus to deactivate it.
• On one occasion the power supply for the 'hub' had come out, however when looking at the phone it looked like it was all OK and ready to go. It wasn't until I went to make a phone call I realised there was a problem - it would be helpful for an icon to be visible on the telephone to say there is no reception from the hub.
• I have the ring tone on maximum volume and still find it very quiet - not possible to hear the ring when in a different room which is a problem as there is only one handset. Only solution is to carry phone around every time you leave the room

I think that it is a nice phone but not suitable for families with children who like to fiddle with apps etc. It is also not suitable for families with very young children who are likely to drop the phone as I don't feel that it is a very sturdy phone. It is great for people who want a home phone that is like an android smart phone but not for anyone who is a technophobe.

I received this product through the Amazon Vine Program.