New Summer Clothes

Clothing / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple
New Summer Clothes

I was sent new summer clothes from JD Williams to review a few weeks ago. They have a fantastic clothing range to suit everyone! I’m not very girly and tend to opt more for hoodies and jeans but I wanted something a little nicer for this summer. You can probably see I felt a little awkward as I rarely take photo’s of me due to my acne and eczema but I love the clothes!

New Summer Clothes

New Summer Clothes

I received this gorgeous striped Monsoon linen Top, perfect for wearing with a white vest top underneath. The linen will keep you nice and cool in the hot weather and goes well with most trousers.

Linen cover-up

This Monsoon navy linen cover-up is absolutely perfect. I love how lightweight, soft and cosy this cover-up is. The top and cover-up go together nicely too!

JD Williams

JD Williams have a wide range of summer clothes available right now, I would definitely recommend checking them out. I’m looking forward to wearing this top and cover-up over the summer knowing I can pair them easily. Order before 11pm for Next day delivery and if you are unhappy with your items you can return them within 28 days.

Have you bought any new summer clothes?

The Amber Maze By Christopher Bowden – Blog Tour

Book Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple
The Amber Maze Blog Tour

I’ve been reading The Amber Maze by Christopher Bowden which I was sent in exchange for my honest review.

The Amber Maze Cover

The Amber Maze

A mysterious key found down the side of an antique chair in a Dorset cottage begins a search for answers. Hugh Mullion is determined to unlock the secrets of this unknown. No one knows how long the key has been there or what it opens but Hugh begins to investigate for himself.

During his search for answers, Hugh unlocks the secrets of a troubled life of a talented artist. Destined to be hailed a neglected genius fifty years too late, suppressed by a dark secret he could never escape.

The mysterious trail takes Huge from Edwardian Oxfordshire to 1960’s Camden Town where the ghosts of the past are finally laid to rest.

Christopher Bowden

Christopher Bowden is the author of six novels, each with a colour theme and lives in South London. The Amber Maze is his most recent novel, published in September 2018. His previous books have been praised by Andrew Marr, Julian Fellowes, Sir Derok Jacobi, an Shena Mackay.

My Thoughts

The Amber Maze draws you in from the start with the mysterious key being found. Bit by bit secrets quickly unravel throughout the story in an enchanting way. I loved the idea of a secret at the heart of The Amber Maze and was pleased the secret wasn’t spoilt until the very end. I had hoped for a slightly different outcome although this may be more due to my preference for thrillers! Overall I did enjoy The Amber Maze, it is definitely a page turn for mystery lovers. I love the colour theme idea behind Christopher Bowden’s novels, especially The Purple Shadow. I will definitely have to

The Amber Maze Blog Tour

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the blog tour posts!

Distilling Water With The Megahome Water Distiller

Kitchen Gadgets / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Distilling water offers many health benefits as it removes any contaminants within the water. We were kindly sent the Megahome Water Distiller to review this month and we love it!

Distilling Water With The Megahome Water Distiller

Distilling Water – Health Benefits

Drinking distilled water not only protects you from harmful contaminants it also helps prevent kidney stones, improves bodily functions and protects teeth from discolouration caused by too much fluoride in your water. Humans are made up of around 70% water, drinking distilled water is the best way to ensure you are drinking purer water than bottled or tap water with additional benefits.

Glass of Water

Tap water can contain potentially harmful chemicals such as pesticides, nitrates, fertiliser and contamination from lead or copper pipes. By distilling water with the Megahome Water Distiller, you can prevent long term exposure to these chemicals which could harm your body. You can read about more health benefits of distilling water here.

Megahome Water Distiller

The Megahome Water Distiller is really quick and easy to set up. Simply attach the handle to the glass jug first. Next, fill with 4L water ensuring you do not pass the FULL line. Then add a charcoal filter, folded in half into the nozzle. The nozzle easily clips in place on the lid. Ensure the nozzle and spout of the water jug are properly aligned to avoid any spills. Insert the power cord and plug it in the socket and switch to ‘I’ to start your first distillation.

Megahome Water Distiller

Cleaning Your Distiller

Cleaning your Megahome water distiller before use is really easy, simply wash with warm soapy water. Using a sponge or cloth, wipe the inside of the distiller, ensuring the body and outlet stays clean and dry throughout.

After distillation, you can use the cleaner provided with your distiller. Remove the lid and pour in hot water surpassed the residue build-up. Next, add 8-10g or 1 tablespoon of the cleaner into the tank. Turn the power button to ‘I’ position, the press ‘RESET’ and allow to boil over for 20 minutes. Allow the distiller to fully cool down, approximately 20 minutes before wiping out the residue with a nonabrasive cloth or sponge.

The Megahome Water Distiller is a quick and easy way to distil water for you and your family to ensure they are getting as many health benefits as possible from the water they drinking day to day. The distiller is easy to set up, use and clean and offers many benefits. You can really taste the difference when drinking distilled water compared to tap or bottled water too!

Have you tried distilling water before? Would you use a water distiller if you haven’t before?

Conversation Cards For Kids From Together Equal

Family / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We received a set of conversation cards from Together Equal. Together Equal targets families, with profits from every pack going directly to small, independent charities working towards equality.

Conversation cards for kids from together equal

As a family we often discuss equality and we were excited to use Together Equal’s conversation cards. Together Equal is a not for profit organisation which works with a number of charities supporting victims of abuse. Having had the support of Women’s Aid in the past, I personally love the whole idea and product.

Together Equal

Research has proven the power of conversations with an OECD study identifying the positive impacts of conversations between children and their parent or guardians. Using this knowledge, Together equal have created an enjoyable, engaging game that can be played at home or on the go. Then conversation cards have been developed for families with children aged 7-11 year although Izzy (4) has been joining in with us too! There is a variety of topics, some fun, some are thought-provoking and some touch on societal gender stereotypes.

Family Discussions

Equality - Is it ok for boys to cry?

We have used the conversation cards quite a bit to be honest, the girls love a good discussion! One of the first cards we discussed asked ‘Is it ok for boys to cry?’. Both girls instantly answered yes! It’s a topic we have discussed before so I wasn’t surprised by their answers. Eva happily explained to us why it’s ok for boys to cry too which was lovely to hear.

Together Equal - Conversation cards for kids

Another favourite card asked ‘If you could make a law that everyone had to follow what would it be?’. Eva answered that she would make it a law for everyone to be kind all the time. Izzy’s answer was funny, she said she would make it a law for everyone to drink one beer a day!

Tell the person next to you what you think makes them awesome

We have kept the conversation cards on my desk and quite often one of the girls will open them up and ask if we can pick one to discuss. I love this, it’s a really fun way to start a conversation. I love the card above, it’s a lovely way of making your friends and family feel good about themselves. Hearing the girls tell each other why they think the other is awesome was adorable!

Honestly, I think these cards are fantastic, you can take them anywhere to get a conversation going. Knowing profits after production costs all go to fantastic charities that help victims of abuse get their life back is reassuring. I know too well just how much donations can change peoples lives and Together Equal are doing amazing work to spread equality and help others.

Have you heard of Together Equal’s Conversation Cards before?

May Update

Uncategorized / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Here’s a May update as I have been a little quiet these last few weeks. Things have been going fairly well but a little busy!

May Update

From making money, learning more about autism, celebrating birthdays to a site tidy up and hearing issues. There are a few reasons why I’ve been quiet lately and it isn’t just books and crochet for a change.

Matched Betting

I started matched betting using OddsMonkey at the start of the month. I started off using £110 the Mr has saved over the last year from surveys. He had been saving for a new graphics card and monitor which would have taken another year or two!

I’m pleased to say I have made over £1,000 in my first month. I’ve also introduced two friends to matched betting too! Both friends have made a profit and I love sharing updates with each other. The Mr is pleased as the PC parts he was waiting on haven’t been released yet. Knowing that we’ve had a few treats knowing we can keep topping up the profit to cover the parts and more!

SEN Meeting

We met the SEN teacher who is lovely as Eva is showing quite a few signs that she is autistic. Whilst we have noted these in the past, it hasn’t been something we’ve had anyone fully agree with us on. Quite often Eva is just described as over emotional at school but her current teacher agrees she has spotted quite a few of the same signs.

I was directed to an online course on autistic girls before the SEN meeting. Doing the course meant I learnt Eva masks her autism in public. I’ve learnt I do this too, knowing this we wanted support in place at school for Eva. I set up the meeting in the hopes of being referred and came away feeling confident that Eva will receive a diagnosis without too much of a struggle.

Also, I am much more confident Eva will receive any support she may need in school. She was given a pair of ear defenders the same day as the meeting after I pointed out her sensory overload during class & music especially.

Eva’s 9th Birthday!

Eva turned 9 on 10th May and we celebrated as usual with a few close friends and some cake! Due to a few issues, the gift guide I had planned didn’t go ahead but she was overwhelmed by the Harry Potter gifts from friends and family and was utterly spoilt. The Mr got to work on a Minecraft cake as requested by Eva which turned out fantastic too! We will be meeting up with the Cupcake-Kitney’s during half-term for our usual joint celebration with James who’s birthday is just 9 days after Eva’s. These joint celebrations are always lovely and we can’t wait.

Updating The Site

You may have noticed one or two small tweaks across the site (made my by) and a few huge tweaks (mainly page loading speed, thanks to my friend!) this week. There will be more to come, along with a theme upgrade soon to improve your user experience (and possibly add more purple!). I may have been quiet recently but I’m certainly not going anywhere, anytime soon.

Hearing Issues

Unfortunately our concerns about Izzy’s hearing being similar to the Mr’s may be real. Izzy had her hearing test last week and we are booked in for a retest and possible referral as the frequency had to be turned up quite high before Izzy was able to pick it up. Until the retest we won’t know much more but it does seem she isn’t always ignoring instructions by choice and explains why she is quite loud herself.

Well, there’s our May update.

How has your May been?

Stationery Giveaway – National Stationery Week

Giveaways / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple
Stationery Giveaway Bundle

Twitter decided a stationery giveaway for a national stationery week in a poll I ran last week! This is not a sponsored giveaway I’m just a big stationery lover. I got a little excited about the national stationery week coming up and wanted to share the excitement.

You can get so creative with a pen and some paper. From writing stories, poems and doodling, it’s a great way to express yourself. I love to make sure we have plenty available and the girls love it.

If you saw my stationery collection you would probably be shocked. I have a pen pot with 3 sections absolutely full, my colourful storage drawers have all my ‘special’ pens in. Then we have a pop-up IKEA storage box full of pens and pencils. Of course, the girls also have pencil cases and 2 drawers full in their bedroom. There are countless notebooks, sketchbooks, packs of card and paper dotted around our flat! They’re in random drawers, on my desk and in my room and the girls have just as many! I’d say possibly 60% of our flat is stationery haha.

Stationery Giveaway

We always seem to be writing, drawing and getting creative here. As we love sharing with our readers, we have this lovely pen bundle for one lucky winner! This bundle is in no way sponsored by Bic or Uni-ball. Honestly, I just have an obsession with stationery. I currently have a box full of stationery like this ready to use or gift in some way.

Stationery Giveaway Bundle

This bundle includes:

  • 8 pack – Bic Crystal Up 8 pack
  • 3 pack – Uni-ball Eye Needle Rollerballs
  • 2 pack – Bic Marking Textile 2 pack
  • 3 pack – Bic Gel-ocity Quick Dry
  • 3 pack – Gel-ocity Illusion
  • 5 pack – Bic Highlighter Grip
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions

UK Entrants Only.
Winner notified within 24 hours.
If the winner does not respond within 72 hours a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

What is your favourite stationery? Do you have any favourites from the giveaway bundle?

Exfoliating With Procoal Face Scrub

Health and Beauty / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve been exfoliating with Procoal activated charcoal face scrub over the last few weeks. I received a full sample to review. Procoal have created an ethical-made range of skin care products. Procoal is against animal testing and most ingredients used are naturally derived such as charcoal and essential oils.

Exfoliating With Procoal

Exfoliating 

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the top later of your skin. We naturally shed dead skin cells every 30 days so new skin cells can take their place. Whilst the majority of dead skin cells will fall off naturally, some don’t shed perfectly from the skin. This can leave dry, flaky patches on your skin which can clog your pores too. Exfoliating helps prevent this and should be an important part of your skincare routine.

Procoal Activated Charcoal Face Scrub

The Procoal activated charcoal face scrub is expertly developed in the UK. This exfoliating face scrub uses specially selected active constituents to remove impurities, oxidised sebum and contaminants. This gives a purified, cleansed and invigorated complexion. This face scrub uses Allantoin which encourages natural skin exfoliation. Calendula oil, recognised for restoring the skin’s natural water balance is also used. The activated Charcoal helps to clear deep-seated pores, removing pollutants to purify your complexion.

My Thoughts

Anyone that knows me will know my skin is awful! I’ve tried loads of different face scrubs, washes, creams and masks over the years to try and tame my face. Unfortunately, due to having eczema, a lot of products really irritate my skin. I am pleasantly surprised that the Procoal face scrub doesn’t irritate my skin at all!

Applying Procoal Face Scrub

As you apply the face scrub, you can see the charcoal breaking down as you can see above. (Apologies for the quality, it was late at night!) After rinsing it off you can genuinely feel a difference. Unlike other scrubs I’ve used, my face felt really clean and soft, no tightness afterwards which I usually have.

Results

After a few weeks of trying out Procoal 1 to 3 times per week, my skin is slowly looking much healthier! Procoal’s site does state it can take 6-8 weeks to see a real difference though. By now I have usually given up due to poor results but I can see me finishing this tube. It is on the pricier side for me but the results are undeniable so I probably would buy this again. I’m quite lazy with my skincare routine, however, I’ve managed to remember every few days to use the face scrub. I have been doing this as part of my self-care routine. Overall I am pleased with the Procoal exfoliating face scrub and definitely recommend giving it a go.

Do you use exfoliating face scrubs?

Uncle Bubble Mega Loop Review And Giveaway

Games / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We were gifted Uncle Bubble Mega Loop to review this week and we also have one to giveaway. Uncle Bubble are bubble experts and this fun kit contains all you need to create bubbles bigger than you!

Uncle Bubble Mega Loop Kit

Uncle Bubble Mega Loop

The portable Mega Loop kit can be used anywhere, indoors and outdoors, at home, school, the park, absolutely anywhere. The kit comes with a Mega Loop wand, inflatable bubble pool and a big bottle of bubble solution. The unique secret professional formula has been used by bubbleologists to build bubbles that have broken Guinness world records! Become a bubble pro in no time with this fab kit.

bubble

Bubble Fun

We have been playing around with the Uncle Bubble Mega Loop kit over the last few days and have had loads of fun. The instructions make setting up the bubble pool and Mega Loop wand simple. Following the instructions to mix the bubble solution just right makes the best bubbles.

Izzy in a bubble

The girls had a lot of fun with the Mega Loop Kit and spent ages trying to make the biggest bubbles. We are waiting for the sun to come out so we can take the kit to the park too! I’m sure the girls will have plenty of fun as will any other children there.

Blowing big bubbles

You can create all kinds of bubble magic with this special solution and there is more than enough for a few sessions of bubble making. If you do run out, you can buy more on Amazon easily! It isn’t recommended to use this kit on a slippery surface however we couldn’t help but try out on our landing as there was more space. Hopefully the weather improves soon and we can set up at the park for hours of bubble fun!

Mega Bubbles with Uncle Bubble Mega Loop Kit

I got carried away myself joining in making big bubbles along with the girls and know everyone will enjoy this kit. The only issue we found was that we enjoyed ourselves so much I almost forgot to take ANY photos! Check out the Uncle Bubble Video below though.

Giveaway

As promised we have an Uncle Bubble Mega Loop Kit for one lucky winner. Simply enter below for your chance to win and check out our other live giveaways here.

Win The Uncle Bubble Mega Loop Tool #6

Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks Review And Giveaway

Book Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We were sent Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks range to review this week. Written by Sarah Parkin and Designed by Rob Hale. Each Mini Playbook has a story, playmat, pop-up building and over 20 press out pieces. There are currently 6 books within the Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks and we have 3 books to offer one lucky winner! Read on and enter below.

Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks

Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks

Currently, the six Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks available include Farm, Animal Hospital, Fire Station, Castle, Airport and Garage. These fantastic books encourage reading and learning through play.

Miles Kelly Mini Playbook - Animal Hospital

Mini Playbook Fun

Each storybook follows a character at work, explaining the different tasks they do each day. Once you’ve read the story and learnt the tasks, it’s time to play and act out the different roles! There is a handy guide to setting up and using the book inside too.

Animal Hospital Instructions

Each book turns into a square playmat with a road, pop-up building and relevant scenery. The buildings all have doors that open, allowing your press-out characters to go in and out easily.

Miles Kelly Animal Hospital Mini Playbook

Animal Hospital Playmat - Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks

Inside each pop-up building, there is plenty of space to move characters around. Both girls enjoy setting up these books and playing out the roles. Izzy especially loves animal hospitals and this was definitely her favourite. Reading about Sam the Vet’s adventures at work and then playing Vet kept Izzy busy for hours!

Castle

The Castle Mini Playbook follows Cedric the knights adventures in a medieval castle. The Castle comes with a Dragon, knights on horses, a Lord & Lady, Musician and more, the girls quickly got lost in this Mini Playbook.

Castle Miles Kelly Mini Playbook

Fire Station

We read about Firefighter George’s adventure at work, then we set up all the pieces. The girls had hours of fun playing as firefighters, rescuing cats from buildings and putting out fires. This Playbook comes with a fire engine, fires, barriers and various firefighters.

Fire Station

Airport

Jack is on his first visit to the airport in this storybook on his first family holiday. Learn about what goes on in an airport then fold out the playmat, pop up the building and play! I love how the aeroplanes go together for this playbook making them 3D.

Airport

Farm

Follow Farmer Sam around the farm as he cares for all the animals. Farms are very busy places with lots of jobs to do, press out the pieces and help Sam look after the animals. With cute farm animals and a shiny red tractor this Playbook is amazing.

Farm

Garage

Learn about mechanic Matt’s adventures at work in this storybook before getting busy helping at the Garage. Help wash cars, change tyres, repair engines and become a marvellous mechanic for a few hours.

Garage

The Mini Playbooks fold back down after being played with. This makes the Mini Playbooks easy to store until next time. Simply flatten the press-out pieces and store them inside the building safely too. We are really impressed with the Mini Playbooks as they are so easy to set up and clear away. They certainly kept the girls occupied and having fun for hours at a time and the enjoyed building a few at a time and connecting the roads on the playmats to create their own little town.

Miles Kelly Mini Playbook Giveaway

As promised, we have 3 Miles Kelly Mini Playbooks to giveaway to one lucky winner*! The winner will be able to pick any 3 titles from the 6 available, simply enter the giveaway below and keep an eye on your emails.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Winner will be notified within 24 hours of the giveaway closing and will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be picked.

Which 3 Miles Kelly Mini Playbook titles would you pick?

Hero Fun With Herodrive Vehicles

Kids Toys / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Izzy’s been having Hero fun with the new Herodrive Vehicles. We were kindly gifted the vehicles to review Both of my girls love DC, with Batman being their favourite! Obviously, because of this, we were really excited to check them out.

Hero Fun

Hero Fun With Herodrive vehicles

These fantastic vehicles are a mash-up of favourite DC superhero characters and vehicles to create the ultimate her powered adventure! Choose from Speed Squad Minis or Mash Machines for some hero fun for your little one.

Herodrive from Asda

Join in with the superhero action with these super speedy vehicles and your favourite DC hero. Available from Asda and some items are available from Amazon too. Although the Herodrive range is aimed at 3-6 years, Eva (8) really enjoyed joining in with the hero fun too! These fabulously speedy little vehicles will have your little one off on superhero adventures for hours.

Speed Squad Minis

Herodrive 2.5inch vehicles

These fun, free-wheeling vehicles are super fast and feature DC icons Superman, Batman, The Flash and The Joker. This new range provides high-speed hero fun with these fantastic little vehicles. Zoom about the streets of Central City as your favourite DC hero saving the day!

Mash Machines Batman Police Car

Mash Machines Batman Police Car

These super cool Herodrive Mash machines are HEROIC! Patrol the streets in the Batman police car and don’t forget to push the Batman logo for backup if needed! Just like the Speed Squad Minis, Mash machines are seriously speedy, perfect for saving the day.

Our Thoughts

Honestly, we love the Herodrive vehicles, the girls have been playing with them non-stop. The Batman Police Car is so much fun with the Batman noises! The Herodrive cars really are super speedy. They are perfect for high-speed chases through the flat. Personally, I think these would make a fab alternative to chocolate this Easter and the perfect gift for any little one. Izzy says the herodrive vehicles are so cool and she loves them, she call the speed squad mini Batman car, Baby Batman and the Batman Police Car, big Batman.

Izzy playing with Herodrive vehicles

More Herodrive products will be launching soon too, so keep an eye out!

Which DC icon is your childs favourite?