Spoil your partner this Valentine's Day with these great gifts

Stuck for ideas on what to buy the love of your life on February 14? Worry no more as you can’t go wrong with the below fab gifts – all will go perfectly with the Valentine’s Day basics: cool cards, lush flowers and chocolate treats.


VALENTINE’S DAY FOR HER...

You Frame Photos to Canvas
Treat your good lady to a YouFrame DIY box canvas kit. The kit turns your digital photographs into stunning canvas wall art in minutes. Each Photo to Canvas takes less than 3 minutes to assemble and allows you to create stunning original canvas art from your digital photo library. The kit is a great romantic and thoughtful Valentine’s Day present and is priced very well too.
Cost: £10.49.
Purchase from Dealtastic.co.uk


Chloe Love
Now, this is a perfume I love. The scent is a gorgeous feminine and elegant fragrance that lasts for hours after just one spray. It’s not for everyone as the smell is quite sweet and flowery but it would make a great Valentine’s Day gift for a lot of women. The bottle has a lovely design too.
Cost: £22.50
Purchase from The Perfume Shop



Guylian chocolates
Chocolates! No one can celebrate Valentine’s Day without giving or receiving chocolates! My favourite pick is Guylian 'I love you' hearts chocolates. These are the perfect gift for those with a sweet tooth. They come in a gorgeous red heart shaped gift box and feature the Original chocolate Sea Shells or delicious heart-shaped pralines. I loved them.
Purchase from Guylian

Flowers
Roses are red; violets are blue, blah blah blah.
Show how much you care with a bunch of lush flowers for your favourite girl. Like chocolates no Valentine’s Day would be complete without a pretty bunch of flowers. Ladies you can also surprise your man with a bunch of flowers. You never know, they might like them…
Cost: as little or as much as you’d like to spend!
Purchase from all good shops…


Now I know the following two gifts, from Nicky Clarke, wouldn’t normally be classed as romantic and especially not for Valentine’s Day but if my man bought me them I would be VERY happy. I love my hair and if that is looking great then the rest of me is feeling great which means my other half gets great Naiomi and will be rewarded for that! Do you understand me men?!

2000W Frizz Control Dryer
The Nicky Clarke Frizz Control Dryer is perfect for creating lots of volume. My hair was left virtually frizz-free after using the stylish chrome powerful 2000W hairdryer. There are 3 speed settings, 2 heat settings and a turbo button which all help you to get more control and a perfect hairstyle. Whatever look you go for, this hairdryer will help you get great results every time. Accessories include a styling concentrator and diffuser. I have nothing but praise to say about this product. You lady should love it.
Cost: £21.99
Purchase from Nicky Clarke

Professional Flexi Stylers
These flexi stylers allow you to create all different types of curls including tight, spiral, large and bouncy curls. There are 18 of them in total – with my hair I reckon I could do with another 5 or so – and they come housed in a heated storage case with a step-by-step guide on how to create a host of different curls and styles. The curls are fabulous. I love the fact the stylers are hassle-free - you can leave them in your hair while you do your make-up and have a drink, then whip them out and have an instant gorgeous hairstyle. A must-buy for women who like to experiment with hairstyles.
Cost: £19.99
Purchase from Nicky Clarke 

Boutique off Shoulder Sweat 
This cute off-the-shoulder sweatshirt comes in a fetching shade of dusky pink. I understand it isn’t what you’d call a “normal” Valentine’s Day gift but it is pink, snuggly and don’t you men like us women dressed in big jumpers doesn’t it make us look sexy?! Anyway, I really like the jumper so would be happy to receive it as a present (with a lot more besides!).
Cost: £27.95
Purchase from Joe Browns


Melvita Petal Soft Skin Gift Set
Now every lady loves to be pampered and this scented collection, containing three beauty treats, is a great gift.
There is the Rose Shower Cream - leaves your skin feeling soft, silky and smelling divine - Moisturising Body Lotion - absorbed in nourishing Rosehip Seed Oil and Olive Squalane leaving your skin feeling smooth and radiant - and Rose Raspberry Soap Bar - a velvety soap that leaves skin clean and soft and is gentle enough for sensitive skin like mine.
Cost: £25
Purchase from Melvita

Little Messages' Love Message Cards

Surprise your valentine where she least expects it with these Little Messages’ credit card sized Love Message Cards. There are 8 cards in the pack featuring messages such as 'Hey Sexy', ‘I Love You’and We're Great Together'. To be honest the cards are pretty cheesy but if you're a chessy person they will be great for you! I personally like my unique messages left in places around the house by my other half on simple post it notes. ,uch more personal to me. There are lots of gifts available from Little Messages so the website is definitely worth a visit.

Cost: £2.50
Purchase from Carteblanchegreetings.com

LOVEheart pendant
The LOVEheart pendant is the ideal main gift for your Valentine this Monday. The quirky pendant, which is set in silver and diamond, has the word 'love' and heart entwined together and is highlighted by a solitaire 0.10ct diamond.
The large pendant is 37mm in length and is supplied on a 45cm silver chain. The brilliant-cut diamond set in silver is available from £195.
The pendant is also available in a blue or pink sapphire set in silver for £145. If you are loaded and feel like splashing out treat your lady to an 18ct white, yellow or rose gold heart set with 0.10ct diamond for £750.
Purchase from David M Robinson


VALENTINE’S DAY FOR HIM…

BOSS Orange for Men
This scent is both uplifting and energizing. It smells like vanilla but with a masculine blend of crisp apple.
It is apparently “a relaxed and sociable character; just like the BOSS Orange man himself.”
Cost: from £24.50.
Purchase from The Perfume Shop
 

52 Weeks of Naughty Nights
This game is supposed to be full of surprises, sensual thrills, kinky surprises, expressions of love and playful games of seduction.
It contains a year's supply of scratch and win cards with naughty I.O.U.'s, suggestions, coupons, roll plays, gestures and more...
Now I’m yet to test this but it does sound good and I’m sure our guys would quite like it!
Cost: £9.99
Purchase from Treathim.com


Personalised Champagne And Gift Box 
Now as my other half is a wine connoisseur it’s so difficult for me to know exactly what wine/champagne will make a good present for him – so I tend to stay clear from that!
But for men who may lack an extensive knowledge of fine wine and champagne this Veuve Hennerick Brut Champagne could be a brilliant gift for him. Not only will he have something nice to drink he will also get some delicious Belgian chocolates as they come with the alcohol luxuriously presented in a satin-lined box with a pull-out tray. Kills two birds with one stone!
Cost: £45
Purchase from Marks and Spencer

Emporio Armani watch
I bought a watch similar to this for my other half one Christmas and he hardly takes it off!
Lovely design, Amber Dial with Roman Numeral, Stainless Steel Case, Brown Leather Strap and Quartz Movement.
Cost: £179
Purchase from Goldsmiths



So there it is - some perfect gifts for Valentine’s Day.
If you’re like me - a Valentine’s Day cynic who loves her fiancé spoiling her every day apart from February 14 - you’ll be pleased to see most of the above presents are great for any day of the year. Plus most of the gifts are great for singletons so get treating yourself!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! xxx

Happy New Year - finally!

Hi everyone

It has been a while and for that I am sorry. Oh yes and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I hope you all have had a great start to the year so far.

AS IF I am getting married this year! Haha!
So, Andy and I went home to Manchester for Christmas and New Year to spend with the family. It was a brilliant Christmas, full of presents (woo!), happiness and surrounded by my favourite people. Obviously no Christmas would be the same without an argument and mine had one of those too but that is all just part of the fun!

A small selection of the Madden family!

Armed with my bridesmaids on New Year's Eve I headed into town (Manchester) to find their dresses for the big day. This was at 10am.
By 10.50am I had found my dream wedding dress, tried it on (and a few others to be extra certain) and had paid for it!!!
I obviously can't reveal too much about the dress as we don't want the other half finding out but it is definitely my dream dress. I can't wait to wear it!
Hmm and we never did find the bridesmaid dresses :-)

Anyway, I do love the start of a New Year. I just love getting a new diary (or five this year - don't ask!) and filling it in with exciting plans for the next few months. It makes me feel like I'm important and wanted! Also, I love the start of a New Year because my birthday is in January. And yes that means more PRESENTS!!

I hope you have all got your diaries (or you can have one of mine) and have started making plans for this year. What else is better than planning lots of fun things to do - holidays, weekends away, parties and shopping trips - while you're skint and waiting for your January payslip?
I would say not much!

Have a brilliant New Year!

Love Naiomi xxx

Cheers!

Fun presents for Santa's little helpers - Christmas 2010

Ho ho ho! It's that time of year again - Christmas time!
With just over two weeks to go until the big day, most of us have been busy running around the shops spending money like there is no tomorrow on what seems like, and in some cases is, hundreds of presents for the whole family.
But if you are still trying to decide what to get the little ones, worry no more as I have decided to take a look at some of the toys currently on the market.
Grab some of these stocking fillers now and enjoy the rest of the run up to Christmas Day in relaxation and happiness - until next year...

Sonic Colors - SEGA
Released just in time for Christmas is Sonic Colors, a brand new high speed action adventure - the ideal gift for old school Sonic fans as well as boys and girls.
Whilst I'm not a huge fan of playing on computer consoles, I used to love playing Sonic the Hedgehog, on our old Sega Megadrive, when I was younger. I was an expert (even if I do say so myself!), but if I'm being honest, my seven-year-old nephew is today a lot better on computers than I ever was. So, I gave him Sonic Colors to play on his DS.
He loves it. The game, available on Nintendo DS and Wii, sees Sonic accelerating to adrenaline-pumping super speeds and blasting through obstacles. It features the diabolical Dr. Eggman, who in a bid for world domination, has built an extraordinary amusement park floating in space around Sonic’s home planet - and has abducted an alien race. Before Dr. Eggman completes his evil plans, Sonic discovers his mysterious theme park in space.
Sonic will need all his speed and skill as he faces this test, but it’s a test he’s sure to pass with flying colours, isn't he?
Sonic Colors costs £24.99 on Nintendo DS and £29.99 on the Wii. It is available from game retailers such as Play.com and Amazon

Build it with Bob - Bob the Builder

Popular children's show Bob the Builder first appeared on UK TV in 1999. Since then it has broadcast in 240 countries across the world! Kids just seem to love Bob and his Can-Do Crew - not to mention the vast range of toys. Therefore, my pick for a great present for Christmas this year is Build it with Bob - a 50 brick construction set. 

This set features actual real bricks and cement - amazing! Suitable for children aged three and over, the construction set allows youngsters to use their imagination to build all kinds of structures. As well as the bricks and cement, the set comes with a large wipe clean playmat, bowl and trowel.

The only negative thing I can say about this gift is that it does create a lot of mess from the bricks and cement, but for children, I suppose that is great! 

Build it with Bob, by Maps Toys, is available to buy from stockists such as Amazon, Boots, Toymaster, Play.com

It costs between £9.99 and £14.99.

Castle Pop Up Book (Life in a Castle) and Pirate Fun Masks - British Heart Foundation

Who knew heart charity, British Heat Foundation (BHF), sold children's toys? I didn't until I was contacted by one of their PR team. And to shock you even more, they also sell wedding items, gifts for adults, home and garden equipment and so on. Obviously for this feature I am most interested in their children's toys for Christmas (I will take a look at their wedding items tomorrow!). 

There are far too many children's gifts from the BHF to mention, so I will concentrate on the Castle Pop Up Book and Pirate Fun Masks.

The Castle Pop Up Book is a tie back book which contains a highly detailed two-story, six-room castle, filled with three-dimensional wonders including a moveable drawbridge. There are press-out figures and a story book which should keep children amused for hours - giving you time to cook the Turkey in peace! The book is for children aged five and over - although personally I'm not too sure why as I cannot see any really small parts - and is perfect for travelling with as the castle folds back  into the book without any hassle. The Castle Pop Up Book is available to buy from the British Heart Foundation at a cost of £16.99.

The Pirate Fun Masks is a great way for children to let their imaginations run wild and imagine they are Captain Hook (and whatever other fantasy pirates there are!). The pack features a set of 12 card pirate masks, a treasure map, elastic, crayons and pirate tattoos. Little ones need to be aged three and over to be able to use this set due to the elastic. At a cost of just £6.99, the Pirate Fun Masks should make a great stocking filler for any young boy. It is available to buy from British Heart Foundation

Bloco - construction toy
The next fun present for little one's this Christmas 2010 is the Bloco construction Toy, by Map Toys.
Using high density foam designed in unique colourful shapes, the Bloco toy is formed of foam pieces which children can link together and rotate to any angle using the special connectors. This then enables youngsters to build and create 3D models. The one I tested was of dinosaurs Velociraptor and Pterosaur. Now, i'm no dinosaur expert (although I did used to love The Land Before Time) but the one's pictured to the left are not the one's I recreated, god knows what they are called. As a 27-year-old you would think I would've found these two models easy to assemble, but no, I found it a little tricky. I definitely needed to follow the instructions! My eight-year-old nephew had no trouble whatsoever assembling the creatures, so I can only imagine kids today are smarter than us adults when it comes to toys!
Bloco, which comes with two models per box, is available to buy from places such as Amazon, Boots and Great Little Trading Co
It costs £20. 

Postman Pat - Special Delivery Service DVD box set

I can't believe Postman Pat is still going! The iconic children’s favourite is still as popular as ever - and stars in this new “Head of the Special Delivery Service” DVD box set. The set contains three DVD’s, an interactive game, an interactive tour of Greendale and colouring pages. I think it is great for keeping the kids entertained while us adults get on with clearing the mess from Christmas dinner - woo hoo, not!

The set costs from £9.99 to £14.99 and is available to buy from Postman Pat and Amazon

That's it for my list of fun presents for Santa's little helpers this Christmas - I hope it helps. Obviously there are loads more on the market but I think all the above gifts are great for stocking fillers (not forgetting the traditional oranges and apples!). Whatever you get up to during this year's festive season, I hope you all have a fab time.

Merry Christmas!!

New Baileys Hazelnut Flavour - review

Baileys Hazelnut Flavour

I don't half love an ice cold glass of Baileys Original Irish cream liqueur.

Even though it's available to buy all year round I tend to crave Baileys around Christmas time. I think it must be the richness and smooth luxurious taste which makes the drink a festive must-have for me. It makes me feel all Christmassy! 

Anyway, I was excited to hear about the October launch of Baileys Hazelnut Flavour and even more excited when I was asked to sample a bottle. 

I first tried the new flavour while getting ready to go to my work's first Christmas party. 

The drink was very rich and blended the ingredients of Baileys Original, comprising fresh Irish cream and triple-distilled Irish whiskey, with the hazelnut flavour.

It also tasted a little like chocolate - great for chocolate lovers! 

However, I could only drink two small glasses because of its rich flavour, but that wasn't a problem as it's not the sort of drink you down or drink lots of in any one drinking session.

A spokeswoman for Baileys, which also makes Baileys with a hint of coffee, Baileys with a hint of Mint Chocolate and Baileys with a hint of Caramel, added: "With its velvety smooth and luxuriously rich taste, there is no better way to discover the delights of new Baileys Hazelnut Flavour than by pouring it over ice and sharing it at home with your partner or friends."
The drink is available to buy from all good supermarkets at a cost of £15.50 for a 700ml bottle.

Duvet covers for your feet?! Well, Big Brother's Craig Phillips loves them

Big Brother 1 winner Craig loves Heat Holders socks

I love the summer and HATE the winter.

It's not that I don't like seeing crisp white snow layered upon every surface outdoors - I do. I just hate having to drag myself through the centimetres of thick snow and then arriving at work with freezing cold feet of which, no matter how hard I try, do not get warm again!

So, I was thrilled when the Sock Shop contacted me in regards to their new range of Heat Holders Thermal Socks. 

I was told the socks can keep your feet seven times warmer than normal cotton socks. When I first heard this I was a little sceptical but thought there was no harm in trying them. 

I received two pairs of the socks - one long length and suitable for wearing with wellies and the other best suited to shorter boots. They both came in pretty pink girly colours, which I was very happy about, but the most interesting part is they both have a tog rating of 2.34. 

As soon as slipped the socks on to my feet I was amazed. Honestly it is like wearing a foot duvet!

I have never EVER come across socks that are so comfortable. 

I know it's not snowing everywhere - yet - but it has gotten quite cold these last few weeks, so I have worn the socks pretty much daily (when I have had boots on) to work. While in the house, I haven't even bothered to wear slippers, there is just no point when you have socks on which are that good!

A spokeswoman for the Sock Shop said: "Heat Holders provide a practical and economical alternative to layering socks. The intense brushing process each sock has been through holds warm air close to the skin, keeping feet warmer for longer. The long pile cushioning adds comfort and support where feet need it the most. Their gentle grip prevents rubbing or discomfort that may be experienced from a sock with a lower tog rating."

She added: "Heat Holders provide a perfect solution to the snow day blues.  No longer will family snowball fights in the garden be plagued by cold feet."

Available in a variety of different colours Heat Holders, suitable for men, women and children, start at around £4.99.

The socks are perfect and can be used time and time again.

As they are so thick my only criticism is you can't wear them with certain boots and shoes - I couldn't get my feet into one pair of boots the other day. But just do what I did - change your boots and be warm!

With Christmas just weeks away a pair of Heat Holders will make a brilliant stocking filler so visit the Heat Holders website and get yours now.

 

Elemis Eau De Parfum Exotic review

The second fragrance from spa and skincare brand Elemis, loved by celebrities Sienna Miller and Emma Bunton, is Elemis Eau De Parfum Exotic.
After trying Elemis' first fragrance Eau De Parfum, after its launch in spring this year, I was eager to try the second creation from this well-known brand.
Described by Elemis as "intoxicating, sensual, mysterious and exotic" I decided to try out the perfume to see if it was indeed those things - although if i'm honest I really don't know how a perfume can be mysterious!
Upon using the product for the very first time, my initial thoughts were that of a overwhelming floral scent.
As an avid fan of Chanel No.5, which has a delicately light flower feminine fragrance, I found Elemis Exotic had a smell which was maybe a bit too powerful for my liking.
It is the type of perfume you smell on people when they walk pass you on the street and you can still smell it minutes later!
However, after an hour or so when the smell was less powerful, the fragrance - which combines ylang, ylang with sandalwood, tuberose, frankincense and jasmine - was a lot nicer and quite traditional but not old fashioned.

Noella Gabriel, Director of Treatment and Product Development at Elemis, said she was thrilled about the new perfume addition.
She said: "Following the debut Eau de Parfum I am excited to introduce a second scent that encapsulates the ‘exotic’ discovery phase within Elemis’ 20 year journey. The combination is a deep fragrance with a heady mystery and a powerful effect on your mood.”
For me as a 27-year-old woman, I personally wouldn't put Elemis Eau De Parfum Exotic in my top 10 list of favourite perfumes, but I'm sure women in their 40s and above would love the traditional, powerful smelling scent. 
I really loved the packaging and the purple pouch that comes with the perfume as it is really stylish and also means the bottle can pop into your bag neatly. 
For those who would love to try Elemis Eau De Parfum Exotic, it costs £35 for a 28 ml bottle.
It is available to buy from timetospa.co.uk, Elemis spas and salons nationwide and at Elemis counters at selected Debenhams, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Selfridges' stores.

Coca-Cola launches receipe book

Nowadays cooking and entertaining is something of a phenomenon.

With shows like Come Dine With Me, Masterchef and Saturday Kitchen becoming increasingly more popular it has become more cool than ever before to learn how to cook.

For those of us who aren’t yet culinary experts (naming no names) a cook book, released this month by Coca-Cola, YES  the manufacturer of Coke, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke and the like (who would've thought they published books and knew anything other than what makes a nice soft drink?!), could be right up your street. 

When You Entertain, edited by Tiffany Darke, editor of the Sunday Times Style magazine, is a modern twist on the original 1932 recipe book by Ida Bailey Allen. 

The limited edition cookery book features recipes from four food celebrities: Michelin star chef Tom Aikens, Celebrity Masterchef Winner 2008 and former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon, organic farmer and former Blur member Alex James, and food writer Julia Parsons.

Each foodie has picked 10 recipes brings back memories of family mealtimes and other special (food) occasions for them.
Some but not all of the simple and easy to follow recipes have Coke integrated into the ingredients.
Examples I tried were Alex's Coca-Cola Chicken Salad with Garden Potatoes, and Julia Parsons' tasty Cherry Ice Cream Sundaes - surprisingly the Coke didn't taste out of place in any of the dishes.
Plus it was great making these receipes as I always had a nice refreshing glass of Coke to wash down when I was thirsty (not good for my wedding diet plan!). 

There is quite a variety of mouth-watering recipes in the book, with each dish being divided into four sections: Saturday Nights with Friends, Family Meal Times, Weekend Lunch & Brunch and Easy Lunch. 

"When You Entertain offers ideas from food-linked personalities for entertaining family or friends, while celebrating a long-standing heritage and association of Coca-Cola enjoyed at meal times,” said a Coca-Cola spokeswoman.
"The book has delicious recipes that will excite your taste buds,"

Overall, none of the recipes in the book are too difficult to master which makes them perfect for those of us with busy lives and who wouldn’t class themselves as a talented cook. 
For those people out there who are talented cooks, I reckon your expertise would be wasted on this book! 
When You Entertain is available to buy now exclusively at Harvey Nichols.  

What a great haircut!

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EVERY girl loves to be pampered.

There is almost nothing better than indulging yourself with a new haircut and massage after a hard few week’s at work.

So you can imagine my delight when I was invited to the very stylish and sleek Mahogany Hairdressing in King Street, Manchester, courtesy of Wahanda - a global health and beauty website.

As part of Wahanda's MobDeals - where you can save up to 90 per cent on daily limited time offers for beauty products, spa, salon & wellbeing deals in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester (soon to be in Liverpool and Newcastle) - I was treated to a haircut, intensive conditioning treatment and head massage by senior stylist Kalvin.

Having been a hairdresser for 12 years, I was certainly in very capable hands with Kalvin (although if I'm honest I was at first a little sceptical about letting a man cut my hair).

I needn't have worried.

After a full consultation and some recommendations to lose some of my (bland) layers, Kalvin was the BEST hairdresser I have EVER been too (sorry girls). 

His attention to detail was second to none. 

He worked his way through my hair with extreme skill and sophistication. 

He really listened to what I wanted from the experience providing me with a hairstyle I really wanted rather than the hairstyle he THOUGHT I wanted.

The end result? A lovely modern haircut, with a sweeping fringe and the feeling of looking pretty hot (even if I do say so myself!).

Kalvin, trained internally by the Mahogany Creative Team to ensure a consistency in skill and technique, and the rest of the staff at Mahogany Hairdressing were very professional during my visit and they made the whole experience truely wonderful.

It is clear their clients mean a great deal to them - and that can sometimes be a bit of a rarity these days.

I for one will be gracing the stylish award winning hairdressers again in the very near future.

For more information on treatments, opening times, and prices at Mahogany Hairdressing visit Mahogany Hairdressing

For more information about Wahanda's fab MobDeals visit Wahanda MobDeal