Indulge In Some Retro Sweet Memories This Easter

Say Easter and, for many, chocolate eggs are the first thing to spring to mind.  Not everyone is a chocoholic though and some cannot eat chocolate because of its dairy content.

For lots of us the memories of the sweets we enjoyed as children are capable of transporting us back to the hazy, lazy days of our childhood where happiness was pear drops, cola cubes and four Fruit Salad or Black Jack sweets for a penny. Then there were Sherbert Dabs, Space Dust that crackled on your tongue, Spangles and Blobs.

Image credit

It's a definite sign of getting older when you remember sweets being much bigger. What about Cadbury's Amazin' Raisin Bars? Snickers Bars were Marathons and M&Ms were Peanut Treats and Toffee Treats. Endless jokes abounded about the coffee or orange ones in a bag of Revels - the ones that were always the last to be picked.

Image credit: Darren Richard Haynes

There were also fruity Polos and Trebor Extra Strong Mints were so strong that they could make you sneeze.

In fact the old fashioned sweet shops had row upon row of sweets jars and they were sold by the quarter pound in small white paper bags. In those days you had more sweets than packaging.

My first job was as a Saturday girl in F. W. Woolworths on the makeup counter which was situated just behind the legendary Pick 'n' Mix counter.  Nobody particularly worried about the sticky sets of fingers helping to 'test' the various types of sweet. You could even buy broken biscuits by the pound and a peanut and raisin mix (the 'healthy' option!).

Incidentally, if you would like to wallow in confectionery nostalgia, there is even a Facebook Group - Sweets of Yesteryear where you can revisit the sweets of your youth - or at least pictures of them.

And it's not surprising that Roald Dahl's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory remains an all time classic. I can still remember the thrill of Charlie finding the last golden ticket in his Wonka Bar.  It's certainly a story that keeps Caitlin and Ieuan transfixed.  What about Everlasting Gobstoppers, Luminous Lollies for eating in bed at night, Mint Jujubes and Hair Toffee?

Here's hoping you get some sweet treats this Easter!

Ieuan as Willy Wonka

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Why Flowers Aren't The Cliched Gift You're Led To Believe

There are so many articles and posts out there that give ideas on what gifts you can give people to make a positive impact on them - except most of them bash flowers in the process. ‘Give these gifts instead of flowers’, they say, and yet fail to realize that there’s a reason flowers have made such a popular gift for years. 

Turns out, flowers aren’t the cliched gift that many think they are. Here’s why!

They Bring Life To A Room

A nice bunch of flowers can bring life to just about any room. Whether you want something to greet guests in the hallway or lighten up your living room, they are going to add something to your decor and bring joy to all who see them. If you think something is missing from a room, chances are, it’s a nice bunch of flowers.

They Have A Positive Effect On A Person’s Brain

Flowers are actually one of the only gifts that can have a genuine, positive effect on a person’s brain. Sure, something ridiculously expensive might make somebody happy on the surface, but is it really having an impact on their brain? Flowers can actually reduce mental health issues like stress and depression, and many people who received flowers as a gift reported having a positive mood that lasted for days. 

They Give A Sense Of Wellbeing

Studies have shown that for mature people, flowers can give a much greater sense of wellbeing and satisfaction with life. This is why getting your grandma a lovely bunch of blooms has never been a better idea!

There’s Something For Every Budget, Occasion And All Tastes

There really is something for every budget, occasion, and taste when it comes to flowers. You can buy a cheap bunch from the supermarket if you’re running low on funds, or you could look for an interflora discount code for something a little higher quality. There are flowers for weddings, birthdays, ‘thank you's and so much more.

Flowers Can Make You More Productive

If you send somebody flowers at work, you may just inadvertently help them to get a promotion. Keeping flowers at work can make you happier and more productive, so just think of the effect your gift will have on the receiver when they keep them on their desk!

It’s Good For Your ‘Chi’

You might be wondering what ‘chi’ is; in short, it’s energy. The ancient practice of Feng Shui talks about this a lot. There are many principles to this practice, but one of them is to have flowers in the home to improve positive energy!

Giving Flowers Says Something About You

Don’t forget, giving flowers also says something about you as a person. People who send flowers are viewed as successful, caring, emotionally intelligent people. This goes for both men and women! If you enjoy giving flowers a lot, this might just be the reason why.

So, have you changed your mind about flowers after reading this? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Isn't Time The Ultimate Birthday Gift?

Readers of this blog will know that I am hopeless when it comes to choosing birthday gifts for myself.  This is largely because, once you're a parent, your first thought is more likely to be about replacing worn out kids' trainers than treating yourself to a manicure.

As you get older you also acquire an appreciation of craftsmanship and quality which become more important that the current fly-by-night brand or trend.

I've probably inherited a parsimonious streak from my dad whose prime consideration when buying anything is "whether it will see him out".  Not particularly cheerful, but eminently practical, as I'm sure you will agree.

Another consideration is the fact that by the time you get to your 50s, you have most things, in fact almost everything you need.  That doesn't stop us from longing for a little bit of luxury.

"Fashion passes, style remains" - Coco Chanel

There are, though, some things that have been on my personal wishlist for a long time.  I was lucky enough to be given a Louis Vuitton Alma bag for my 50th by the Husband, but I have always had a hankering for a Rolex watch.

My late grandmother, Jessie, had a Rolex dating from the 1930's which is one of my dad's treasured possessions, and a pretty special family heirloom.  I would be perfectly happy with a pre-owned Rolex from a company specialising in second hand watches to hand down to Caitlin in many years to come.

As you get older you certainly come to treasure your time and I think its natural to create special celebrations and little rituals to mark its passing. The years seem to pass quicker and quicker.

"I think the older I get, the more I realize that the ultimate luxury is time." -  Michael Kors

Time has a special resonance for me since I had my kids in my forties and am aware that I might not have as much time with them as younger mums.  I obviously wouldn't change them for the world but I do think the experience of an older mum is different somehow.

I also prefer a perfume which is a little out of the ordinary such as Guerlain's Mitsouko (which means mystery in Japanese) and was created in 1919 . It is a Chypre fragrance with notes of peach, jasmine, may rose, spices (cinnamon), oak moss, vetiver and wood. It is a world away from lots of the synthetic, me-too fragrances currently on the market.

And of course as a massive Agatha Christie fan, I'd love a full set of Agatha Christie novels and a trip to see her holiday home near Torquay - Greenway, now in the safe hands of the National Trust.  You can even get there by steam train or boat.  How romantic is that?  I will be hinting largely to the Husband.

Sometimes a cuppa in bed in the morning is all you want

But ultimately, whilst our things may give us pleasure, it is memorable experiences which stay with us and I am sure that for most mums a special snuggle from their kids and a cup of tea in bed means just much as a glitzy present.

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Win A Personalised LED Candle & A Jar Of Sweets For Halloween [closed]

I am a huge fan of Halloween and over the years I have collected quite a few treasured items that make their appearance each year at the Hobbis Family Halloween Party.

I recently discovered a lovely website, Born Gifted which offers a range of personalised children's gifts, including some really cute things for Halloween (and I have some to giveaway, more later ...).

Personalised Halloween Black Tote Cotton Trick or Treat Bag £9.99 

Personalised Vinyl Halloween Banner £12.99 

Personalised Halloween LED Candle £9.99 

‘On Halloween Night’ Personalised Book £9.99 

Personalised Halloween Sweet Jar & Sweets £7.99

Standard delivery is £2.50 but free over £40 and you'll find a wide range of children's gifts for all occasions, such as christenings, weddings and becoming a godparent. You'll also find toys in a wide range of themes like Star Wars, Dinosaurs, Football and Fairies & Angels.

For more gift ideas, visit www.borngifted.co.uk.  

The Giveaway

Now to the giveaway.  I have a personalised LED Halloween Candle and a personalised Halloween sweet jar and sweets to give away to one lucky winner.

Our Personalised Halloween LED Candle

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and terms and conditions apply (on my competitions page).  UK entrants only and the giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 21 October.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck

*A PR sample was received for the purpose of this post.

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10 Ways To Give The Gift Of The Great British Summer With Buyagift.com

In 2016 it seems that we are living in turbulent times and whilst the political climate is so unsettled, I'm sure some of us would prefer to holiday here in the UK.  Despite the fact that UK Staycations have a reputation of being rather pricey, there are bargains to be had and here is a selection of great value days out and short breaks from Buyagift.com.  Needless to say, they all make great gifts too.

Days out in London

1. The ArcelorMittel Orbit

The ArcelorMittal Orbit

London is home to some of the biggest and best tourist attractions in the world but this is something really different and not for the faint-hearted. The ArcelorMittal Orbit was a major icon of the 2012 Olympic Games and is now home to the world’s longest and highest tunnel slide. You can enjoy entry to the upper viewing platform and external balconies where you can take in the awesome 360 degree views of the city before plummeting 178m towards the ground! You will be able to see some of the world’s most iconic sights as you twist and turn 12 times around the structure before a final 50m straight run back down the earth!

NEW The Slide at The ArcelorMittal Orbit for Two, £30

2. The View From The Shard

Only recently built and already an integral part of London’s iconic skyline, The Shard points up to the clouds, reaching an incredible 308m which makes it Western Europe’s tallest building. Designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano, the Shard has redefined London’s skyline and it has become a dynamic symbol of the capital.

You can visit London's highest viewing platform situated at the top on floors 68, 69 and 72.  At almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in the city, you'll get unparalleled 360 degree views for up to 40 miles.

Needless to say for photographers (and selfie-lovers!) this is a fantastic camera-ready opportunity which you can follow with a meal in the Michelin recommended restaurant, Latium.

The View from The Shard with 3 Course Michelin Dining and Bubbles for Two, Was £161.90, Now £111

3. The Houses of Parliament

Why not visit the Houses of Parliament where you can see both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.An audio tour will describe the incredible medieval structure of Westminster Hall, the Queen's Robing Room and the Royal Gallery, featuring leading parliamentary figures such as The Speaker and Black Rod.

Buyagift.com's package also includes a pass entitling your to 24 hours unlimited travel on Thames River Cruises and afternoon tea at the Park Plaza County Hall.

Tour of Houses of Parliament, Afternoon Tea and Thames Cruise for Two, Was £113.90, Now £108

Royal Palaces

4. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace - Always Stunning No Matter What The Weather

Blenheim Palace, just outside Oxford, contains one of Europe's finest collections of antiques, inimitable 18th Century Baroque architecture an 2000 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. With an ever-changing array of exhibitions at this UNESCO World Heritage site, and home of 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, there is plenty to see and enjoy. The birthplace of Churchill, the palace has an interactive experience that guides you through all 300 years of its history, as well as a special gallery paying homage to Churchill himself

Annual Entry to Blenheim Palace with Afternoon Tea for Two, £75 

5. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

The  royal palace of Hampton Court is situated in Richmond upon Thames in Greater London.  Its most famous resident was King Henry VIII.  Redevelopment of the manor, as it then was began in 1515 for Cardinal Wolsey but when he fell out of favour with Henry, the King seized the palace for himself in 1529.

Visitors can take a free audio guide around the stunning palace, wander around at their own pace or even be accompanied by a costumed guide as they explore the many rooms and artefacts including the Tudor Kitchens, the crown of King Henry VIII and more.

The Palace continues to display a large number of works of art from the Royal Collection and, apart from the Palace itself and its gardens, other points of interest for visitors include the celebrated maze, the historic real tennis court and the huge grape vine, the largest in the world as of 2005.

Hampton Court Palace Entry with Afternoon Tea in Fountain Court for Two, £64 

Family Days Out

6. Harry Potter Studio Tour

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Probably top of many parents' day-trip bucket lists (and certainly ours), is the Harry Potter tour where you can discover the magic behind the spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scene secrets of the Harry Potter film series.

You can tread the original stone floor of the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall, encounter animatronic creatures and wander down Diagon Alley. Located at the Studios where all 8 films were produced, the Studio Tour showcases the incredible British talent, imagination and artistry that went into making the impossible a reality on screen.

The Making of Harry Potter with Afternoon Tea (Adult and Child), £108 

7. Ripley's Believe it or Not!

Ripley's Believe it or Not!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is one of London’s top attractions and features an astounding collection of over 700 artefacts over six floors. You can explore everything that the museum has to offer from a mirror maze and graffiti wall to a toilet paper wedding gown! Located in the heart of Central London at the infamous Piccadilly Circus, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! guarantees a day packed with interesting facts and some weird but wonderful displays that’ll you'll remember for years to come.

Family Entry to Ripley's Believe it or Not! Was £79.95, Now £68

Sports

8. Family Wimbledon Tennis Tour

Your tour will take you behind the scenes for a tour of the grounds. You will visit court number one and centre court, the site of some of the greatest matches in the history of the sport. Your guide will lead you through the beautiful picnic terraces and up to the water gardens with amazing views of London before heading to the marvellous interactive Wimbledon Tennis Museum. Here you can discover the history of tennis, viewing all the trophies and even meeting the “ghost” of John McEnroe!

Family Wimbledon Tennis Tour, £75 

 9. Tour of Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge

This unmissable tour of Stamford Bridge, home of FA Cup Winners and European Champions, Chelsea Football Club is a fun, informative and unforgettable experience, enjoyed by sports fans of all ages from all over the world. The fully guided tour takes you behind-the-scenes of one of the world’s greatest football teams, giving you access to areas normally reserved for players and officials. Chelsea FC pride themselves on having guides who are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the club and they believe it's their passion that makes their tours a truly memorable experience!

2 for 1 Chelsea Adult Tour of Stamford Bridge Special Offer, Was £32, Now 16

10. Explore the UK's National Parks

Exmoor

From lakes to moors, woodlands to mountain peaks, the UK’s National Parks encompass some truly breath-taking scenery and are a pleasure to explore, whether on foot, by car or bicycle or on horseback. Fish in the Lake District, see the wild ponies of Exmoor, explore the quaint villages of Cumbria or whatever takes your fancy, and know you’ve a warm welcome, comfortable room and delicious breakfast to come back to.

Overnight National Parks Escape for Two, £89 National Park Minibreak, Was £189, Now £139.99

Which would be your first choice?  I've already got a couple at the top of my list.  I've put The Husband on notice.  And if it rains, we've got our kagools.

Buyagift.com is the UK’s leading online provider of gifts and experiences, and offers over 4,000 unique and exciting gift ideas for all occasions. For more information, visit www.buyagift.com. Prices and product details correct at time of distribution.

*collaborative post

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Review: Twice The Fun With The Double Flip Fun & Games Mat

If you are used to holidaying in the UK, you will be familiar with the age-old conundrum of what to do when it's tipping down with rain and you are ensconced in a small space with the potential for a boredom-induced family squabble.

Drawing is Caitlin's favourite thing to do

You will probably also be familiar with the arsenic hours of Sunday afternoon when all homework has been done (finally) and the kids are kicking their heels and getting fractious.

Here's a solution.

It's called The Double Flip Fun Games Mat from what2buy4kids.co.uk and it's a reversible play mat which offers kids a range of activities to choose from.

Ieuan adding spiky hair 

These include:-

Snakes & Ladders
Colour by numbers
Dot to dot
Word searches
Letter writing practice
Noughts and Crosses
Creative drawing
Bee Dice Game
Insect Dice Game

The kit contains the reversible games mat and five dice, six counters and ten washable felt tips so the kids can play with their friends (1-6 players).

The mat is a decent size, measuring 120 x 100cm and there is also a fabric carry bag.

The suggested age range is 3-10 and best of all the mat is washable so it can be used over and over again.  You can wash it at 30 degrees without detergent but don't tumble dry it. You have to make sure that you only use washable felt tips though.

The Double Flip Fun & Games Mat

I duly roped in my two crack testers to see if it would keep them occupied for longer than five minutes.

Caitlin, as expected, went straight for the pens to do some drawing whilst Ieuan went for the dot-to-dots.

I really liked the range of activities, particularly the educational element - practising drawing letters for example.

There are a couple of wordsearches and colour by numbers which are more time consuming activities.

I think though that the wordsearches and dot to dots are probably one time only activities, but the colouring aspect and the games could be repeated endlessly.

Ah- Peace & Quiet!

I'd also put the age range closer to 3-8 - I am not sure the games are sophisticated enough for a 10 year old, or at least likely to keep their attention for too long.

I also think it depends on how many children are playing with the mat.  My two are quite competitive and vie to create the best drawing and you can bet they'll pick the same activity to do which is where having a reversible mat is quite handy.

The Double Flip Fun Games Mat is good for keeping kids occupied rather than being a full-on family activity.  I don't think it would replace, say, a board game.

But if frazzled parents are looking for a half hour's peace to read a book (or lie down in a darkened room with a gin & tonic), then it's ideal.

The Double Flip Fun Games Mat is good value at £23.99 given that it has multiple activities and can be reused.

One side of the mat

It is ideal to sling in your bag to take anywhere you think there might be excessive waiting too - my only comment would be that it does take up some space to lay out.

If you're looking for gifts for kids I think The Double Flip Fun Games Mat would be a welcome present.

Darth Maul, apparently.

Further information from www.what2buy4kids.co.uk.

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Love's Got Wheels - Win A Skateboard

If you're looking for something a bit different to surprise your Valentine this year, I have an unusual and fun suggestion.

I was sent a fabulous Limitless Classic Retro Cruiser skateboard in pink and blue from Skates.co.uk to demonstrate my athletic prowess to the kids.

Whilst the board seems quite small to a novice skateboarder like me, it is incredibly sturdy.  The retro cruiser boards come in a huge range of colours and the technical information you need is as follows.

Deck:  22 x 6"
Truck: 3" high performance aluminium trucks
Wheels: 59x45mm PU wheels
Bearings: ABEC7 bearings
Max Load: 80kg

The board is certainly big enough to take a large adult (cough).  Here's the Husband demonstrating the point, although he's not a big fan of the pink / blue combo.  Caitlin is standing behind him laughing.

Obviously I would suggest full protective gear because as soon as Ieuan put one foot on it, he was flat on the floor!

I am threatening to follow the kids round Cosmeston Nature Reserve on my skateboard when the Husband next takes them out on their bikes.  They don't seem too convinced.

Skates.co.uk also have a great range of scooters, skates and Heelys.  There's free next day delivery and a Price Match Promise to boot (or skate).

Caitlin, about to show me how it's done apparently

If skateboards aren't your Valentine's thing, what about

Rio Pure Pink Roller Skates - £44.95

 SFR Camden Pink Inline Skates - £39.95 

 Grit Atom Pink Scooter - £64.95

If you would like to win the same skateboard I am demonstrating so masterfully, simply enter via the Rafflecopter below.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Monday 8th February. UK entrants only. Terms and conditions can be viewed on my competitions page.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Win A Christmas Lily & Rose Bouquet From Debenhams Flowers

You may remember I recently reviewed an absolutely beautiful bouquet from Debenhams Flowers which was sent to my mum to celebrate Grandparents Day.

Christmas Lily & Rose Bouquet - £24.99

Well, Debenhams Flowers are kindly offering a stunning Christmas Lily & Rose Bouquet worth £24.99 for one of my lucky readers.

Take a look at their selection of Christmas flowers because nothing sets off a Christmas table or a Christmas display like fresh flowers.  As you know, I'm a big fan. The Christmas Lily & Rose bouquet is my favourite but I also love these.

Winter Wonderland including oriental lilies and  avalanche roses £29.99

Christmas Cheer - including red Asiatic Lilies, Grand Prix Roses and white Reagan Chrysanthemums - £24.99

A bouquet is also an ideal gift for someone who is difficult to buy for, or who is a long way away during the festive season.

You can also choose a Christmas hamper, or wine and champagne which are always popular gifts.

Debenhams offer next day flowers 7 days a week across the UK with a beautiful range of seasonal bouquets. For guaranteed next day flowers you need to order before 9pm on weekdays, 4pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays.  Next day flowers are available by courier or you can choose flowers by post which are delivered in secure packaging by Royal Mail to any UK address.

You can send your best wishes with a personalised gift message delivered alongside the bouquet you choose and add a gift, for example chocolates, fine wines or balloons.

I also have a special discount code which gives 25% off on all bouquets, with the exception of flowers by post - DFBLOG25.  Just go to www.debenhamsflowers.com.

Entry is via Rafflecopter in the usual way and the competition is for UK entries only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 13th December. The name and address of the winner must be received before 20th December in order for the bouquet to be sent in time for Christmas.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Some Great Gift Ideas For The Men In Your Life

Whether the man in your life's birthday is approaching, or you want to buy Christmas gifts for your male relations early, here are some gift ideas to help you out.

Pro BBQ Tools
Most men love preparing food on a barbecue, so why not buy them the professional tools to make the job easier? There are all kinds of interesting barbecue tools, from skewers to tenderisers. It doesn’t matter that winter is approaching. The tools will be in use as soon as the winter is over, and the first signs of spring are in the air! They’re pretty cheap to buy at this time of the year too, so you can find yourself a bargain that your husband will love. What’s not to like about that?

A Personalised Dock

There are loads of great docks that are used to play music or store your phone. They help to keep your phone or iPod safe, and you don’t have to rush around the house in the morning trying to look for it. But don’t buy a boring, generic dock, you can buy a personalised one instead. There are lots of different types of personalised wooden gifts that you can buy if you don’t want to buy a dock. You could buy them a personalised chopping board if they like to cook a lot. Or you could buy a knife rack.

A Leather Wallet

Every man needs a strong leather wallet to keep their cash and cards in. If they haven’t replaced their old wallet for years, it might be a good idea for you to buy them a new one. It’s something that is useful and stylish - if you pick the right one that is. When looking for a gift for someone who’s hard to buy for, choosing something that will offer them a solution to a problem they have is always a good idea. They’ll definitely get lots of use out of the wallet, so it won’t be one of those gifts that sits forgotten in a drawer.

A Sports Car Experience

Even if the man in your life can’t afford to buy his own sports car, he might still dream of driving around a track in one. If he daydreams about crossing the finish line as the checkered flag waves at the Grand Prix, why not buy him a sports car experience? This is a once in a lifetime chance for him to drive a sports car around one of the country’s leading race tracks. Imagine how much they’d love the chance to drive a Lamborghini! It’s the kind of gift that they’ll never forget, so it’s something to consider.

Image Source

A Portable Camera

If he likes to cycle or take part in other extreme sports, you should buy him a portable camera like a GoPro. These are very small cameras that can be attached to what you’re wearing and monitor what you do. They create some pretty interesting video footage when you’re taking part in extreme sports. The latest GoPro cameras are now able to shoot footage in 4K, making them incredibly advanced for their size and their price.

*PR collaboration

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Say Thank You With Debenhams Flowers This Grandparents' Day (4th Oct) & Discount Code

It's Grandparents' Day on Sunday 4th October this year and what better way to say thank you for all they do than by sending a lovely bouquet of flowers?

My Lovely Mum, Kay & Her Moonlight Bouquet from Debenhams Flowers.

For working parents, grandparents are an invaluable source of trusted childcare. Recent research carried out by restaurant chain Table Table found that grandparents save parents an amazing £8,000 per year by babysitting their grandchildren and driving them around.

And research by the specialist over 50s insurer RIAS found that Britain's "Grandparent Army" of childcarers is now 9.1 million strong as the number of grandparent childminders has increased by 49% since 2009.

There's little doubt that parents owe them a huge debt!

I have to admit that Grandparents' Day seems to be a new annual celebration but I can see no reason why we should not take some time out to show our appreciation.  It is only too easy, if grandparents live a long way away, to let contact slip, perhaps only visiting around Christmas and birthdays. Another reason, I think why an extra day to share with them is a good idea.

The relationships our children have with their grandparents are often unique.  Having had to put up with my sister and I, our parents now combine many years of wisdom with a level of patience I can currently only dream of!  Both share their love of painting with the kids and my father, who teaches the piano, has been giving Caitlin lessons.  Ieuan will have lessons a little later on and I am hoping he will not have been too far indoctrinated by the Husband in the ways of "shouty Viking Rock" by then!

So bearing this in mind, I have been mulling over what to get them to say thank you on Grandparents' Day and flowers would seem to be an easy-to-please gift.

I was recently sent a lovely bouquet for my mum by Debenhams Flowers who have a great flower delivery service.  They offer next day flowers 7 days a week across the UK with a beautiful range of seasonal bouquets. For guaranteed next day flowers you need to order before 9pm on weekdays, 4pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays.  Next day flowers are available by courier or you can choose flowers by post which are delivered in secure packaging by Royal Mail to any UK address.

You can send your best wishes with a personalised gift message delivered alongside the bouquet you choose and add a gift, for example chocolates, fine wines or balloons.

Debenhams Flowers suggested range for Grandparents' Day can be viewed here.

The bouquet I selected for my mum was the "Moonlight" - a lovely display of lilies, roses and carnations (£30.99).

As you can see, the picture above really doesn't do the bouquet justice.  It will be even more gorgeous when the lilies open.

DISCOUNT CODE FOR MY READERS

I am delighted to offer my lovely readers a discount code which entitles you to a very generous 25% off a bouquet (*Flowers By Post not included).

The code is: DFBLOG25.

Just go to www.debenhamsflowers.com.  You are sure to find a bouquet that suits.

I hope you and your family get to spend some quality time for the grandparents on Sunday 4th October.

*A "Moonlight" bouquet was received for the purposes of this review.

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Review: albumcards - Music To Mum's Ears This Mother's Day

Albumcards is a unique online service that offers a really different way to send a personalised greetings card and music gift.

Ideal for Mother's Day, the card comes complete with your message, the front cover of your mum's favourite album, a full track listing and a unique code to start listening.



An albumcard, fizz, flowers and chocs by Thorntons - what mum could ask for more?



If, like me, you are rushed for time, an albumcard can be purchased in a couple of minutes.

Just select the album, personalise the card, choose your delivery date and address and checkout.

If you are already familiar with other online card retailers, you will know the drill. At a cost of £9.99 plus postage (just 0.75p for first class delivery), it is a very reasonably priced gift. Plus if you order your albumcard before 2pm Monday to Friday, it can be delivered next day.

New albums are being loaded everyday and there are already 100 artist albums to choose from.

I found "Title" by Meghan Trainor, "Uptown Special" by Mark Ronson and "A Perfect Contradiction" by Paloma Faith but there is also AC/DC's "Rock or Bust" and "The Very Best of Stone Roses" - something for every taste.



Redeeming your album on receipt of your card is really easy too. Simply go to the website www.albumcards.com and select "Redeem a card".



Select "Collect my album" and you will be guided through the next steps.



You will need to create an account or, if you are already registered, you can sign in with Facebook.



You will need to enter the unique code found at the bottom of your card.



Then just press the "Listen Now" button.



Click on the album cover.



And either play via the website or download. The sound quality is an excellent MP3 320kbps.

Despite my mild to middling technophobia these days, I found the whole redemption process really easy.

albumcards are certainly a brilliant gift idea for Mother's Day.

Further information available from www.albumcards.com. The "I Love Mum" chocolate cups are available from Thorntons at £3.50.

*A PR sample was sent for the purpose of this post.

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