Valentines Gift Guide For Men

Last week I published my Valentines Gift Guide for Women and on the post I mentioned how I'm aware that Valentines isn't for everyone. Some people have the view that it's just a way for companies to fleece us out of money, and although there may be a little truth to that I happen to love Valentines day. It's one day of the year where you are reminded to appreciate and love your better half. I know that may sound ridiculous to some, that we should appreciate and show that we love them every single day but with two young children it's sometimes difficult to do. There's usually no time to make a fuss of one another because by the time we have both kids in bed we are both falling asleep on the sofa! That being said even with the little quality time we have together we still have a strong relationship and are coming up to our 10th anniversary! I sometimes struggle with gifts for men so I thought I'd put together a few gift ideas when it comes to Valentines this year, maybe my suggestions will give you a little inspiration.

1. Colt Grey Pewter Beanie Hat - £30.76
I featured a hat from Buff Wear in my Valentines Gift guide for Women last week so it's only right that I mention one which is perfect for the blokes too! The Colt Grey Beanie is knitted with an acrylic and lambs wool material and perfect for the freezing cold weather we've been having lately. The hat is available in three different colour ways and matching scarves are also available. We were sent both of these hats to try out and we've worn them on every walk we've been on since, they are so comfortable and warm!

2. Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski OG Trainers - £64.95
Nick goes through so many pairs of trainers a year, he seems to be really heavy on his feet! With going through so many pairs of shoes he tends to ask for a new pair rather than a typical gift sometimes. I know that he's had his eye on this pair from Nike for quite some time now so I'm thinking of buying them for Valentines Day surprise. If I do decide to buy I'll certainly be using this Nike discount code when I do. There's currently free delivery on all orders over £50.00, plus other offers too. It's definitely worth checking out.

3. Enuff Fade Complete Skateboard - £44.95
This is a great suggestion for all those skater boys and girls out there, or for someone who's wanting to take up a new hobby! There's an array of different skateboards available at Skates, amongst lots of other gear. The Enuff range of skateboards seems to be very all the rage at the moment. They are a British born brand and their boards are suitable for boys, girls, men and women alike. The Pow Skateboards, Pyro Skateboards and the Graffiti Skateboards range are very popular and have been recommended to us.

4. Alcatel IDOL5 - £152.99

I don't know about yours but my partner is always striving for a new and better phone and is due an upgrade very soon. One phone we've been looking at is the Alcatel IDOL5 which has just been released. It's currently available and is an exclusive model to Amazon. It has a 3GB RAM with Dual SIM, with Android N and Compass, Gyroscope, LTE. An incredible 13 Mega Pixel Rear Camera and a 5 Mega Pixel Front Camera. Octa-core 1.3 GHz MT6753 with 16GB of Internal Storage. A 5.2 inch Full HD Display, 2.5D Dragontrail glass, 2800 Li-Ion Non-Removable Battery External Memory Card Slot (MicroSD up to 128GB) and Fingerprint Sensor GPS and Bluetooth. As you can see this is a really impressive handset and one which won't break the bank either.

5. Vorrei Romantic Dinner for Two Hamper - £45.00

You can't beat a good hamper to celebrate special occasions and this romantic dinner for two hamper from Vorrei is just perfect for Valentines day. It contains everything you need for a romantic Italian meal; sun dried tomato & pistachio pate, chilli pepper pate, heart shaped pasta, truffle sauce and dark chocolate coated figs. These are all the ingredients you need for a starter, meal and dessert and is presented in a heart shaped tray and ribbon. Just grab a bottle of wine from the shops and your Valentines meal is sorted! 

6. Three Course Dining Experience and Cocktail for Two - £49.00 If you don't fancy eating in this Valentines Day then how about a trip out to a good steakhouse? An exciting suggestion if you live in or around London, or are planning a trip there in the near future is the three course dining experience and cocktails at White's London Steakhouse Co. There are countless date ideas over on the Virgin Experience Days website and with a Virgin Experience Days voucher code there's so many savings to be had too.

7. Moose Gritty Styling Clay - £4.99
This styling clay from Moose is perfect if you are putting together a hamper of products for your better half. I like to make personalised hampers for family and friends as I know that they really appreciate the thought, time and effort you put into it. It really shows you care too. This styling product won’t string you along.Add Texture and Definition to shorter hair styles. Real Pumice gives this clay a grainy texture to create defined, chunky looks with texture. With Beeswax for strong hold and a matte finish.

8. Joker & Harley Quinn Itty Bitty - £6.00 each
I fell head over heels in love with Itty Bittys a couple of years ago and we now have quite the collection. For something a little different this Valentines Day how about gifting a pair of Itty Bittys? There are numerous Disney themed couples to choose from, Beauty and the Beast or Lady and the Tramp. There's Superhero pairings like Harley Quinn and the Joker. Then there's a bride and groom Itty Bitty! There's an Itty Bitty for everyone!

9. Valentines Cards from Hallmark - from £2.40
I was recently sent the Valentines range of cards from Hallmark and they are all so lovely! Rather than featuring them all I've picked my three favourites; I just love spooning with you, Love is in the air and to the One I Love on Valentines Day. Prices for these three cards start at just £2.40, there's a card for every budget. You can't go wrong with a card from Hallmark for Valentines Day, they really are the creme dela crem of greeting cards.

10. Guylian Praline Hearts - £1.00
Roses are not the only things that are red this Valentine’s Day. Treat your loved one to a heart shaped red box of romantic Belgian chocolate hearts, marbled and filled with roasted hazelnut praline. The 42g box which contains four praline filled hearts, is the ideal love token, whilst the 105g heart shaped box makes an even more eye-catching Valentine’s Day gift. At just £1.00 a box these would be perfect in a personalised hamper or a valentines stocking filler.

11. Jelly Belly 20 Flavour Gift Box - £9.60
If you want to gift something edible this year and want a change from chocolate then I can't recommend Jelly Belly enough. This 20 individual flavour compartments would make a lovely surprise this Valentines day. 

12. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Sea Shells - £11.99
The Belgian Chocolate Sea Shells are Guylian’s star product. The hazelnut praliné filling is still produced according the unique recipe in the age-old traditional manner, a heritage of the company’s founding father Guy. The secret method of roasting and caramelizing hazelnuts gives Guylian chocolates their signature taste. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Sea Shells are the number one Belgian boxed chocolate brand distributed in travel retail and duty free shops. For any more information see www.guylian.com.

13. Jim Jam Spreads - £2.60
If you’re going to show your loved one just how much you care for their heart, consider a double whammy of Jim Jams! This Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Chocolate spreads each contain 83% less sugar than Nutella and both are now available nationally; perfect for an unusual but loving Valentine’s Day gift. They’re perfect for breakfast on Valentine’s Day - or the morning after!

So there you have it, my Valentines gift guide for Men! What are you buying your better half for Valentines Day this year? Are you a fan of Valentines Day?

- This post contains PR samples & is a PR Collaboration. 

Valentines Gift Guide For Women

I know that Valentines isn't for everyone, some people think that it's a load of old nonsense and that it's all a big money-making con. Now I happen to think that Valentines is lovely, what's not to love about it? It's an excuse to treat your other half, to show them how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. What's wrong with that? If you don't have a significant other then why not just treat yourself, everyone can be happy on Valentines day! Read on for my top gift ideas for the special day.

1. Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700 - £170.00
This top of the range bodyclock from Lumie would make the perfect gift this Valentines Day. It's more than just a bodyclock as you are able to listen to music on it, wether it be the radio or your own music. It's an alarm clock that mimics the light of a real sunrise so when you open your eyes you feel properly awake and refreshed. Waking like this helps to keep your sleep cycle on track and has been shown to boost mood, energy and productivity levels. At night, Bodyclock LUXE 700 has a fading sunset to help you relax and a new low-blue light feature especially for bedtime lighting. By keeping blue light to a minimum you’re ready for sleep and can drift off easily. Other features include a nightlight setting, 7-day alarm and dimmable bedside lighting.

2. Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven Super Skin Essentials - £7.99
This little kit from Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven is guaranteed to make you feel good in your own skin with a variety of face mask experiences for every occasion. Perfect for a pamper day or a night in. This gift set includes a Headband and a Selection of Face Masks, Black Seaweed Peel Off, Dead Sea Mud Pac, Red Hot Earth Self Heating Sauna, Chocolate Mud, Blemish Mud, Creamy Coconut, Tea Tree Face Spa, Green Tea Peel Off and Pineapple Peel Off.

3. Jenny Wren's Belgian Chocolates - £6.49
This one is for the chocolate lovers out there. If you want to give or receive a lovely box of chocolates then look no further than Jenny Wren’s unique three-layered folding chocolate box. The box features twelve delicious hand-finished Belgian chocolates and truffles. There are four each of milk, dark and white chocolate, including Fleur de Sel caramel, raspberry yogurt, and white mocha. Sainsbury’s will be stocking them in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.

4. Pinkster Gin - £34.95

Introducing Pinkster's 2018 limited edition Valentine's Day bottle, letting the love be-Gin! This bespoke bottling contains the same delicious small-batch Pinkster gin, lovingly hand-steeped in fresh raspberries to give it its signature blushing hue. I can't think if a more perfect tipple to enjoy on the 14th February. Available online at 31 Dover.

5. Olverum Bath Oil 125ml - £29.00

Olverum is a unique and highly concentrated, therapeutic bath oil which contains 10 pure essential oils, carefully blended to work synergistically. Olverum is a very effective way to naturally relieve stress and help you achieve a great nights' sleep. It is also a great way to ease aching or sore muscles and is the perfect soothing antidote to a cold or flu. All with a gorgeously aromatic, unisex scent. Just add a teaspoon for your bath to enjoy a little luxury at home.

6. Spa Relax Collection - from £35.00
I adore candles, diffusers and lotions and potions so the Spa Relax collection is right up my street. With notes of lavender, sage, and peppermint you can help but unwind and feel completely relaxed. I've been hinting at the range to my better half and have even tried to sweeten the deal by pointing him into the direction of The White Company discount code. If he can get a discount maybe he'll be more inclined to splurge a little on me!

7. Champneys Deluxe Massage - £50.00
On the topic of relaxing and unwinding, something I've wanted to do for years is go for a professional massage. Now with two kids at at the age of 29 I think it's something that is needed too! If you are thinking of booking a treat for yourself or another then please do take advantage of this Buy A Gift voucher code and save yourself a bit of money. There's also a plethora of great Valentines ideas over on their website.

8. Airon Mineral Grey Hat - £30.76I'm love a practical gift and with the weather being so terrible lately I've had my heart set on this gorgeous bobble hat from Buff Wear for the past couple of weeks. It's designed for comfort, in a knitted pattern and one size fits all. I love the grey/beige colour but if this colour isn't for you then there are another 4 shades to choose from. Matching scarves are also available, each sold separately. I can see myself wearing this on many romantic walks out with my better half. 

9. Ju Ju Be BFF Changing Bag - £160.00As a mother of two I'm obsessed with changing bags. I have more changing bags than I have pairs of shoes or handbags, I can't get enough! With this in mind I thing a new changing bag would be appreciated by so many Mummy's out there this Valentines Day. This bag from Ju Ju Be is said to become your new BFF as not only is it drop dead gorgeous and bang on trend but it's also super practical too. I was lucky enough to receive my own BFF diaper bag a few weeks ago and will be reviewing it on the blog soon. Watch this space!

10. So Divine 'Kiss Kiss' Vibrating Rabbit - £64.99
This hot pink silicone rabbit with it's stimulating and contoured design has been made to please you in ways that sometimes a man can't! It has both your clitoral and G-spot needs covered, which should help you achieve a fully blended climax. The stimulation and shaft can be controlled either together or separately and it has three speeds and seven different pulsating patterns. Not only that but the Kiss Kiss also has a heat function which warms to body temperature. Perfect for a naughty little treat this Valentines Day! Check out more from So Divine over on their website.

11. Love Hearts Gift Set - £24.95

I'm obsessed with Lush and this gift set has been put together with Valentines in mind. It's perfect for first dates or forever friends, long-term lovers or even just for yourself. Spread the love with this heart felt token to whoever deserves it. With neroli, rose, lavender and lime, moods will rise above the hubbub of the day and hearts will be set aflutter. Baths have never been so lovely.

12. Profusion Cosmetics Naturals Artistry Palette - £12.50

A deluxe collection of 24 eyeshadows in high-impact neutral to naturally bold colours, to light up your eyes. The palette includes all the must-have shades to complete any eye makeup collection in a stunning spectrum of matte, satin and shimmer finishes. 

13. Profusion Cosmetics Pro Face - £15.00

A must-have kit that brings together high-impact eyeshadow, brow and sculpting pigments for easily creating captivating looks. The smooth matte, satin and shimmer eyeshadows flatter the cheek shades seamlessly, for you to add stunning definition to all your features. Achieving professional quality finishes is a given with Pro Series brushes! Pro Face includes: 20 Eyeshadows, 2 Dual Brow Powders, 1 Brow Wax, 2 Highlighters, 3 Blushes, 2 Bronzers, and 2 Pro Series Brushes.

14. St. Moriz Tan Enchancer - £4.99

This tan enhancer from St. Moriz helps you achieve a professional salon finish to your tan. It contains ingredients such as Aloe Vera, the rich moisturising formulation deeply hydrates skin to help prepare it for tanning and will also ensure you keep your golden natural looking tan for longer.

15. St. Moriz Exfoliating Primer - £4.99
This Exfoliating Skin Primer is the key to getting the perfect, professional, natural-looking tan. Created by experts to prime skin ready for tanning it will remove dead skin cells and even out the skin's surface. After using the Primer, your tan will have a flat, even base to develop on and will last for longer. Soft and skinkissed skin, perfect for Valentines day.

So there you have it, my Valentines Gift Guide for Women. What's on your wishlist this year?

- This post contains PR samples and is a PR collaboration. 

Valentine's with Rakuten #RakutensBlogger

A few weeks ago a lovely email arrived in my inbox. Rakuten were enlisting bloggers to take part in their #RakutensBlogger Valentine project and I was so excited to be involved. Nick and I don't usually make a big deal of Valentines so it was nice to be on board with this as it gave us something extra to look forward to. 

Being a #RakutensBlogger I was sent a little surprise Valentine's parcel full of goodies to indulge in on the big day. Inside was body butter, nail polish, lip stick, lip balm, a mirror, tea lights, sweets and chocolates. My idea of heaven in one little red box! 

As if this wasn't enough Rakuten also added £50 credit to my account and told me to spend it on whatever would make our Valentines special, be it a gift or something to enjoy together on the day. 

I browsed the website for hours! I was absolutely spoilt for choice and I could have spent a fortune. It took me a while to decide what to go for as there was so much to choose from. I deliberated between buying a hamper and a movie or a valentines gift for the both of us and I did decide eventually! 

In the end I decided to spend our credit on gifts for one another. I bought Nick some Jean Paul Gaultier cologne as it's a favourite of his and I knew he needed a refill. For myself I chose the Champaca Blossom Large Yankee Candle and the Jean Paul Gaultier Classique perfume. I thought both my gifts complimented one another and perfume and candles are amongst my favourite things, I know they will make my Valentines extra special. 

I'm so looking forward to Valentines Day! Have you made any plans or bought any nice gifts? 

- I was sent the box of goodies and given £50 store credit to use on the website however all opinions are my own.

Valentine's Gift Guide

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I decided to put together a gift guide of items I would love to receive on that special day. I know Valentine's isn't for everyone but it is for us. We don't spend a lot but we do like to treat one another to a few little gifts here and there. It's nice to show your other half that you care and sometimes they just deserve a treat! 

1. Shloer Celebration White Bubbly - 

The perfect fizz without the alcohol. Shloer Celebration White Bubbly is very light and refreshing without the units. The perfect way to toast on Valentine's day or night!

2. Chocolate Heart Tray - 

Valentine's wouldn't be Valentine's without a box of choccies and this tray from Retro Sweet is certainly on my list. There are so many great gift idea's over on the website.  

3. Paris for One by Jojo Moyes - 

I was recently sent this quick read book to review and upon reading it I just had to add it to my guide. It's an easy-going romance book which took me just an hour or two to read, ideal for a busy Mummy. 

4. Toblerone - 

Another chocolate favourite of mine. We always seem to buy Toblerone for pretty much every occasion. They do make a special Valentine's edition too which is a welcomed addition to their range. 

5. Marvellous Mummy Diary - 

I love notebooks and stationary and this Marvellous Mummy diary from Organise Us is gorgeous, the photo does no justice. It has a classy champagne gold cover and it such lovely quality. A perfect gift for me this mothers day as I love making lists for blogging, cooking, cleaning and so on.  

6. Free Spirit Gift Pack -

I tend to always take showers these days but I do like the occasional pamper in the bath. This bath set from Flamingo Gifts contains everything I need to really unwind on Valentine's day.

7. Personalised Wine -

If you fancy a nice tipple on the night then a bottle of wine from Bottle Bazaar could be just the thing! They sell a whole range of different wines from a whole different range of prices, all of which can be personalised. Perfect! 

Do you celebrate the day? What is on your wishlist for Valentine's this year? 

All about baby - Day 13 - Valentines day

My little man preparing for our very first Valentines together. What more can a woman want? A cute baby and a box of chocolates. Oh and Nick of course! We've exchanged presents tonight because tomorrow won't be much fun as I have to take Noah for his second round of injections and then I am off to the dentist. Not very romantic. Hopefully we will spend the evening together all  cuddled up watching a film. That is my idea of romance. 

Top 5 Valentines Destinations

It's fast approaching that time of year when we take a breather and really appreciate our other half. Valentine's day. I know Valentine's Day isn't for everyone and there are some romantic scrooges out there but personally, I love it! It's a nice excuse to dedicate time to your special someone, spoil them rotten, and show them you care. It's also not half bad getting spoilt yourself too!

This year we would like to do something a bit different to celebrate that special day and perhaps go away for a few nights or even a mini-break. I'm always looking at ways to change things up when it comes to our date nights. If you are anything like me and want to add an extra touch of excitement you could always purchase some human pheromones, in spray, moisturiser, or oil form, to set the mood. Add a little extra spice to your long-awaited date!

I have put together a few ideas of what I would like to do. Some may be a bit far-fetched but a girl can dream.

Mini break- 

Alcudia is our home from home and we have been numerous times. As I was pregnant last year we didn't go on holiday and I am really feeling those holiday blues. It would be amazing to go back soon and even more amazing if we were able to go over the Valentine's period! I keep thinking what an amazing place it would be to propose too? Though I think Nick would have to shop for Engagement rings first. 

Weekend away-

What would be nicer than a weekend getaway to a luxury boutique in the Yorkshire countryside? Ox Pasture Hall is not only an ideal location for a Valentine's getaway but perfect for weddings too. 

Stay local-

Hopefully, if the weather picks up in the next few weeks we could take a lovely family walk on Valentine's day. Not only would it be budget-friendly but it would be nice to get some fresh air and take in our beautiful local countryside. 

Go gigging-

Nick and I are both huge music lovers and an ideal destination for us on Valentines would be going to watch one of our favourite bands live. We usually go to Manchester Academy to see a show.

Dine out-

We dined out a lot before the baby is born but haven't had much time to since he arrived. We have saved up a bit of money not going out as much so it would be nice to splurge a little on Valentine's day at a place like Mitton Hall which is local to us. 

Have you any plans for Valentine's day? What is your ideal date?

This is a PR Collaboration.