Yvonne's Random Blurb

Win Orla Kiely Goodies

2012-02-07T08:40:00.000Z

Check out this fantastic contest from @Dotmaison you can win some amazing Orla Kiely goodies!

Valentine's Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Rice & Beans

2012-02-06T16:33:00.000Z

This is my entry for the Find Me A Gift Valentine's Day blogger competition.

Remember to check out all of the Find Me A Gift Valentine's Day gifts which you could buy for your loved one.

My recipe is a main dish recipe that is sure to "spice" up your love life this Valentine's Day. It's a tried and tested recipe and it's one that I make regularly and goes down a storm with anyone who has ever tried it!

Make some delicious and authentic Jamaican Jerk chicken with rice and beans and find the way to your lovers heart through his/her stomach...

JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN, RICE & BEANS

Preparation time: 60 minutes
Time to cook: 30-45 minutes
Serves: 4
Heat rating: Hot
Difficulty Rating: 3/5

WHAT YOU NEED
Large packet of mini chicken breast fillets

For the dry jerk rub:
4g allspice
70g salt
20g garlic powder
25g sugar
1g chilli powder
2g ground cloves
4g dried thyme leaves
6g ground black pepper
10g cayenne pepper
3g ground cinnamon

For the rice and beans:
400g tin black eye beans
400g tin coconut milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups long grain rice (not easy cook)
1 cup water
¼ teaspoon thyme
2-3 Scotch Bonnet peppers

HOW TO MAKE
Mix all of the ingredients for the dry jerk rub in a large bowl until they are all well mixed together. You can store an remaining jerk rub in an airtight container and it will keep for around a month.

Pierce the chicken fillets a few times and rub in 1-2 teaspoons of the dry jerk rub. For best results, leave to marinate overnight, or put in the refrigerator for 1 hour prior to cooking. Or as in my case above, I only left it for 10 minutes as I was short on time, which doesn't produce the best results, but does taste good nonetheless.

As a suggestion, my husband is vegetarian, so if you or someone you are cooking for is too, simply replace the real chicken with some Quorn chicken alike fillets. I make that for Paul, but real chicken fillets for me and David.

Preheat the oven to gas mark 5 and put the chicken fillets on a baking tray in the middle of the oven for 30-45 minutes (may take more or less time depending on the size of fillets you choose).

In the meantime, put the oil and coconut milk into a large pan and bring to the boil.

Once boiling, add the water, onion, garlic, black eye beans (including juices) and thyme and simmer.

Thoroughly wash your rice, then add this to the pan and stir briefly. Place the whole Scotch Bonnet peppers on the top and cover tightly.

Cook for approximately 30 minutes, until all of the water has evaporated. Try not to uncover the rice to check on it until it has been cooking for at least 20 minutes.

Serve the chicken on a plate with the rice and beans. I would highly suggest serving with hot pepper sauce too as it adds to the enjoyment of the rice.

Now, all you need is a nice bottle of white wine to go with it and voila! You've got a delicious and special spicy and romantic meal for Valentine's Day - enjoy!

Check Out ledtastic from Dealtastic!

2012-01-15T18:48:00.000Z

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Dealtastic, they are a fantastic website where you can buy a variety of items from gadgets, home items and electronics to toys, game and more all at the most fantastic prices you will find on the internet.

Dealtastic have now launched their amazing new ledtastic site too which sells bargain priced energy saving LED lighting, they sell every shape and size light you need, be it general light bulbs, flood lights or strip lights and more.

You can save up to 90% on your lighting bill - they have massive savings on all your lighting needs.

And if that's not enough, you should check out their other new sites too:
kettletastic - specialising in branded kettles at discount prices
toastertastic - "not on the high" street prices for "on the high street" toasters
hairtastic - fab range of hair products at excellent discounted prices
irontastic - big brand irons at super cheap prices
hoovertastic - currently savings of up to 60% on well know big brand hoovers
fryertastic - deep fat fryer products at "cheap as chips" prices
heatertastic - large range of heating products at supremely discounted prices

I can personally recommend Dealtastic as I have bought from them previously - I bought a bargain 16 piece dinner set, some fab fireworks, a brilliant kettle and a 16Gb SD card - all because they were a total bargain.

I won some fireworks from Dealtastic on Facebook in November 2011. Unfortunately, there were problems with their supplier, but they were good to their word and allowed me to choose replacements products from their site to the same value, so I got a fab Breville deep fat fryer as we really needed one, and a mini steamer which I use every day to cook us all boiled eggs for brekkie!

Winners Announcement - MRB Advent Calendar

2012-01-09T07:55:00.000Z

I hope you all had fun taking part in the My Random Blurb advent calendar this Christmas! We will be announcing winners this week, keep checking back to see if you were a lucky winner and congratulations if you are!

Day 1 Winner: Simon Collinge
Day 2 Winner: Gillian Holmes
Day 3 Winner: Emma Louise Speers
Day 4 Winner: Arabella Bazley
Day 5 Winner: Olivia Kirby
Day 6 Winners: Tracey McLeod & Jane Mse English
Day 7 Winners: Myca Ogborn, Simon Collinge, Lisa Day & Olivia Kirby
Day 8 Winner: Hazel Rea
Day 9 Winner: Heather Cranmer
Day 10 Winner: Diane Carey
Day 11 Winner: Sarah Nagle
Day 12 Winner: Ellen Stafford
Day 13 Winner: Katie Simmonds
Day 14 Winner: Ade N Bex Jones
Day 15 Winners: Barbara Webster, Carolann Turner, Kaz Burke, Katherine Norrisluvsmary Grieve, Ian Campbell, Laura Hadland, Angela M Webster, Jenna Parrington, Victoria Smith and Esther James

WINNERS: You will be sent an e-mail within 24 hours of the announcement. Please reply within 5 days or a new winner will be chosen. Please allow 28 days from sending your address for delivery of your prize.

MRB Advent Calendar - Day 15 (Sponsored by Domino's Pizza)

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to the final day of our advent competition - Day 15 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Tasty pizza prizesup for grabs from Domino's

Looking for a pizza pick me up? We've teamed up with Domino's, the pizza deliveryexperts, to offer a very tasty prize for the last day of our advent calendar.We have 10 vouchers, each valid for a large Domino's Gourmet pizza up for grabs.

Domino's luxurious Gourmet rangefeatures a host of mouth-watering new toppings on a fresh thin crust base,hand-stretched using Domino's famous fresh dough, thencovered in sundried tomato and garlic sauce and 100% mozzarella cheese. Choosefrom:

Rustica – juicy chicken breast strips, smoked baconrashers, baby spinach and SunBlush baby plum tomatoes
Firenze – afirey combination of Ventricina salami, pepperoni and Peruvian roquito peppers
Florentine – delicious Greek feta cheese, baby spinach andSunBlush baby plum tomatoes
Quattro Formaggio – the newest addition to the Gourmet range,featuring a mouth-watering combination of Mozzarella, Greek feta cheese,Bavarian Blue and Gran Moravia cheeses

To be in with the chance of winning, simply enter using theform below. If you can't wait and want toorder in the meantime, visit www.dominos.co.uk or download Domino's free iPad, iPhoneand Android ordering apps.

Don't forget, Domino's is currently running a tasty deal with its 555 offer – get anythree or more 9.5” pizzas for just£5.55 each. Perfect if you're planning a nightin with friends and family.

For the latest news, you can also follow Domino's on Twitter at @Dominos_UK or visit them on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/DominosPizza.

Terms & Conditions

Prizeis one of 10 vouchers for any large Domino's Gourmet pizza, valid at any UK Domino's store.
Vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
No cash alternative.
Pizzas must be chosen from the store's current menu at the time of ordering.
Excludes Create Your Own.
To claim the prize, winners must present the voucher to the order taker or delivery driver.
Valid for collection and delivery orders. Limited delivery areas apply.
If the winner is located outside of the delivery area, the pizza can be collected in person from the store.
This offer is not available via www.dominos.co.uk
Voucher cannot be used as part payment for any other product.
Photocopies will not be accepted.
Vouchers have no cash value.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 14 "The Merry Christmas MRB Bundle"

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000Z

By way of thank you to you, my loyal blog readers and to wish you a Merry Christmas (albeit a little later than originally planned!) and all the best for 2012, I have nice little prize bundle to give away to one of you.

The lucky winner will receive all of these:

Opi 750ml bottle red wine
Box Walkers Irish Cream truffle liqueurs
Travel alarm clock
Drinks flask with hidden compartment to take first aid supplies in (first aid supplies not included)
Carry-all/holdall
Set of The Who drumsticks
Me To You phone charm
Me To You lanyard
Ames natural fit Floral Snips
Gardeners motto humorous fridge magnet
Rolls Royce t-shirt
Set of pencils

You can enter this competition by using the Rafflecopter entry form below. You MUST complete the top 2 steps (leave a blog comment and follow the blog) to be entered. You can gain additional entries in the was listed below and you can tweet about and post on Facebook about the competition daily until it ends at 5am on 31/12 to get extra entries and give you a better chance of winning.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 13 (Sponsored by Douwe Egberts)

2011-12-24T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 13 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a selection of coffees thanks to Douwe Egberts.

Inspirations Kenyan Sunset

"Bring a sense of African adventure to your day whilst savouring the full-bodied and exotic taste of this rich and sensual coffee, perfect for sunrise or sunset. Our master roasters rated this a Strength 4."

Having personally tasted this, I can say this interesting new addition to the Douwe Egberts range is both rich and special in flavour. Easy to make and very aromatic. This one is perfect for those who prefer their coffee a bit stronger than average.

Inspirations Brazilian Samba

"Put a spring in your step with this smooth yet exciting coffee, bursting with Latin flavour and passion. Our master roasters rated this a strength 3."

I found this one to be the perfect morning coffee, not to strong, but not too mild either - just perfect for kick starting your day. Again, it is a very aromatic coffee with a very special taste and flavour - something you can really enjoy.

Inspirations Eastern Escape

"Retreat to a tranquil and peaceful place, where you can relax and unwind. The delicate aroma and balanced blend will help you feel calm and mellow, easing you through the day. Our master roasters rated this a strength 3."

This one was my personal favourite of three. Very easy to make and drink, very aromatic and flavoursome and perfect for anytime of the day. The coffee you can just sit down and unwind with.

You can find out more about the Douwe Egberts range on their website http://www.douwe-egberts.co.uk. You can also keep up with their latest news on Facebook and/or Twitter.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 12 (Sponsored by Panda Liquorice)

2011-12-23T02:46:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 12 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is 1 months supply Panda Liquorice Blueberry Bars thanks to Panda Liquorice.

Earlier this year, Panda Liquorice brought you new Blueberry flavour liquorice pieces and

such was the overwhelming response that now new Blueberry bars are to be launched.

Blueberry liquorice was an entirely new invention this year - created by the clever Finnish

liquorice experts at Panda HQ in Jyvaskyla - the Scandinavian home of all things liquorice.

Panda Blueberry bars combine the pure and natural ingredients of Panda Liquorice -

molasses syrup, wheat flour, liquorice extract and aniseed oil - with real blueberry puree,

delivering a soft and chewy bar of liquorice. Panda bars make it easier to snack on

liquorice when youʼre out and about - so whether its a post gym boost, 3pm office treat or a healthier sweet for the kids lunchbox - Panda Blueberry bar is the perfect tasty, guilt-free snack.

Made with real, juicy fruit puree, Panda Blueberry harnesses the king of super-fruits and

contains no nasties - so you can snack away happily.

Did you know that blueberries....?

Contain more anti-oxidants than any other fruit
Can help reduce belly fat
Help to keep you free from urinary-tract infections
They help to fight heart disease
They boost brain power!
Lastly they can neutralize potentially harmful free radicals

Not only that, liquorice has some pretty amazing properties too:

Liquorice is naturally 50 times sweeter than sugar!
Liquorice is one of the most popular herbs in the world - it has been used for thousands of years by the ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians and Hindus for its medicinal qualities.
Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar are both on record endorsing the benefits of liquorice, as is Napoleon in more recent times
Liquorice has been used to treat stomach and mouth ulcers, adrenal problems, even cancers. It is thought that it can slow the effects of aging on the brain. Most commonly it is used to treat respiratory problems

Liquorice has a few glamourous claims to fame too!

It featured in Moonraker as the cable-car cable which was bitten by Bond villain ʻJawsʼ
It made the shoe that Charlie Chaplin famously ate in a silent film The Tramp
It was used to colour the Orkʼs mouths black in Lords of the Rings
Celebrity fans include Madonna, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks and Anne Hathaway

As with all the products in the Panda Liquorice All Natural range, new Blueberry contains

no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives - so you can feed to the kids

without worry. Panda Blueberry Bars are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

For more information on Panda Liquorice products, visit their website http://www.landofliquorice.co.uk/. You can also get all the latest news from them on their Facebook and/or Twitter pages.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 11 (Sponsored by Grand Baby)

2011-12-22T02:46:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 11 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a Orange Tree Toys - Wooden Christmas Music Box for 1 lucky winner thanks to Grand Baby.

Grand Baby is a site that sells unique and special items that are ethically produced/sourced, traditional, high quality, innovative and original.

They sell a range of toys, gifts for baby, gifts for Mum, personalised gifts, books, clothing & accessories and much more.

One of my favourite products on the site is the Wooden Jungle Baby/Nursery Mobile from Orange Tree Toys. It is a gorgeous, colourful mobile with little zebras, lions, giraffes and elephants hanging from it. At £12.99, this would make a beautiful addition to your baby's nursery.

I also love this gorgeous Powell Craft Hand Knitted Farmyard Jumper which is available on Grand Baby. It is lovely and so unique - beats what you buy on the high street any day. You can buy this jumper in a variety of sizes - from newborn up to 2 years old. I just love the little tractor design. At just £19.99, this is excellent value for money.

Some of their most popular items are their nursery prints and the rag dolls for older children.

You can view the full range of products at www.grandbaby.co.uk. You can also get the latest new from them on Facebook and/or Twitter.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 10 (Sponsored by Dapper Dude)

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 10 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a mens Tommy Hilfiger polo shirt, size L for 1 lucky winner thanks to Dapper Dude.

Dapper Dude has one simple aim……to help you save money on mens designer clothing!

They deal with some of the leading designer websites in the UK and regularly update the site with all the latest designer discount codes, deals, offers and sales info meaning you could save BIG on the brands you love.

If you want to make fantastic savings on your designer clothing, then Dapper Dude is for you. They really do go all out to find you the best offers available.

Dapper Dude has website directory listings to help you find all of the best designer stores on the web. They also have store guides for the some of the most popular stores.

You can find out more information about Dapper Dude and what they do by visiting one or more of the sites listed below:

http://dapperdude.co.uk - Mens designer fashion blog

http://dapperdude.co.uk/mens-designer-clothing-directory - Designer
clothing website directory

http://www.facebook.com/DapperDudeDesignerClothing - Dapper Dude on Facebook

http://twitter.com/#!/DapperDudeUK - Dapper Dude on Twitter


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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 9 (Sponsored by Acolyte Home And Gifts)

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 9 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Acolyte Home & Gifts
Reflecting the style of your choice

Up for grabs today is a pack of Ginger Thins which are a part of the new Sciolti Botanical Chocolates range for 1 lucky winner thanks to Acolyte Home & Gifts.

Acolyte Home & Gifts are a family run business - selling only online and they are based in Whitehaven, Cumbria. Their aim is to make Acolyte Home & Gifts an online version of the old fashioned Emporiums that used to be everywhere at one time - in essence a `one-stop shop` for accessing quality products which vary in theme and style - the one thing they all have in common is the quality. They aim to provide a first class customer service and send all new customers a small gift alongside their first order - it`s their way of welcoming them to Acolyte Home and Gifts and to thank them for their custom.

They currently have 6 sellers on Acolyte Home & Gifts who work alongside them. Here re the links to their `shops` on Acolyte:
http://www.acolytehomeandgifts.com/shop/category/198/Air-Art-/
http://www.acolytehomeandgiftscom/shop/category/154/Andy-Driscoll-Designs--/
http://www.acolytehomeandgifts.com/shop/category/199/Chic-by-Imani/
http://www.acolytehomeandgifts.com/shop/category/197/Heavenly-Crochet/
http://www.acolytehomeandgifts.com/shop/category/187/Gem-Heaven-Jewellery/
http://www.acolytehomeandgifts.com/shop/category/208/Sciolti-Botanical-Chocolates/
At the bottom of each `shop` you`ll find details of each seller according to the category and their details. There will have new sellers joining in 2012 and Acolyte Home & Gifts want to attract more designers and artisans by making Acolyte Home & Gifts not only a profitable place to sell, but also an enjoyable website to join.

Acolyte Home & Gifts have been nominated as a "Great of Great Britain" - if like me, you agree that they most definitely are a "Great of Great Britain", please consider voting for them at the Great Exhibition 2012 website - If you would like to add your vote then please click here to go to their section on the Great Exhibition 2012 website.

You can take a look at all of their amazing range over on their website - www.acolytehomeandgifts.com. You can also get all the latest news about the company and their products and sellers on their Facebook page and also on Twitter.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 8 (Sponsored by Mavala)

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 8 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a Trio Colour Kit for 1 lucky winner thanks to Mavala.

Mavala is the world leader in nail care with a heritage spanning over 50 years. Created in 1958 by MAdelaine VAn LAndeghem and with the introduction of Scientifique Nail Hardener which remains one of their best selling products to date, Mavala is available globally in over 100 countries, with stockist ranging from small independent salons to large department stores.

Over the years Mavala has become synonymous with quality thanks to its specific and effective professional standard products. With categories including, nail, hand, feet, face and make-up, all created from rigorous research and manufactured in our Geneva factories to impeccable quality demands.

NAILS

Mavala specialise in the maintenance of beautiful looking nails and offers a complete range of products to alleviate all nail concerns, from uneven nail surfaces, splitting and flaking due to lack of hydration or nail discolouration, there is sure to be a Mavala nail care solution to suit you. Mavala also offers a vast array of over 150 nail colours in shades ranging from chic yet understated nudes to the bold and vibrant.

EYE-LITE

The Mavala Eye-Lite range was introduced in 1967 with Double-Lash; a unique eyelash enhancer formulated to lengthen, cover and protect the lashes allowing them to become healthy, long and resistant. Today, the Eye-Lite range consists of an assortment of products from eye make-up removers, nourishing moisturizers specifically formulated for the delicate eye area to a selection of high quality make-up products.

HAND CARE

In natural line with nail care and beauty, MAVALA offers a range of products specifically formulated to care for the hands all which are based on active ingredients revolutionary in their use in hand treatments.

SKIN CARE

After many years of research and development, Mavala introduced its line of face care and beauty: Mavalia - the Blending of Science (Mavala) and Nature (Mallow) - a natural key ingredient that is present in all products within the Mavalia skincare range. You can also choose from a selection of impeccable make-up products from the Mavalia range; including long-lasting wear foundation, complexion enhancing blush and easy-glide lipsticks in a variety of shades.

FOOT CARE

Because we feel it's important to give your feet the same attention given to hands, Mavala also offers a range of effective complimentary foot care products to keep your feet feeling and looking their best.

You can get all the latest news on Mavala products by following them on Facebook and/or Twitter. You can see full details of all of their products on their website - www.mavala.co.uk.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 7 (Sponsored by Blue Friesian)

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 7 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a personalised magazine cover for 4 winners thanks to Blue Friesian.

Create your own celebrity-style personalised magazine cover or magazine featuring their stunning designs and your own photos, names and text.

It’s really easy to bring smiles to the faces of your friends and family as they've done all the hard work for you. You just need to add your personalised information to make a unique and totally original keepsake.

Blue Friesian magazines are perfect gifts for celebrating and capturing special memories from birthdays, weddings, christenings, baby arrivals, graduations, hen and stag parties, anniversaries, Mother's day and even work events!

Blue Friesian offer a truly unique range of items - a personalised gift that can be cherished by the recipient for many years. They make fantastic gifts for family & friends for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries and such like.

Having spoken to the lovely lady in charge of Blue Friesian, I've heard of an interesting range of customers with a wide variety of subjects. A few examples being these:

A husband created a magazine for his first wedding anniversary (the 'paper' anniversary - very apt!)

A group of girls have recently organised a bespoke 32 page hen magazine (20 different girls creating individual pages)

A daughter living in Spain created a magazine to update her elderly mother (who was in hospital in the UK) on all her news

So, as you can see, these fantastic covers are brilliant for any occasion. A truly special gift that won't be easily forgotten. It's a gift whereby your recipient can see just how much time, thought and effort you've put into it for them, making it all the more special.

There are lots of templates to choose from including sport (football, rugby, running, golf, tennis, rowing), girls, babies, dogs and of course celebrity. Their customer service is second to none. Run by a very busy working mum who works tirelessly to ensure they have happy customers.

I'm sure you're now thinking to yourself "where do I buy one?" - well visit www.bluefriesian.com. You can also become a fan of Blue Friesian on Facebook and Twitter for discounts, competitions and news of new products.

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 6 (Sponsored by Shloer)

2011-12-17T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 6 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a bottle of the new Berry Punch drink for 2 winners thank to Shloer.

Bright blue skies and crisp winter air brings hues of reds and oranges to our cheeks; winter is all about sharing those warm moments with our friends and family.

Now you can make your Sunday get-together even better by sharing it with Shloer’s brand new Berry Punch. The limited edition gives a nod to traditional English flavours; it’s packed with Blackberries and a warming hint of spice - making it the newest and tastiest winter drink.

It’s all in the serve

Whether it’s enjoyed after returning from a beautiful woodland walk or sitting around the fireplace on a crisp winter evening, Shloer’s Berry Punch is best served over ice and quintessentially English fruits. For the taste of the English countryside, pour over slices of pear and blackberries for a sparkling and fruity autumnal drink, perfect for sharing.

The natural alcohol alternative

Shloer uses only the best ingredients to create a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink. All varieties make a tasty-grape based alternative to alcohol, suitable for the family – including those who want to enjoy the winter months without drinking alcohol. Shloer contains no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners or flavourings and is available from all supermarkets.

Best-served shared

Shloer’s new Berry Punch will add a little sparkle to any social gathering, planned or impromptu. Whether it’s huddled around a bonfire, or enjoyed with a long lazy Sunday lunch, Shloer is here to provide a new taste of winter.

Entertaining inspiration

As the weather turns cold we’re looking forward to nights in together with a good movie and having the family around for long lazy Sunday lunches. If, like us, you enjoy entertaining but sometimes need a little extra inspiration for your menus then check out the Shloer Sunday Cookbook by simply visiting the official Shloer Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shloer

The recipes you’ll find here are created by devoted Shloer fans themselves, around a ‘simple and sharing’ principle – no one wants to slave over a hot stove for hours on a well-deserved weekend.

Share recipes and win

It’s easy to contribute your own tasty dishes, or vote for your favourites on our Shloer Sunday Cookbook, either way you have the chance to win some fabulous prizes.

A flavour for everyone

Shloer is available in White Grape, Red Grape, Rosé, Apple & White Grape, White Grape, Raspberry & Cranberry, White Grape & Elderflower and new Berry Punch- RRP £2.29

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 5 (Sponsored by BrainBox Games)

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 5 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is Food Snap game, My First Colour and Shape Snap game & a sample pack thanks to BrainBox Games.

BrainBox (The Green Board Game Company) have been around since 1991. They are called 'Green' because of their strong ethical environmental awareness. They use a high content of recycled/recyclable material in their products and are members of Sedex.

BrainBox sell a large variety of games that are educational, informative and fun - the perfect combination. As a parent, I love for my son to have fun, but if he can have fun while learning, then it's a million times better in my opinion, and that is something BrainBox games can be proud to say they provide.

BrainBox games have just released a couple of brand new games within their BrainBox range, so we shall take a look at them here. The first is Horrible Histories BrainBox (Vile Villains). This game is for those aged 8+. "Find out how truly vile these villains were. Players will have 10 seconds to study a fact packed card before being asked a question from the reverse, chosen by the roll of the die. Answer correctly and the card is yours, if not return it to the box and continue play. The player with the most cards after 10 minutes wins the game!"

The second is Reminisce: 1990-2010. This game is for children aged 8+. "Beautifully-illustrated and well researched this delightful game looks back over the last 20 years. Players will have 10 seconds to study a fact packed card before being asked a question from the reverse, chosen by the roll of the die. Answer correctly and the card is yours, if not return it to the box and continue play. The player with the most cards after 10 minutes wins the game!"

You can find out more about the fantastic range of games available by visiting their website http://www.greenboardgames.com. You can also follow their news in one of these ways:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/BrainBoxGames

Twitter - http://twitter.com/brainboxgames

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MRB Advent Calendar - Day 4 (Sponsored by MoreTvicar)

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 4 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a Too Late To Dye Young - Juicy Lucy Peas & Love women's t-shirt thanks to MoreTvicar.

MoreTvicar have been around since 2003 and sell a massive range of unique and creative "not on the high street" t-shirts as well t-shirts carrying retro character such as Bagpuss, Batfink, Noddy, Roland Rat, Star Trek, Thunderbirds, Basil Brush and many more.

Many famous celebrities have been known to wear these fantastic t-shirts such as David Beckham, Fearne Cotton, Paris Hilton, Katie Price, Simon Pegg, Robert Downey Jr and many more.

There are currently over 700 designs for men, women and children available over on their site.

Some of my favourite women's tops on the site are these:

These are some mens t-shirts that I think are fab:

And here's a selection of my favourite kids t-shirts on the site:

You can buy all of these or choose from many more over at www.moretvicar.com. You can also become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

MRB Advent Calendar - Day 3 (Sponsored by Ribena)

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 3 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is 4 bottles of Ribena thanks to Ribena.

I'm pretty sure most people have heard of, and indeed tasted Ribena before today. For those of you who haven't heard of Ribena before today, here are some details about them:

"As a long established and well-loved British brand, Ribena has been enjoyed by families for over 70 years now. From the beginning, we have been passionate about the berries in Ribena products. Today, all of the blackcurrants that go into our squash are grown in the beautiful British countryside by trusted growers and bottled at the Ribena factory in Coleford, in the heart of the Forest of Dean.

By working with The Wildlife Trusts - one of the largest conservation charities in the UK - we help to promote wildlife friendly farming across the Ribena blackcurrant farms. And because we love blackcurrants so much were also an associate of the Blackcurrant Foundation!"

There are many Ribena products available. Take a look at the range below:

Ribena Blackcurrant Squash 600ml

Nutritional Information

(After dilution 1 part with 4 parts water)
Typical values per 100ml
Energy (kJ) 181
Carbohydrate (g) 10.5
of which sugars (g) 10.5

Ingredients (after dilution)

Water, Sugar, Blackcurrant Juice from Concentrate (5%), Citric Acid, Vitamin C, Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulphite), Colour (Anthocyanins). Product before dilution contains 22% juice. Contains no artificial colours, artificial flavours or sweeteners.

Ribena Blackcurrant Squash 1 litre

Nutritional Information

(After dilution 1 part with 4 parts water)
Typical values per 100ml
Energy (kJ) 181
Carbohydrate (g) 10.5
of which sugars (g) 10.5

Ingredients (after dilution)

Nutritional Information

(After dilution 1 part with 4 parts water)
Typical values per 100ml
Energy (kJ) 16
Carbohydrate (g) 0.5
of which sugars (g) 0.5

Ingredients (after dilution)

Nutritional Information

Typical values per 100ml
Energy (kJ) 16
Carbohydrate (g) 0.5
of which sugars (g) 0.5

Ingredients

MRB Advent Calendar - Day 2 (Sponsored by Seed Parade)

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 2 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is 20 packets of seeds of your choice thanks to Seed Parade.

Seed Parade offer a massive variety of seeds - so, whether you're looking for vegetable seeds, herb seeds or flowering seeds, you are bound to find something for you at Seed Parade.

Seed Parade offer the most competitive prices I have seen. I am actually a grow your own gardener (albeit still a fairly new one), and after seeing the extremely cheap prices at Seed Parade, I wouldn't consider using another company to buy my seeds from in all honesty.

Seed Parade choose only the finest quality seeds from around the world which are then sent to you in a padded envelope, so they arrive fresh and ready to sow. They don’t go overboard on packaging, which means they can offer first class Royal Mail postage within the UK for only £1.29.

Below are a few examples of some seeds you can buy that are extremely good value, and if you win, you can choose them for free:

Lupin Russel Mix 80 Seeds - just 99p!

Tomato Black Cherry 100 Seeds - just 29p!

Sweet Pea Parfumiere Mix 30 Seeds - just 99p!

Tomato Roma VF 100 Seeds - just 29p!

MRB Advent Calendar - Day 1 (Sponsored by Ecover)

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Day 1 of the My Random Blurb advent calendar which is sponsored by...

Up for grabs today is a selection of cleaning supplies thanks to Ecover consisting of:

Ecover non-bio concentrated laundry liquid
Ecover camomile & marigold washing up liquid
Ecover limescale remover
Ecover amongst the flowers fabric conditioner

For those of you who were not aware of Ecover prior to today, here is some more information about the brand and their products:

For the second year running, eco-friendly cleaning brand Ecover has been awarded the prestigious Prima Baby Platinum Award and has been recognised as the Green Brand of the Year.

The awards, voted for by readers of the magazine, have now chosen the cleaning brand as the best green brand in both 2010 and 2011. Ecover’s range of cleaning and laundry products have ticked all the right boxes for mums and mums-to-be who think Ecover’s products are a best buy for performance and best for value when it comes to being green.

Awarded best buy because “the products work really well, while being kind to the environment” and awarded best value because “the products help make ‘going green’ easy and affordable” – the readers of Prima Baby love Ecover’s plant and mineral-based products to help make their lives that little bit easier.

Emma Bennetts, Ecover brand manager commented, “Becoming a mum often means that you re-evaluate your purchase choices – you want to make sure that the products you buy do the job and make your life easier, but without any chemical nasties entering the home. We are thrilled that Ecover products are the favourite of mums and mums-to-be across the UK – watch this space for more great products as we enter the New Year!”

For more information on all Ecover products go to: www.ecover.com or for access to their online shop go to: www.ecoverdirect.com

If you are wondering what makes Ecover so special, just take a look at this information:

Plant-astic is a 100 per cent renewable, reusable and recyclable plastic made from

sugarcane and Ecover is the first cleaning brand in the UK to use it, and will use Plant-astic across its product range in 2011. The new bottles will look and feel like the current bottles, but consumers will be able to distinguish them by looking out for the distinctive green and blue Plant-astic logo.

Ecover is effective - Ecover harnesses the power of nature to create highly effective and supremely ecological cleaning products.

Ecover is sustainable - Ecover uses sustainable plant-based and mineral ingredients. All ingredients are chosen to ensure Ecover’s products are as effective as possible whilst also achieving the lowest possible toxicity and the most rapid and complete biodegradability.

Ecover is pioneering - Ecover continually strives to improve its product range and has spent seven years developing a new ecological surfactant for use in its hard surface cleaning products. This new Eco-Surfactant means the range cleans as well as – or better than - the UK’s leading conventional brands. The products are made with fully renewable plant-based ingredients

Ecover is a truly ecological company - Ecover operates from its world-famous ecological factories in Belgium and France. The company's guidelines for environmental criteria, the selection of ingredients and manufacturing processes are far stricter that those required by EU legislation. Ecover has been recognised by the United Nations Environment programme (UNEP) for their outstanding practical achievements for the protection and improvement of our environment.

Ecover is closer than you think - Ecover’s ecological factories in France and Belgium are just 200 and 250 miles from London. This is approximately the same distance between Manchester and London, so although Ecover is not based in the UK, the transportation miles involved in distributing their products are comparable to those of UK based cleaning companies.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle - Ecover’s plastic bottles are made from polypropylene and polyethylene which are 100% recyclable. Both bottles and tops can be recycled together. Ecover offers a refill service through its health food store network which allows consumers to save money and plastic resources. Visit www.ecover.com to find out where your nearest refill station is.

The Ecover magazine can be found at www.the-splash.co.uk. There is also a great competition running until the end of December where you can win great prizes such as an iPad, e-bike and a break for simply uploading a photo of you with your Ecover product.

You can follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ecoveruk or on Twitter @Ecover.

The My Random Blurb Advent Calendar - Prizes

2011-12-11T12:00:00.000Z

12th December - Selection of cleaning products thanks to Ecover (1 winner)

13th December - 20 packets of seeds thanks to Seed Parade (1 winners)

14th December - Selection of drinks thanks to Ribena (1 winner)

15th December - Too Late To Dye Young - Juicy Lucy Peas & Love women's t-shirt thanks to MoreTvicar (1 winner)

16th December - Food Snap game, My First Colour and Shape Snap game & sample pack thanks to BrainBox Games 1 winner)

17th December - Berry Punch drink thanks to Shloer (2 winners)

18th December - Personalised magazine cover thanks to Blue Friesian (4 winners)

19th December - Trio Colour Kit thanks to Mavala (1 winner)

20th December - Pack of Ginger Thins thanks to Acolyte Home and Gifts (1 winner)

21st December - Tommy Hilfiger mens t-shirt thanks to DapperDude (1 winner)

22nd December - Wooden Christmas Music Box thanks to Grand Baby (1 winner)

23rd December - 1 months supply Panda Liquorice Blueberry Bars thanks to Panda Liquorice (1 winner)

24th December - Selection of coffees thanks to Douwe Egberts (1 winner)

25th December - My Random Blurb mega prize bundle (1 winner) - this competition will run until 31st December

31st December - Gourmet pizza voucher thanks to Domino's Pizza (10 winners) - this competition will run until 6th January

The My Random Blurb Advent Calendar

2011-11-29T09:01:00.003Z

Something exciting is coming to My Random Blurb on 12th December 2011...

If you are a company wishing to get involved in the My Random Blurb advent calendar, please contact us as soon as possible and no later than 10th December at reviews@myrandomblurb.co.uk for further details.

REVIEW: Zoflora

2011-11-29T09:01:00.001Z

Zoflora Concentrated Disinfectant

Zoflora Concentrated Disinfectant comes in small containers of 120ml or 250ml. It won't add much weight to your shopping and it won't fill up much of a shopping bag. The box has a scratch 'n' sniff panel to allow you to experience the aroma to help you decide from the many varieties available.

The disinfectant has 3 main features:

It eliminates 99.9% bacteria. Including e.coli, MRSA , salmonella, listeria, influenza (H1N1), human herpes virus & RSV.
Odours are eliminated. Household smells such as drains, bins and pet area smells are a thing of the past.
All day freshness.

I went on a mad disinfecting spree throughout the house these last couple of days. I found Zoflora easy and pleasant to use. The rooms I've used it in have ended up with a long lasting, fresh smell. The smell is not overpowering like some products. Also many disinfectants smell very clinical and not all that plesant, but I found Zoflora's scent to be quite nice, like an air freshener.

It was a bit of nuisance measuring out the exact amount to mix one lid's worth of disinfectant with. Although for a second and subsequent times I found it easy enough to just remember how far up the bowl the water was the first time and just fill it up by eye. The smell of the disinfectant in the bottle is quite strong but is fine after being
diluted. It mixed into the water with no problems. It is such a small amount in the water that it doesn't thicken up or anything like that, which makes it easy to wipe with. It mentions on the packaging that it is harmful in contact with skin so I popped on a pair of rubber gloves. I did manage to spill some on my arm at some point but I washed it off
and I never noticed any ill-effects. It dries as quick as it would if it was just water and then the area you've cleaned is ready for use again. I was a little surprised that it doesn't have a child-proof lid.

Zoflora concentrated disinfectant can be used for general disinfection of surfaces by diluting 1 part disinfectant to 40 parts water - it's small but goes a long way! The 120ml bottles make almost 5 litres, and the 250ml bottles make 10 litres. At this strength it is suitable for floors, tiles, worktops, sinks, toilets, hard surface pet areas, potties, dishcloths, drains, taps, baths and more.

You can also use it as spray to create a fragrant freshness throughout the house.

You can find a flavour of Zoflora Concentrated Disinfectant to suit your taste:

Limited Edition Apple Orchard: An uplifting fragrance combining the freshness of cut grass and spring.
Bouquet: Traditional and popular the rich floral scent of bouquet with its warm wood and musk notes creates a heady fragrance. A mixture of floral with a hint at the orient.
Cherry Blossom: A contemporary addition to the Zoflora range, a fruity-floral combination of delicate flowers layered with sweet, cherry notes
Citrus Fresh: Family favourite, clean & fresh with an orange warmth & lemon sharpness. It's a cleansing, refreshing and uplifting fragrance which blends citrus fruits including orange, lemon and lime to create a modern fresh scent.
Flowershop: Sweet, light and feminine with hints of green leaves and freshly cut stems. An easy going aroma for relaxation.
Hyacinth: A rich, sweet floral capturing the scent of the flower, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
Lavender: Lavender is a fresh uplifting herbal combination enriched with essential oils of orange, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary. Full flowery and herbaceous.
Lilac: With subtle hints of Jasmine and Rose, Lilac is a light floral fragrance that creates a beautiful background scent.
Linen Fresh: A crisp, refreshing blend that captures the outdoor freshness of light breezes over clean linen, and brings it into your home.
Rose: Rose captures the richness of the flower and is a soft warm floral fragrance. The full floral blend is comforting and enchanting.
Springtime: The sparkling blend of cut grass, green leaves and soft herbal flowers is similar to a light breeze that refreshes the home, leaving a clean uplifting aroma.
Sweetpea: Sweetpea is a fresh delicate bouquet, good for lifting emotions. Bright, light, it's an easy going summer inspired fragrance.
Warm Cinnamon: Let the sweet and spicy aroma of Zoflora Warm Cinnamon fill your home with scents of cloves.

You can find out all the details on the Zoflora website: www.zoflora.co.uk which also has interesting user-submitted ideas for uses.

Zoflora can be purchased in most supermarkets and many other shops:
Tesco | Savers | Asda | B & M | Iceland | Morrisons | Wilkinson's | Sainsbury's | Superdrug
99p Stores | Home & Bargains | Graham's Toiletries

"Tried and tested by generations, this antibacterial disinfectant range contains an effective odour neutraliser and smells so fresh and fragrant you'll want to use it everywhere.

There are many products on the market that effectively kill germs but unfortunately, many of them aren't very kind on your nose. Triple Action Zoflora is different. This powerful concentrated antibacterial disinfectant liquid not only kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, but also contains a powerful odour elimination ingredient and beautiful long lasting fragrance leaving your home hygienically clean and fresh.

It is also particularly effective in areas where odours may be an issue, such as rubbish bins, toilets, damp rooms and clean-ups of vomit, pet accidents, spilt milk etc."

REVIEW: Club Penguin Toys

2011-11-22T00:50:00.001Z

I received a big selection of Club Penguin toys to review from UKMums.tv and here's our review...

I knew from the moment I saw them, these would be a big hit with David as I know he plays on the Club Penguin website regularly and he also loves his cuddly toys.

Each of the Club Penguin toys comes with a token, which David tells me you can use on their website to get new characters for in the game. So, if your child plays Club Penguin, the toys serve as two presents when you think about it - they get the cuddly toy and a bonus of an online, in-game character.

The Club Penguin site is from Disney. Club Penguin is a virtual world for kids with lots of fun activities, where you can play and chat with friends and is a safe environment for kids, which is moderated and filtered, so you don't need to worry about who your child is talking to or what they are doing.

Now Club Penguin as seeped into reality with their fantastic range of toys for children. The fun no longer has to end on the internet, because children can keep playing with their favourite characters from the website in reality.

David seemed to have a particular fondness for the 'hidden' characters - his favourite of the toys is the abominable snowman, which is one of the penguins disguised as the abominable snowman and you can peel down the top to reveal the penguin.

These can be as fun as your child wants to make them - I mean with imagination, they can play any way with them. Also make a nice bedtime toy too.

I don't think these are just for fans of the Club Penguin website however, as if your child likes cuddly toys, then I'm sure they'd love them just as much as a Club Penguin fan.

CHILD RATING - 10/10 - loads of fun
ADULT RATING - 9/10 - perfect for any kids who like soft toys

Club Penguin toys can be purchased from the Disney Store, Toys R Us and other good toy retailers and start from approximately £4 upwards.

REVIEW: B.I.G. Power Hand

2011-11-21T20:57:00.001Z

The lovely people over at UKMums.tv sent me the new B.I.G. Power Hand to review with my 9 year old son, David.

From a personal point of view, when I first saw this, I thought to myself "this isn't going to be something that'll last", because nowadays, you get used to toys needing batteries or video games, and this is neither of those. I had my doubts as to whether this would be something David would enjoy.

But in its simplicity, it is also entertaining and good fun. David enjoyed trying it out. The leaflet that came with it had some challenges, such as being able to pick stuff up with the hand and being able to switch the light on and off and David found this to be lots of fun. On top of that, he just loves having a great big hand!

Well, what is it, you ask... Well, basically it's a great big hand - it has a glove attached to the inside which your child puts his/her hand into and allows them to control movement of the giant fingers, almost as though they are their own.

While this doesn't make sounds and nor does it shine, sparkle, play music or anything like that, it does keep kids entertained for quite some time.

David loved the challenges and trying to perfect them. You know the pick up machines with the teddies in at the funfair? Well, David loves using that hand as a pick up thing and trying to pick up and 'win' his toys. Like I said previously, this provided him with a surprising amount of entertainment and I'm sure he is going to enjoy it for a long time yet.

You can see David's reactions and thoughts in the video review above and see for yourself how much fun he has with it.

I've given David's rating below. I've also given my rating as a parent based on value, entertainment and giftability (yes, I made up the last one!).

CHILD RATING - 10/10 - lots of fun!
ADULT RATING - 8/10 - hours of fun, limited only by your child's imagination!

You can find out more about the B.I.G. Power Hand and the B.I.G. hands that are available at the B.I.G. Power Hand website. They are available to buy at most good toy stores such as Smyths & Toys R Us and also from places such as Amazon and Argos and retail at approximately £29.99. They are sure to be a hit this Christmas!

You can buy addons too such as armour, they are also available in different styles & colours and in left or right hands.

FAB FINDS: Win £1000 Of Your Favourite Rodial Products

2011-11-17T10:34:00.000Z

Win a £1000 of your favourite Rodial products in association with Karen Millen

Whether you’re a self-tanning addict or always one step ahead with the latest beauty must-have, Rodial are giving you the chance to win £1000 of Rodial products. All you need to do is complete a short entry form at the link above to be entered into their prize draw!

REVIEW: Tefal Sensorielle Frying Pan

2011-11-07T11:50:00.001Z

I was recently sent one of the brand new range of frying pans from Tefal to review - the Tefal Sensorielle...

We currently have 2 older Tefal frying pans and they have been fantastic - our frying pans prior to buying those were rubbish as everything always stuck to them, so I was equally looking forward to trying out the new Sensorielle.

The other day, I decided to try out the Sensorielle for cooking up my ingredients for chicken fajitas.

Firstly, the appearance of the pan - well it's a good design, great size and best of all, nice and deep - no ending up accidentally flicking food out of the frying pan when trying to turn over your food during frying. The handle (the "curved comfort handle" which is oven safe up to 180°C) is in a strange place compared to what I am used to, but I come to find that it was actually well placed and made for comfort and ease of use.

These new Sensorielle pans are defined as their toughest yet. They have an Intensium coating, which is "an extra hard mineral base layer which is fused to the other layers, including a visible holographic layer. Intensium provides the ultimate scratch-resistant surface, designed to withstand the most rigorous use and even resistant when using metal utensils."

Their "Ultimium" non-stick coating comes with a lifetime guarantee, which protects against blistering and peeling.

The red ring (the "Thermospot") in the centre of the frying is brilliant - it lets you know when your pan is at the correct temperature - no more guesswork!

This new pan is also fantastic as you don't even have to use oil - it is made in such a resilient way, that it is not needed and your food still won't stick. I must admit, I was a little skeptical about this, but having tried it, I can confirm it works - an easy way to make healthier meals.

I always use a metal fish slice for flipping over food in the frying pan and I was surprised to see that it didn't leave lots of scratches behind too - I prefer using metal to wooden utensils, but often find the frying pan gets damaged very easily, so I've so far been pleasantly surprised with the new Sensorielle frying pans resilience.

Another feature part of this new Sensorielle range is the fantastic anti-warp base "which makes each pan resistant to thermal shocks.The copper particles in the base make Sensorielle pans extremely effective at heat diffusion, distributing heat evenly throughout the food and preventing hot spots" - no more of your food getting cooked one side of the pan, but not so well on the other!

Seed Parade Competition

2011-10-20T11:45:00.000+01:00

If, like me, you are a fan of GYO (grow your own) vegetables & fruits, then you've probably heard of SeedParade.co.uk already. They also have a great selection of flower seeds if you're more the flower type. Here's some more information...

SeedParade have a large selection of seeds available, all at very low prices. I've listed some of their best offers below so you can see just how good value they are. Not only are their seeds incredibly cheap, but postage is only £1.29 within the UK and £1.89 to the EU.

Tomato Roma VF Seeds are just 29p for 100 seeds!

Lupin Russel Mix Seeds are just 99p for 80 seeds!

Strawberry Golden Alexandria Seeds are just £1.09 for 350 seeds!

I really do think they offer great value. You can also buy gift vouchers of any value to send to your friends/family - so great present for all keen gardeners this Christmas!

There are a variety of payment methods available to customers - credit/debit card via SagePay, PayPal or Google Checkout.

SeedParade have kindly allowed me to run a competition. So, up for grabs is a packet of 20 seeds of your choice for 2 lucky winners. The competition is open to UK & EU residents and will close on Friday, 11th November at 8pm.

To enter, you MUST do both of the following tasks:
1) Answer this question (post your answer in the comments box) and leave a way for me to contact you should you win such as Twitter username, link to your Facebook profile or your e-mail address (I would recommend 
not leaving your e-mail address or use [at] instead of @ to prevent spam):

How many seeds are there in a packet of Jalapeno seeds on http://www.seedparade.co.uk


2) Follow my blog with Google Connect over on the right and leave a separate comment telling me you have done so

Extra entries are available by doing the following:
3) Follow Seed Parade on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/seedparade and leave a comment to let me

know you have done this including your Twitter username (1 entry)
4) Follow My Random Blurb on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/myrandomblurb and leave a comment to let me 
know you have done this including your Twitter username (1 entry)

5) Tweet the following and leave a comment to tell me you have done this including your Twitter username: 
"I want to win some seeds with @MyRandomBlurb & @SeedParade - you can win to if you enter at http://is.gd/yv4y8B" (1 entry)
6) Become a fan of Seed Parade on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/seedparade and leave a comment to 
let me know you have done this (1 entry)
7) Become a fan of My Random Blurb on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Random-Blurb/208838975816251 and leave a comment to let me know you have done this (1 entry)
8) Post a status update on Facebook saying the follow and be sure to tag 
BOTH pages (you can do this by putting an @ before the pages names) and leave a comment to let me know you have done this "I would love to win some free seeds with My Random Blurb and seedparade.co.uk - you can enter to win some too at http://is.gd/yv4y8B" (1 entry)

AND THE FIRST WINNER IS... @daisyangel1

AND THE SECOND WINNER IS... @phyllgerry

CONGRATULATIONS! Please e-mail your addresses to twitter@myrandomomblurb.co.uk :) x

David's 9th Birthday - 27th September 2011

2011-10-06T21:54:00.000+01:00

David was 9 on his birthday... My how time flies! Seems not that long ago he was just a baby and now he's 9 years old! As most of you know, he is a big, big Spongebob fan, so when he asked for an acoustic guitar, we thought the Spongebob Squarepants acoustic guitar set would be the perfect present and he loved it! There's a video below of David playing Wild Things (The Troggs) on his guitar - pretty amazing!

David playing on his new Spongebob Squarepants guitar.

David also got a Cars 2 augmented reality book off us. His Granny & Grandad (Paul's parents) got him his Liverpool FC away football shirt, his Grandma (my Mum) got him Cars 2 Klip Kitz and a Koo Koo bird, and he got £15 cash from my Uncle & Aunt (his second Uncle?) which he went shopping last weekend with with an extra £15 from us and bought a magic set, a Cars 2 movie scene thingy, Spongebob Squarepants bubble sword, Phineas & Ferb Agent Perry kit and Cars 2 notepad with spy glasses. Here he is with all of his stuff he got on his birthday (not the stuff he bought at the weekend)...

Anyway, it was a school day, so he was at school during the day. We used the time he was at school to make him some party foods & his birthday cake - though he didn't have a big party, it was just him & Latisha (my little sister, David's aunt who is also 9 years old).

Normally we just buy packet cakes mixes, and ready to cook party snacks and a pre-made character birthday cake from the supermarket, but I decided to make some unique snacks myself this year.

I found several good recipes online. I made some ham salad baps into little monsters with cucumber for feet and cherry tomatoes & sultanas for eyes. This was the finished result...

We made some sausage rolls and cheese & onion rolls (but that's just because Paul is vegetarian), but we cheated on those as they were frozen packets from the supermarket! I made some bear paw print cupcakes (victoria sponge cake, topped with buttercream and using the middles of jaffa cakes and minstrels for the prints) and some froggy cupcakes (victoria sponge cake topped with vanilla frosting that I put green food colouring and then green American hard gums cut in half for the eyes and a bit of icing and food colouring for the eyes centres) though and I was very pleased with how they turned out...

I also made some marshmallows dipped in melted chocolate and then rolled in hundreds and thousands, but I didn't think they turned out so well...

I decided to make David a treasure chest birthday cake as he likes pirates and stuff. I was a bit worried as to how it would turn out as I've never made such a big cake before, let alone one with any sort of design or layering. I had to make one big cake and use a piece out of the middle as wedges to prop the treasure chest 'lid' up. I made a chocolate cake as it's Davids' favourite. I coated the whole cake in chocolate fudge frosting, then used strawberry fruit winders as straps, Tango bon bons as jewels on the top of the case, and used chocolate gold coins to prop up the lid and to put in the middle and around the bottom of the cake to look like treasure. I also used iced cups, chocolate footballs and candy bracelets to serve as treasure on the cake. I was very pleased with how it turned out and everyone seemed to enjoy it...

I think David was pleased with his mini party, all his party food, his cakes and his birthday overall... Well at least I'm hoping he was! He did seem happy, so that's always a good thing! I think between his birthday and his days out the weekend before to Alton Towers & Chester Zoo, he had a really good birthday!

David & Latisha pigging out on party foods!

David sitting proudly with his treasure chest birthday cake.

Latisha & David.

Me with David.

David with his Dad.

David with his Grandma.

Trip To Chester Zoo - 25th September 2011

2011-10-06T18:40:00.000+01:00

Another trip for David as an early birthday treat was to Chester Zoo. I had won 2 adult tickets from Favourite Days Out in Cheshire on Facebook for me & Paul, so we just needed to buy tickets for David & Latisha.

Again, we had intended to get there for when they opened at 10am, but ended up arriving at around 12pm.

We've been to Chester Zoo before, but not for a long time - I think the last time we went was when David was 3 or 4 years old. So it had changed a fair bit.

The first thing we went to see were the elephants. It was really crowded at the time as it's the first set of animals you come across just after you enter. We then went to see the monkeys, apes & gorillas - soooo cute!

Latisha & David standing by a little monkey figure.

We then saw some cheetahs which were really cute, followed by the lions, which were equally cute (from a distance!) - Latisha said she wanted a pet male lion!

There are 2 cheetahs in this photo.

These are the 2 lionesses, but there was a male lion in there too.

The next stop was the amazing dinosaur exhibition. Lots of big, moving model dinosaurs with sounds and some of them even sprayed water out of their mouths at you. It's a fabulous exhibition and the dinosaurs were very realistic. David loved them as he's really into dinosaurs.

We then went to see the otters, which were really cute, but really noisy too - you couldn't believe such a horrible sound could come from such a cute animal! Then we went to see the tortoises... Slowly... Slowly... Then we saw the big hairy orang-utan, very hairy...

One of the otters.

The tortoises.

The really hairy (and BIG!) orang-utan.

We saw loads of other stuff too, such as a load of birds. Paul had us all walk through the bat area - I hate anything that has flappy wings to come at you with! Worst of all, 1 of them had a wee on my head!! Disgusting!! We saw a zebra, an ostrich, some pink flamingos and more. There were loads of others, but I don't know the name of any of them now.

The zoo is absolutely massive and you'd have no trouble spending a while day there! In fact, we actually didn't manage to get around everywhere in the end which was very unfortunate, but we all had a lovely day and David seemed to very much enjoy his second birthday treat!

Trip To Alton Towers - 24th September 2011

2011-10-04T00:42:00.000+01:00

As an early birthday treat for David, we took him to Alton Towers using the family ticket I won from Nivea on Facebook on their Million Moments Of Closeness app.

We originally intended to get their for the opening time of 10am, but for one reason or another, we actually arrived around 12pm. Upon arrival, we were disgusted to see they had an additional parking charge of £6. I know we had a free family ticket, but had I have been paying, considering their high prices, I would have been outraged at having to pay parking as well!

David enjoyed the free monorail ride from the car park to the park entrance.

David's scared of heights and like me, isn't a fan of the big rides. So we took him to the little kids area.

The first thing we went on was the Charlie & The Chocolate Factory - the ride - a 40 minute wait in a queue for something that lasted a matter of minutes - it wasn't very impressive in my opinion, but David enjoyed it.

After that, David went on the Frog Hopper ride - his face was a sight to see! Although it wasn't fast or anything, his face indicated that he found it quite horrific, even though afterwards, he insisted that he enjoyed it!

He then went on the Galloper's Carousel, followed by the Peugeot Driving School. Both of which he seemed to enjoy a lot.

We then went to the Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life. It was actually quite a lot bigger than I expected in there. There were some gorgeous tropical fish, sharks, David got to put his hand in with the shrimp, but my favourite of all was the seahorses - they are so adorable!

One of the sharks.

Finding Nemo...

How cute is this seahorse?!

After that, we went on the Duel - The Haunted House Strikes Back ride - it was definitely an excellent haunted house, the ride was good, but for added interactivity, we were all able to play against each other with laser guns in a "House of the Dead" game style. Paul won, David came 2nd and I lost :'(

Then, David & Paul went on the Runaway Mine Train - I sat that one out as I didn't think like the look of it - it did mean I ended up standing around for about 50 minutes talking to myself waiting for them though!

After that, we all went on the Congo River Rapids ride which we all really enjoyed - minimal splashes from the water was good! It was a really good ride.

The final ride of the day we got to go on after a very long hours wait, was The Flume. I think David found this horrific. His face in the ride photo pretty much said it all. In all honesty, it had three drops and that was a little more than my stomach was happy with - saying that, neither of us threw up, so it couldn't have been all bad! David got quite wet, but I ended up soaking - I was so wet, you could have wrung my clothes out! I had to spend the next 4 hours like that until we were home and I was able to get into something warm and dry!

Paul likes the bigger rides, so I think he was disappointed that he missed out. Overall, the queues were ridiculous - we noticed at one point that the Thi3teen ride had a 75 minute wait!! All in all, we only got to go on/in 9 attractions in our 6 hour trip - 9 out of about 30 rides - that's not a good ratio if you ask me. If we'd have been paying, to pay on the day would have cost £95 for the 3 of us, plus a further £6 for parking - a total of £101 for 9 attractions - that's poor value for money in my opinion.

Nonetheless, David had a great time and that's all that matters in the end as it was for him for his birthday and he enjoyed it. It was a nice day spent as a family too.

Family Holiday To Scotland - 22nd-29th August 2011

2011-10-03T23:50:00.000+01:00

As some of you already know, I recently went on holiday for a week to Haven at Craig Tara in Ayr, Scotland with my hubby Paul, our 8 year old son, David and my 9 year old sister, Latisha. I thought I'd make a post and let you all know what we got up whilst we were there...

We went on 22nd August and came home on 29th August. We got there a little later than we originally intended, but it did save on big queues at the reception to check-in!

We didn't do much on the first day there (22nd August), by the time we'd unpacked our clothes & stuff, it was already later in the day. We did manage to go to the beach and the kids had a go on the 2p machines in the arcade before going to get our food shopping for the week ahead (as it was self-catering).

Latisha & David on Craig Tara beach.

David & Latisha wading in the water at Craig Tara.

The second day (23rd August) we spent in Scotland was a lot busier! We all got up nice and early and headed off to Heads Of Ayr Farm Park which is only a 5 minute drive from the holiday park. The kids loved it here, but in terms of value, at £37 for a family ticket, it was pretty poor value as there actually weren't that many animals there and you still had to pay for extras too.

David feeding the cute Kid (baby Goat).

Some free activities at the farm park included trampolines, jumping pillows, a big slide and a sandpit, all of which the kids seemed to enjoy. There were several paid for activities too, of which the kids did quad biking (which I felt was a bit of a rip off at £5 each for 5 minutes) and bumper boats (a bit better value at £2 each for about 5 minutes, but still overpriced considering the entry fee).

Latisha & David on the bumper boats.

David & Latisha on the quad bikes.

In the evening, we went to the see the Electric Brae, which seems like a strange phenomena, but in reality it's just down to how the landscape lies. Basically, we were in the car seeming facing downhill, but when the handbrake was off and we were stopped, we seemingly rolled uphill. It's a very strange bit of road, but was 5 minutes of peculiar fun for us all! I'd definitely recommend a visit if you ever go to Ayrshire.

The stone marker for the Electric Brae.

We then went on to the Lang Scots Mile to fill in some more of the evening. The Lang Scots Mile is a beautiful, scenic walking trail along the seafront. Apparently, a Scots mile is longer than one of our miles, so it was actually a longer walk as it turns out. Though we only managed to make it halfway as by the time we got playing on the beach and then took the kids to the massive playpark on the halfway marker, it was getting late and started to rain too. Again, it is not something to be missed if you're in Ayr anytime. It is beautiful and the beach was beautiful and the playpark is well looked after and could keep the kids entertained for ages!

Latish & David by the start marker on the Lang Scots Mile.

Me & Paul on the beach on the Lang Scots Mile.

David & Latisha on one of the swing in the playpark on the Lang Scots Mile.

The third day (24th August) was spent mostly doing activities at the holiday park. The kids went to football coaching at 10am.

Latisha & David playing football.

After that, they went to the Teddy Bear's picnic at the Bonga Wonga lounge. It cost £5 each which included a Bradley Bear backpack and lunch (though to call it lunch is more than stretching it a bit as it was an orange, a Dairylea Dunkers cheese dip and a packet of crisps!). The kids did enjoy though and they took their teddies along. They also got their photo taken with Bradley Bear (just another money-making scheme on their part as it was £7 for the photo)!

After that, the kids did some circus skill in the Bonga Wonga lounge - they learned to do plate spinning, diablo, juggling and hula hooping which they had loads of fun doing.

Here is David & Latisha showing off their plate spinning skills!

After that we went to the arcade and played a game of mini golf and the kids also had a go on the bumper cars which they enjoyed!

David & Latisha playing mini golf.

They went to the roller disco in the evening - neither of them could skate, but they wanted to go anyway - bit of a disaster, Latisha did OK, but David was too terrified not to go really slowly and cling on to the wall!

David roller skating.

On the fourth day (25th August), we took a trip to Glasgow which is about 40-50 miles from where we were staying, but we wanted to visit there. First of all we visited the walk alongside the River Clyde.

Latisha & David standing alongside the River Clyde.

David & Latisha standing neat this fascinating Tiger graffiti alongside the River Clyde.

Then we went to visit Provand Lordship's Garden. It was a beautiful garden - it looked a lot like a maze and had these really strange "heads" above the seats surrounding it.

David & Latisha near the fountain in the centre of the Garden.

One of the strange "heads" above one of the seats.

After that we went to visit the St Mungo Museum Of Religious Art And Life which is probably one of the most unique museums I have ever seen! It's basically a big history on all the most known and unknown religions in the world. There was also a brilliant view of the Necropolis from the upper window. There was a police box near the museum that reminded us of the Tardis (Doctor Who fans will know what I'm talking about!).

On the fifth day (26th August), we visited Dean Castle and Country Park in Kilmarnock. For free, this was really quite brilliant! If you're ever near there, I would definitely recommend a visit. In comparison with the Heads Of Ayr Farm Park we visited earlier in the week, this was far better. Even if it had cost the same price (which it didn't, because as I said, it was FREE!!), then this still would've been better value. There were animals to see and feed and smaller animals too, it had a lovely waterfall and a nice walk, the castle was free to enter too and had some dressing up clothes, which entertained the kids. It also had a big playground which the kids love - all in all, a great, free day out! Me and Paul enjoyed it and the kids loved it to - it's really a great family destination.

Afterwards, we went back to the holiday park for the kids to do wall climbing which they were good at and enjoyed.

Latisha enjoying wall climbing.

David showing off his wall climbing skills!

On the sixth day (27th August), we went to Kelburn Castle, Country Park & Estate in Largs. Kelburn Castle is a unique, graffiti castle. The first thing we did when we got there, was watch the great Viking skirmish they had on. It was very fun & realistic and we all enjoyed it.

Latisha & David watching the Viking skirmish.

After that, we went to look at the animals as they had quite a few and then the kids wanted to go into the Secret Forest - basically a giant, forest maze. The kids had a lot of fun as there was various little places to go and stepping stones and strange buildings and so on and so forth...

David & Latisha on the stepping stones.

This made me laugh - Latisha & David picking the tree creatures nose!

It's Mr. Tim & Mrs. Tina Weenie :D

After this, we went to visit the waterfall, which I might add, was really beautiful (I do have a bit of an obsession with waterfalls though lol). We did this before taking on one of the trails, which was actually a lot longer than any of us expected but it was a lot of fun.

Me, Paul & David standing by the waterfall stream.

The beautiful waterfall.

We then visited the castle, castle gardens & the beautiful weeping larch tree. The castle is quite the site to behold - it is truly bizarre - just sitting there covered in strange graffiti art.

The bizarre graffiti castle.

On the way home, we stopped off in Ardrossan. Walked along the beach, trod on the fresh seaweed, enjoyed the fresh sea air and looked out on the little island.

Awww - Paul wrote I <3 U n the sand for me :) x

Latisha, David & Paul on the beach in Ardrossan.

Me & Paul on the beach in Ardrossan.

On the seventh and final full day in Scotland (28th August), we spent another day mainly at the holiday park. Our first thing was to take the kids to basketball.

David shootin' some hoops :D

Latisha shootin' some hoops :D

After that they went on an orienteering course which they both achieved a certificate for!

Then we went off to all do archery together, before the kids went to do fencing.

After fencing, we went to try and fly kites - it was easily windy enough, but none of us could get the kites going! And I ended up covered in mud (long story!).

In the evening, I took David to the live circus, while Paul took Latisha to the roller disco as the kids both wanted to do separate things. We then stuck around in the Bonga Wonga lounge for the kids entertainment in the evening.

And basically, that bought to an end, our fantastic family holiday to Scotland. We all had an excellent time and really enjoyed it.

We headed home on the 8th day (29th August) and it was quite depressing the long drive home. But we did have a fantastic time and the weather was good too, which was a bonus!

REVIEW + COMPETITION: Little Chef & Taylors of Harrogate Tea

2011-08-16T20:54:00.001+01:00

I recently received a delightful package to review courtesy of Little Chef & Taylors of Harrogate...

I opened up my parcel to reveal a mysterious looking red box, and when I opened it, I was surprised to see a delightful little package of a teapot, teaspoon, a tin of Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast Tea, a teacup & saucer, some Little Chef kids eat free vouchers, a bag of Biscuit Bites, some sugar cubes and tongs to pick up the sugar cubes with.

The Taylors of Harrogate tin of English Breakfast Tea was delicious - one of the best cups of tea I have ever had. It's been a long time since I made tea in a teapot with tea leaves instead of just sticking a teabag in a cup and pouring on water out of the kettle, and freshly brewed leaf tea is still as splendid as I remember!

I got a Little Chef trEAT card too, which once activated at http://www.littlechef.co.uk/friends, allows you to get free refills when you purchase a hot drink - great value!

I was also sent some "Kid Eat Free" vouchers for Little Chef too, which you can use to get a free meal for a child under 10 years old when you purchase an adult main meal. These vouchers are valid until 30th September 2011 (inclusive). If you would like to win 2 Little Chef "Kids Eat Free" vouchers, check out my competition...

We have three sets of 2 Little Chef "Kids Eat Free" vouchers up for grabs. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of vouchers, follow these simple steps.

ESSENTIAL ENTRIES

1) Follow this blog

2) In the comments section below, follow these 3 simple steps:

Have you ever eaten at Little Chef? If so, what did you think?
What is your favourite type of tea? And, have you ever tried the Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast Tea?
Post your Twitter username or Facebook profile link so I am able to contact you if you are a winner

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional)

4) For an extra entry, follow my blog on Twitter @MyRandomBlurb and leave a separate comment to let me know you have done this and your Twitter username

5) For another extra entry, become a fan of my blog on Facebook here and leave a separate comment to let me know you have done so and a link to your Facebook profile

6) For a further entry, tweet "I could win a pair of "Kids Eat Free at Little Chef" vouchers with @MyRandomBlurb #MyRandomBlurb You can enter too at http://bit.ly/pSXFN5" (or use the tweet button below) and leave a comment including your Twitter username to let me know you have done this

7) If you would like another entry, post the following as a status update (on your wall, not the blog page wall) on Facebook (and be sure to tag the page by putting an @ before My Random Blurb - you need to be following the page in order to tag it in your status) "I am in with a chance of winning a pair of "Kids Eat Free at Little Chef" vouchers with My Random Blurb. You can enter too at http://bit.ly/pSXFN5"

REVIEW: The Ridgacre Table Table Restaurant

2011-07-14T10:21:00.000+01:00

I had the pleasure of doing a review at The Ridgacre restaurant in West Bromwich on 9th July for our evening meal.

I went along with my husband, Paul, our 8 year old son, David and my 9 year old sister, Latisha for our evening meal at 9.30pm on our way home to Liverpool from Pandamonium in the Park in Northampton and The Ridgacre in West Bromwich was on our way home.

We were promptly greeted and after a short delay, we were seated at a table and told to have a look at the menu and decided what drinks we would like.

The hubby and I went for diet Pepsi, whilst David chose a Capri Sun and Latisha chose milk. The waiter was very approachable and attentive and our drinks were served quickly. The waiter told us to just let him know as soon as we were ready to order.

The tables were nice and clean and the seating was comfortable. We got a table right next to the window which was lovely too. The lighting was very relaxing and ambient and the decor was very nice. The restaurant was very tidy and clean too.

Paul and I shared a doughball platter (cheese, chilli and garlic & herb) with all the dips (guacamole, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, tomato salsa and garlic butter), while David chose nachos covered in melted cheese with tomato salsa and mayonnaise dips and Latisha chose potato wedges (without the melted cheese as she does not like it) with tomato salsa and mayonnaise dips. All of our starters were served promptly and were hot and cooked just right. I very much enjoyed the garlic & herb doughballs best, although they were all nice. They were especially delicious dipped in the tomato salsa which was yummy! I wasn't very keen on the olive oil with balsamic vinegar dip, but maybe it's just an acquired taste - it tasted like olives to me and I really don't like olives. Paul enjoyed the doughballs too and he liked all of the dips. David enjoyed his nachos and gobbled them all up - he was a big fan of the tomato salsa too! Latisha enjoyed her wedges and gobbled those all up too and she also enjoyed the tomato salsa - the salsa gets a big thumbs up from us all! We all very much enjoyed the starters and the service was fantastic too. Here are some photo's of the kids tucking into their starters...

There were so many delicious sounding choices on the menu for the main course, that it was really quite difficult to choose what we wanted - it was definitely a great selection and I'd definitely say there was something for everyone to choose from.

For my main, I chose the chicken makhani curry which was served with basmati rice, naan bread and a side of butternut squash, spinach and lentil curry. This was cooked to perfection and, as a curry lover, I was not disappointed by this meal in the slightest. It was served quickly and was nice and hot. Everything was cooked just right - it was a very delicious meal overall. The chicken was succulent and the curry was deliciously spicy.

Paul chose the Quorn chilli (as he is a vegetarian) which was served with basmati rice, sour cream, guacamole and nachos. He says it was well cooked, and had a nice flavour to it. It was served quickly and was nice and hot as it should be.

David chose the chicken dinner from the kids menu which was half a grilled chicken breast served with roast potatoes, carrots, a Yorkshire pudding, garden peas and gravy. David chose not to have mash with his as he doesn't like mash. He enjoyed his food, he complained the chicken was a little overdone, but I think he was just being fussy as always! He seemed to enjoy all of his food. He had lots of fun seeing the mini jug with the gravy in - this amused him no end! It doesn't take much! It was served quickly and was nice and hot and the perfect size meal for a child, I think.

Latisha also chose the chicken dinner from the kids menu. Same as above, but Latisha did have the mash but didn't have the Yorkshire pudding! Again, she very much enjoyed hers too and didn't have any complaints. She tucked in and enjoyed it. She seemed to enjoy her food too. Just like David, the thing that seemed to make her happiest was the mini jug - she found it really fun. Children really are mad! Again, it was served quickly, hot and the perfect size for a kid.

The staff were all very attentive and polite and there was always someone around should you need them. Service was quick and friendly and with a smile - perfect.

REVIEW: Washer Magic

2011-07-04T02:21:00.000+01:00

I received a sample of Washer Magic to review...

Designed to remove odour-causing residue from your washing machine.

Very easy to use just pour a little onto a cloth and wipe round the rubber seal and then rinse off with a damp cloth, that's the hard bit out of the way. Next pour 1/3 of the bottle where you'd normally put the powder. Then do a normal wash cycle with the hot water setting and that's all there was to it.

I was a little unclear as to the temperature to set the washing machine to so I went for 50°C. It seemed to have been correct because when I checked back after the washing
machine had finished it had obviously worked as intended. Just as it claimed there would be no residue left behind - there wasn't.

After opening the door and having a good sniff inside the drum I was pleased to note that it did indeed smell fresh and clean. I was a little hesitant to put my dirty washing in later that day as I didn't want to ruin the freshness, but I figured I could just redo the freshening process again in a months time as suggested on the label.

Washer Magic removes soap scum, iron and mineral stains which improves your washing
machine's ability to wash clothes. It will improve the lifespan of your washing machine and clothes! It is safe to use in any washing machine as it is non-corrosive.

With enough detergent for 3 cleaning cycles at £3.99 from www.unitfit.co.uk, the Washer Magic is great value for money.

REVIEW: Dishwasher Magic

2011-07-04T01:48:00.000+01:00

After using the washer magic on the washing machine I was quite looking forward to using the dishwasher magic product on the dishwasher. I often notice the odour in there, especially if it hasn't been used for a day. Dishwasher magic is the ultimate in ease of use. First take off the lid, this was great as it has a special rubber plug which you leave alone so there is absolutely no mess, nothing to rinse off your hands after using it. Then put the bottle upsidedown in the cutlery basket, nothing comes out as the rubber plug is still in place. Now just start the dishwasher on a 50°C wash and leave it to it. They suggest running the hot water tap nearest the dishwasher just before turning it on, but I didn't need to do this. As the dishwasher runs it's normal cycle the hot water melts the rubber plug and allows the liquid in the bottle to come out.

After the dishwasher got going and had obviously got to the correct temperature I noticed what I realised must be the liquid getting to work. It wasn't an unpleasant smell, but it was quite strong while the dishwasher was on. Later when it had finished and I opened the
dishwasher door the overpowering smell had gone and the inside of the machine just had a 'fresh' smell to it, no particular aroma just a fresh smell. I unscrewed the bit that traps larger bits of dirt and looked right into the filters and they did seem to be clear from any
nasty deposits. Overall I would have to say I was pleased with it's performance and I am happy that if I continue to use it the dishwasher will laster longer and clean my washing up better.

Dishwasher Magic breaks up and cleans away food oils, minerals and soap build up which can clog up the filters, pumps and jets. This will improve the water pressure and improve the dishwashing performance of any dishwasher. It also helps dissolve limescale. Addionally it disinfectans against salmonella, e-coli and gram-negative bacteria.

http://www.dishwashermagic.co.uk/

REVIEW: SoBe V Water

2011-07-04T01:40:00.000+01:00

I got to try out some of the new SoBe V Water flavours...

When I heard of this, I thought it sounded like a very interesting concept. I am pretty sure I don't get all of the vitamins and minerals in a day that I should, and this sounded like a good way of getting them whilst quenching your thirst at the same time.

SoBe V Water - GLOW - Pomegranate & Blueberry Flavour

This is probably the best flavour out of the three I received. Although the flavour isn't that strong, it is really quite nice. Definitely a good combination of flavours. It has a delicious, refreshing taste and it definitely makes me feel that I am doing something good for my body.

SoBe V Water - KICK - Ginger & Mango Flavour

I had Ginger and Mango flavour. Ginger is one of my favourite flavours and I don't remember having it with mango before so I was looking forward to trying. It smelt very nice once opened, mostly the fruity smell of mango. I liked the flavour but it was maybe a little weaker than I was hoping for. The ginger was more noticable in taste than smell so I wasn't disappointed.

SoBe V Water - SHIELD - Lemon & Lime Flavour

This flavour was the first one I tried. Upon first drinking it, I thought it tasted quite nice, but afterwards it left a bit of a nasty taste behind - kind of like that which is left after taking medicine or tablets to be honest. I think the flavour could have been far more dominant. I know it's good for me, but I'm not the type of person who would sacrifice on taste for the health benefits - I prefer the best of both worlds and this flavour just didn't deliver for me.

This new SoBe V Water comes in a variety of flavours, so there is something for everyone.

Ellie Goulding is a big fan of SoBe V Water...

Free from preservatives, artificial colourings, flavours and sweeteners, the SoBe V Water range is available in 500ml bottles to give you a refreshing taste of the South Beach lifestyle.

Discover more about the SoBe V range at http://www.facebook.com/SoBeuk and http://www.twitter.com/SoBeuk.

SoBe V Water is available in selected supermarkets (Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose and Asda) and petrol stations (BP and Total), independent deli's and cafes, WH Smith Travel and Superdrug with an RRP of £1.39.

REVIEW: Elias Super Wipes

2011-07-04T00:52:00.000+01:00

I received some of the new Elias Super Wipes to try and this is what I thought...

When I first heard of these, I had my reservations about them as a lot of products claim to remove stains, but few actually work.

The point of these wipes, is that if you spill food or drink down you while you are out and about (or indeed at home equally), you can just take out one of these wipes and use it to remove the stain so you don't have to walk around with the stain on you all day.

My husband was first to try one after spilling some curry on himself and he said it worked wonders and brought out all of the stain. I'm not very content on taking someone elses word for it (even if it is my husband), so I still was (for once) looking forward to spilling something down me to have the opportunity to try out one of the wipes for myself.

Far be it from me to disappoint myself, and I ended up spilling some cola on my top, so I thought it would a perfect opportunity to try out the wipes for myself.

It's quite simple, you just rub on the stain with the wipe before the stain dries in. And amazingly, it works. It's not effortless, but it is very easy. A little scrub on the stain with the wipe and the stain actually does come out and when it dries out there is no visible residue or marks and the stain is gone.

These are really very wondrous little creations that come in a pack of 5 wipes. I would highly recommend you carry a packet of these around with you whenever you go out and about and they really are fantastic.

They are a good fast stain removal product for those little spillages of food and drink that are unavoidable at times. They are very easy to carry around making them perfect to pop into your bag or pocket and take with you when you are going out.

Elias Superwipes are available at www.elias-products.com and cost £2.49 for a pack of 5 wipes.