Find Me a Gift Personalised Giraffe PJ Case: A Review

I always struggle to find unique presents when it comes to birthdays or other special occassions. I don't like buying a 'safe' gift and like to surprise the people I love with presents I know they will love and would not already have. For this reason I love sites such as Find Me a Gift.

I was really pleased when they offered to send me something off the site as an early birthday present for Cameron (who turns two in September). I was given a choice of a few items Cameron would love and I ended up choosing the Personalised Giraffe PJ Case as it was something that Cameron would enjoy playing with but was also practical.


What they say:

"This delightful personalised pyjama case is ideal for both adults and children. Now you can keep your pyjamas stashed safely away with our Personalised Giraffe Pyjama Case. They're perfect for birthdays and great for both boys and girls.
This personalised pyjama case can be made unique with a name and message of up to 40 characters (including spaces). Whoever you are buying it for, they are sure to appreciate the thought that went into this gift. Doubling up as a soft toy, our plush Giraffe Case will be treasured. You could even buy a pair of pyjama's or pop a cute little note inside, for some extra thought.
If you’re looking for a unique children's gift then our Giraffe Pyjama Case is a great option! Practical and fun for storing nightwear until it's time for bed".


What I say:


The gift came really quickly and I was impressed with the quality of the giraffe and how nice and soft it was. I didn't get long to admire it though as Cameron had seen me open it and he wanted it right away!

I was able to personalise the gift which means that even though Cameron is getting the present early, he will always have the birthday message from me on the gift to look back on. I think being able to personalise a present is a really nice touch and as I was given a maximum of 19 characters per line for 3 lines I was able to fit on 'Happy Birthday Cameron love mummy xx'.

It would also make a lovely present for a new baby or as a Christening/Naming Day present with the child's name and DOB. If there was one thing I wasn't 100% happy with it would be that the wording is coming away slightly on a couple of letters, which means that with time it may come away completely. This is probably just unfortunate and not the same with every product however.

Cameron absolutely loves the giraffe and has not put it down since getting it. He wouldn't even let me take a photo of it alone for the review until he had gone for his afternoon nap! I showed Cameron where he could put his pjs in the back section (which is quite roomy and would definitely have no problem housing a pair of kids pjs) and he found it amusing and will no doubt put his toys in there instead as he does with most toys with space to do so. Cameron definitely prefers to use the giraffe as a cuddly toy rather than a case for his pjs but no doubt he will love using it to carry some of this toys or clothes when we go away to France tomorrow for the weekend.

Rating: 4/5 This would have got a 5/5 if it hadn't of been for the missing birth certificate and some lettering coming away.

Overall I am really impressed with the giraffe. One thing I was a bit confused about was that I was informed the product I would be getting was the new version of the giraffe, one that came with a birth certificate, but upon receiving the gift it definitely didn't have a birth certificate with it. As this was a free gift I am not too concerned, but I would be annoyed if I had of chosen and paid for the new version and not received what I had ordered.

I think this is a great gift for any child. I think Cameron is the perfect age to really enjoy the cuddly toy aspect but a slightly older child might find it more fun t use as a pj case. I also think that it would make the perfect gift for a Christening or birthday for a young child. The fact that it can be personalised free of charge makes the gift even more special and I will definitely be using Find Me a Gift in the future as their service is great, prices reasonable and products of good value.

Disclaimer: I was sent this product to review but everything I have written is my own opinion. I have reviewed the product as I would if it had been bought with my own money.

Product Review: Balance Me Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve

As all my money currently goes on bills, food and baby stuff I haven't been able to do any product reviews of late. I have a Glamour subscription I got through trading in Nectar points so I got the latest issue through my front door along with the free gift of a lip salve. I am not one for wearing lip salves or balms often, although lately my lips have been feeling very chapped and dry so this came at a good time!

What they Say:

 

Discover our new, petroleum-free, 100% natural ultra-moisturising intensive lip salve. A daily beauty-must for salve addicts to plump, protect and smooth away dry patches on lips and leave them kiss-ably soft.
We’ve blended super hydrating 100% natural hyaluronic acid and highly emollient and protective pharma grade lanolin to plump and smooth; our trio of organic shea, mango and cocoa butters to soften and protect against the elements; vitamin and essential fatty acid-laden rosehip, jojoba and virgin coconut oils to soothe and hydrate with rose otto, rose geranium and palma rosa to calm and balance.
Apply daily as often as your lips demand. Our handy slanted applicator is ‘no mess’ and functional. For extra sensational lips, mix with your favourite lip colour on your finger tip, and apply to give lips a colourful, silky satin finish.
Balance Me uses the latest hi-tech natural ingredients and exquisite active aromas to create super natural anti-ageing skincare that delivers amazing results and brings your skin back into balance.

What I Say:

The scent of this lip salve was really overpowering, especially when on my lips, which really put me off to be honest. This might have affected me more than others as I am pregnant, I'm not sure. I can't fault the salve on its consistency as it came out the perfect amount which also meant less waste. It wasn't sticky or gloopy once on and I would have forgotten I was wearing it had it not been for the scent.



Rating:       

3.5/5 stars: If it hadn't of been for the overpowering smell of this lip salve it would have gotten a 5/5. Give it a try, especially if you get it free with Glamour as I did.

Product Review: Totally TLC Hydrating Mask

I haven't bought magazines for awhile as none of them have seemed worth it. However, I spotted the new issue of Glamour and in a typical girl move, I bought it because a) it was pink and b) it had free beauty stuff with it. The magazine had a choice of four products: a shampoo, conditioner, mask and finishing polish. I went for the mask as my hair is colour treated and not in the best condition.

What they say:

'Try this decadent treat for stressed-out locks. It contains marshmallow to nourish and coconut oil to condition'.

What I say:

This was a smaller product than the one I found online but definitely a good size for a free product. I like the no nonsense packaging and think it makes it look expensive (which for my budget, it is). I loved how the product smelt, I think it was the marshmallow scent which came through the most. I find it tough to keep hair masks on for as long as they tell you to as I rarely have any time when I take a shower. For the sake of a fair trial I sat and twiddled my thumbs for the required ten minutes, with a towel wrapped around my conditioned hair.

I was also dubious of the instructions to smooth in from root to tip as I always avoid my roots to prevent greasiness. Again, I decided to follow the instructions rather than my own intuition and lathered it all the way up. The first thing I noticed when I was finally allowed to wash it out was how silky my hair felt. The product seemed to wash out really easily and left my hair really nice and soft. I wrapped my hair in a towel and left it to naturally dry for a couple of hours as I usually do, before blow drying it and running the straighteners through it briefly.

Upon drying it, I noticed how heavy the top of my hair felt. Drying it was hard, even having left it for so long to dry naturally. My hair felt heavy and greasy towards the roots and I was a bit annoyed with this as it meant that straightening it also left my hair feeling a bit like I hadn't washed it for a few days. I also didn't feel like my hair was that much softer once dried and styled. The thing the product did seem to do to my hair was make it even thicker. This wasn't something I had thought the product would do, and not something I wanted to happen particuarly as I already have very thick hair. However, this might be a bonus for other people who maybe don't have such thick hair. I also feel that my hair may have been repaired slightly from the product and that, if I had done as I usually do, and avoided the root area, it may have worked better and not made my hair feel greasy.

I will be using this again but only on the mid lengths to ends of my hair and see if it works better for me. For a free product I think this is great, however, I would definitely not purchase this myself for the full price of £12. In my opinion there are much better products out there for cheaper (namely my own Aussie Miracle intensive conditioner).

Did you get this month's Glamour magazine? Which product did you choose?

Rating:

3.5/5 This is a good product, but not worth its price tag and not the best out there. Nice scent and silky soft hair upon application but I was left feeling disappointed with greasy roots and thicker hair

Product Review: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

I have worn the same foundation for the last few years and have never had a problem with it so had no intention of changing to another one. However, on a recent trip to Superdrug, my shade of foundation was not in stock and I needed foundation quite urgently for going out last night. I was going to get the Bourjois Healthy Mix as I had heard rave reviews on my recent makeup course. I spotted the latest foundation from Rimmel as well and it looked quite good and promised to wake up tired skin (mine is probably the most tired skin around at the moment!). It also went on easily when I tried the tester so I bought it.

What they say:

"Wake Up and Glow!

Finally. Your new beauty partner that keeps up with your fast-paced lifestyle.

Introducing new Wake Me Up Foundation from Rimmel London. Rimmel’s first liquid foundation that instantly reawakens skin with a healthy, radiant glow.

It’s time to wake up – the light, smooth texture glides on easily to give a 100% pore-less and flawless complexion. Spoil yourself with SPF 15 sun protection and illuminating radiance pearls for a natural glow. A peptide formulation helps increase your skin’s elasticity and a vitamin moisturizing complex also leaves you looking healthy and fresh. Your skin will bounce back to life – even if your body is thinking otherwise.

No longer do you have to face fatigue in the mirror. Immediately eliminates visible signs of tiredness so skin looks rejuvenated. Also minimising signs of premature ageing. Wake Me Up works just as hard as you – staying put for up to 10 hours and giving you a natural, medium to full coverage. So even if you’ve had a few hours sleep, you can look radiant and younger.

Let last night’s late bedtime be a secret. Discover beauty sleep in a bottle, from Rimmel London"

What I say:

I was dubious about trying a new foundation having been so happy with my old one. However, I liked the packaging of this foundation as it was nice and bright (which goes well with what it promises to achieve). It quite heavy, which made me feel I was getting more for my money, although this is more likely due to it being in a glass dispenser! I liked that only a small amount of product came out when you pumped it as it means less wastage. I did use a few pumps, but this was mainly because my skin looked awful. The foundation provides great coverage, all my red skin and blemishes were covered well with not too much product. I also loved how dewy it made my skin. I did look a lot more awake after applying it.

This is my skin with just the foundation on. I think it is a really good colour match and will definitely be using this again. I have only worn it this morning so cannot comment on how long it lasts (I am dubious any foundation can last as long as they promise) but so far, I am happy with this foundation and would recommend it to others.

Rating:

5/5 Cannot fault it. Good price (£8.99), good coverage and makes my skin glow!

Product Review: Batiste Dry Shampoo Cherry

I bought this when it had first come out in Boots but with the move I have been unable to post about it until now. I was a bit unsure whether I would like this scent or not as I have never really cared either way about the smell of cherries. I had a quick smell of it in the shop and thought it smelt quite nice so I bought it.

What they say:

The can has the usual blurb stating that the product banishes oily roots and gives dull and lifeless hair 'the makeover it needs without any water'. As this new product doesn't do anything different as such, there are no added promises. It just states that it is a 'fruity and cheeky cherry' scent.

What I say:

I have loved the batiste range of dry shampoo ever since I first used them so I was not disappointed with the product itself. It does exactly what it says on the tin, which is to refresh my slightly greasy hair in between washes as well as providing a little oomph to flat hair when I have been laying on it or out in the cold weather. The scent is nice and fresh and girly without being overpowering and I would say it is my favourite of their scents so far. I have found some of the others a bit too strong so this was perfect. I would definitely recommend those who like the Batiste range to try out this new scent as it is one of the best and perfect as we come (slowly) into spring.

Rating:

5/5 Would definitely recommend to others!

Product Review: 17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer

I recently posted a beauty wishlist and said that I would most probably break my spending ban to buy the 17 primer, and a few days later I did.... I hadn't bought a new primer since my last one (maybelleine) had run out before Christmas so I was in need of one....

What they say:

"17 Photo Flawless Primer helps you achieve picture perfect preparation"

What I say:

This is my new favourite primer. Maybelleine's primer is good but at double the price, I won't be going back to it now. The primer says that it helps foundation stay put for longer but I haven't noticed it staying any longer than when I wasn't using a primer to be honest. However, it does make my skin so much smoother which allows for a better application of makeup, as well as making my pores look smaller and my skin overall look smoother.

The primer comes out a little watery at first but once I had rubbed the tube between my palms to warm it up a bit it came out nice and thick and I only needed a pea sized amount for my face.

I am really happy with this product, and for under a fiver I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a primer which won't break the bank.

Product Review: Vera Wang Preppy Princess Perfume

I have been in love with Vera Wang perfumes since I got Rock princess for a present a couple of years ago. I was really happy to receive the Preppy Princess scent for Christmas from my mum.

What they say:

"Edgy, confident and cool, Preppy Princess rules the city in her plaid and pearls.

Her scent is as unexpected as she is; an eclectic blend of Tangerine, Red Apple, Honeysuckle, Woods and Coconut Water. A luscious woody-fruity fragrance fit for a true uptown-downtown fashionista.

The Princess flacon is revamped in hot pink, capped with a royal blue brown with inlaid pearls and finished with a splash of blue and white plaid.

Top Notes: Tangerine, Red Apple, Crushed Berries.

Heart Notes: Honeysuckle, Jasmine.

Base Notes: Sensual Woods, Coconut Water"

What I say:

I must admit, the bottle of this really put me off purchasing it myself in the past as I just think it screams chav.... However, it is pink... so I tried to ignore how 'teenage' it looks on my shelf (especially next to Dior) and sprayed it on. The first thing I thought was that it was a 'girly' scent. It smells quite fun and flirty and I plan to wear it when I am with Cameron just hanging around or going to the park or shops. It is quite a full on scent but once that fades slightly, it leaves behind a sweet smell which makes me feel very feminine. I don't think I would get this again, it isn't as nice as the normal princess scent or the rock princess which I really loved, but I will definitely be sticking with Vera Wang, lovely girly scents.

Product Review: Soap and Glory: Getting Glammed Up

Like most girly girls, I am easily drawn in by makeup and as I love Soap and Glory I love that they have branched out into makeup more recently. This Christmas I got a few items of makeup by the brand...

Mother Pucker Lip Gloss in Candy Gloss 7ml

What they say:

"Fasten your seatbelts! It's Super-Colour Sexy Mother Pucker with SUPERFILL™ Lip Plumping Spheres and LIPSWELL™ Volume Boost Technology. As ALL OUT Pout-Plumping as our 'Original Formula', in a seductive Candy Gloss colour with a fabulous vanilla flavour"

 

 

 

What I say:

 

I was very excited to receive this gloss as part of the Big Splendour box set. I have used the Mother Pucker glosses before and find them to be the best lip plumpers I have tried. This shade is lovely and girly. It goes on with just a hint of pink and shimmer and the plumping ingredients have my lips nicely tingling and looking plumper instantly. The vanilla flavour is quite subtle but a lovely touch.

 

Mother Pucker Lip Gloss in Clear 7ml

 

What they say:

 

 

 

"Fasten your seatbelts! It's Super-Colour Sexy Mother Pucker with SUPERFILL™ Lip Plumping Spheres and LIPSWELL™ Volume Boost Technology. As ALL OUT Pout-Plumping as our 'Original Formula', in a fabulous chocolate orange flavour"

 

What I say: 

 

 

 

I got this as part of my present from my younger sister and love it. Like the pink shade, it makes my lips look amazing after one application. This is a clear shade, enhancing my natural lip colour with a gloss that isn't sticky or gloopy. I love how it makes my lips look. This gloss has a gorgeous chocolate orange flavour which I LOVE!

 

 

Arch de Triumph 3.26g

 

What they say:

 

 

"It shapes! It shifts! It lifts for instantly beautiful brows"

 

What I say:

 

I am pretty sure I have already reviewed this, but I couldn't find it, so I will briefly review it again. I again got this from my sister for Christmas and was really pleased as I have used it before and loved it. This is a brilliant eyebrow pencil for me, but it would not suit someone with dark hair as the shade is right for blonde hair in my opinion. The highlighter is something you don't find on many eyebrow pencils and a brilliant idea, it really helps make my eyes stand out. This is a great product and one that I will definitely use again and again.

Are you a fan of Soap and Glory cosmetics? Do you own any products you would recommend?

 

Product Review: Soap and Glory: Treats for Hands and Feet

I will admit that I am not really one to use products on my hands or feet so tried to keep an open mind when using them....

Hand Food 125ml

What they say:

 

 

"Contains shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow . Scented with our Original Pink fragrance. the most astonishing hand cream ever? You decide!

Instructions for Use

Apply as often as you want to soften, smooth and soothe dry, chapped, or otherwise hampered hands"

What I say:

As a hand cream novice, I like this product. As with most Soap and Glory creams, this had a sweet, girly scent but it wasn't overpowering and the product sunk straight into my hands without leaving a greasy residue and allowing me to type away within a minute of using it without fear of leaving marks on the keyboard. It left my hands feeling nice and soft, though I don't find they are ever that dry to be honest. I will be giving my mum this to try as she suffers from dry hands and has tried a lot of other hand creams out there to compare against.

Heel Genius 125ml

 

What they say:

 

"Better than a pedicure? It renovates rough feet in a single overnight session, doubles as a foot cream, and will give even the roughest of cuticles a run for its money. Featuring allantoin, glycerin, macadamia oil, menthol, bilberry, orange and lemon fruit acid smoothers.

Instructions for Use

Massage a generous layer onto clean feet every night [or at least as often as you remember]. Slip cotton socks overtop and let it soak in while you sleep"

What I say:

Now, to be fair, I have yet to use this cream overnight, so I need to do that before I make my final decision on the product. However, using it just as a foot cream after coming out of the shower I like it. It makes my feet feel like they have been pampered, and they felt nice and soft when I took my slipper socks back off (slipper socks, though highly unattractive, are highly necessary with this cream as it makes your feet so slippery!). The scent is a lot stronger than the hand cream, and I found it smelt strongly of peppermint, which I am assuming is the menthol ingredient. This is fine though as it is what I would expect from a foot cream.

Product Review: J'adore Dior

I loved this perfume as soon as I smelt it, it is gorgeous. I was so pleased when I opened it on Christmas Eve from my boyfriend and couldn't wait to wear it!

What they say:

"The story of the Eau de Toilette is written around flower essences.

Each essence is obtained through distillation, the Haute Parfumerie procedure that reveals the lavish, radiant and delicate facet of each flower.

Yellow Mandarin essence from Italy, Damask Rose essence and Neroli essence converge in precise harmony. Pride of place is reserved for orange blossom, the white flower that provides Neroli essence.

This luminous flower is hand picked in sunny Tunisian orchards, adding a note of subtlety, sophistication and elegance to the fragrance.

Woody with a hint of vanilla, the base note adds character to the scent of J'Adore Eau de Toilette"

What I say:

As I say, I love this perfume. The bottle is gorgeous and looks great on my cabinet. The fragrance is so feminine and makes me feel like I have been totally pampered, even if I have been having a hectic day with Cameron. The scent reminds me of having a really luxurious bath and I always feel fresh and girly when I have it on. I am no perfume expert but I definitely think this is an amazing fragrance, and I will be buying/begging for another bottle once this one is all used up!

Product Reviews: Soap and Glory: Shower Products

As you may have seen in a recent post, I was one of the many people who got the Soap and Glory bumper set for Christmas and I have fallen in love! Rather than doing tonnes of individual reviews I have decided to group them, starting with Shower essentials: Clean on Me shower cream, Pulp Friction body scrub and The Righteous Butter Body Butter.

Clean on Me Shower Cream 500ml

What they say:

"Soft, smooth, sexy skin whenever you want it. Contains natural mandarin peel extract and a bonus built-in body lotion. Scented with our Original Pink™ fragrance.

Instructions for Use:

Apply a handful to damp skin, rub it into a thick, luxurious lather, and then rinse thoroughly"

 

What I say:

 

 

 

I have actually used this shower cream before as I have previously had it and I am not blown away by it to be honest. The smell is lovely and it will leave you feeling like you have definitely been pampered as the cream gives a nice softness to your skin that you don't get with every shower gel. However, as shower gels go, I have had better, and I would not have been impressed with this if I had bought it on its own. You really need to pump it a good few times to get enough out to use for your entire body and I can see myself getting annoyed when in a rush wasting precious time pumping a little out at a time. Not that impressed.

 

Pulp Friction Body Scrub 250ml

 

 

 

 

What they say:

"Get fresher, smoother and softer skin with fig powder, pumice, peppermint oil, lemonade tree liquid, orange waterjuice™ and vitaminballs™ (A,C,E). Scented with our new Fruitigo™ fragrance.

Instructions for Use:

Squeeze out a handful and rub it between your palms, then work it around in circles on damp skin. (You can start at your shoulders and work down, or tackle dry shins and feet before scrubbing up.) Rinse when you’re finished"

What I Say:

I have previously used two of Soap and Glory's body scrubs and had a different opinion on both. I found Scrub 'Em and Leave 'Em to be awful but Flake Away to be amazing, so I used this not really knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with the product. It seemed to leave my skin a lot smoother and acted as a brilliant prep for my fake tan, without feeling too harsh on my sensitive skin. Unlike the brand's other scrubs, this one also came in a tube rather than a tub which I preferred as it meant I used less product and didn't end up getting loads of water in the tub as well! The only down side I could find was the rather manly smell this product has. It reminded me of men's shower gels or cheap aftershave (think Lynx), which was not unpleasant as such but I didn't really intend on smelling like a man when coming out of the shower... Other than that though, a great product and I would buy again as it does what it says on the tin and then some.

The Righteous Butter Body Butter 300ml

What they say:

"Award winning body butter with softening shea butter and aloe vera. Smooth on a handful after your shower and you might swear you're wearing velvet. Scented with our Original Pink™ fragrance.

Instructions for Use:

After showering or bathing, smooth a generous handful of The Righteous Butter onto damp skin and massage lightly until it all sinks in"

What I say

This is another product that I have previously used and I love it! It has a similar scent to the shower gel, is nice and thick and creamy, goes on without too much excess grease and just does exactly what you want a body butter to do! I know some people rave about more expensive brands of moisturisers but to be honest I don't see why. This retails at £10.21 for a 300ml tub and it lasts and lasts. I love it and can not fault it. Perfect for making dry skin feel nice and soft and for smoothing skin in preparation for fake tanning. I was very pleased to find this product in my Big Splendour set!

Did you get the set for Christmas? Are you a Soap and Glory fan?