Christmas gift guide for children: Buddies electric toothbrush kit

Brushing teeth has always been a little hit and miss with L. On some days she would happily do it by herself, on other days I would have to take over. Having said that, I have never made a big deal out of L not being able to do it or not wanting to do it as I thought that the more we push it the more she might rebel!

A couple of weeks ago I came across a fun electric toothbrush kit (£34.99, suitable from 3+ years) from a range called Buddies, which makes brushing easier, independent and fun!

"In my personal experience, my eldest son hated brushing his teeth because he couldn't stand the taste of any toothpastes, especially mint. I got frustrated by the lack of good fluoride alternatives available and wondered whether I was the only parent in this situation. My research through an agency showed that approx 15% of the 200 parents questioned had kids with similar issues. Hence Buddies toothpaste was born.

Buddies is an innovative range of oral care products designed by a mum for children aged from 2 years and above".

Once L saw funny green character on the packaging I knew it would be a winner!

The kit contains:

- vibrating toothbrush (very gentle introduction to movement in the mouth)
- base charger (also a nightlight)

- UK plug

- USB charger

- face stickers

- instruction leaflet

- 3 Buddies mint toothpaste cartridges

My husband and I used to have electric toothbrushes so when L received her own it made her feel just like us as it's so comforting for kids to be able to copy parents and be able to do things like a big girl or boy.

What makes Buddies toothbrushing products different? 

- toothbrush works as a timer as vibrates for 2 minutes giving your child an indication of a start and finish of the brushing time; 

- toothpaste cartridge (supplied in the kit) can be inserted into the toothbrush and releases the right amount of toothpaste directly onto bristles of the brush once the green collar is pressed down (you can of course opt out and use the toothbrush as it is);

- individual toothpaste pump dispensers come in 2 flavours allowing fussy kids to choose which one is the yummiest: apple or mint flavours; 

- the toothpaste tub has a pump dispenser, which once pressed delivers the right amount of paste ("portion controlled dispensing") that allows your child to independently use the pump dispenser (please remember to supervise brushing to minimise swallowing);

- Buddies fun character used as lid on both toothpastes and a nightlight aka toothbrush base or charger, make brushing fun and more entertaining (L has been playing with her apple toothpaste lid for ages) if you add a funny smiley face from the sticker set included in the kit.

"When developing Buddies toothpaste, we worked hard to make the best product we could, whilst avoiding ‘nasties’ such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and certain sweeteners. Our toothpaste is made in the UK, by a company that also manufactures toothpaste suitable for babies".

My 3 year old would insist on pumping toothpaste by herself and likes alternating zingy apple toothpaste flavour with gentle buttery mint flavour. I am yet to work out which one she prefers the most but for those kids who are fussier in that sense it is certainly a nice choice to have. 

Toothpaste itself  (£4.99 for 100ml pump dispenser) is not too foamy comparing to the competitive brands. The night light charger could be an intriguing factor for those learning about day and night/nocturnal and diurnal. L has been using the pump dispenser toothpaste every other day for about 3 weeks now and it still feels full, even though I think I would prefer to have a see through line along the height of the toothpaste to know for sure.

Buddies products could be a great alternative, fun and practical Christmas present for children. If you wish to support and learn more about the brand or to buy Buddies product please visit the store here.

Disclaimer: We have received this product for the purpose of this review/feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas gift guide for Foodies and Health & Wellness concerned: JML Nutri Blitzer

For the passed year all our family members have tried to improve their well- being. I personally had many days where I would enjoy my new lifestyle and days where I wanted to "spoil" myself to something that I have craved so my journey and progress perhaps was slower than I wanted. 
I decided to cut down on carbs and swap brown rice for boiled broccoli and cauliflower as I felt bloated in the evening and then few days later, I have tried to stay away from bread and other wheat products and introduced some gluten-free products, one of them is my new favourite gluten- free vegetable lasagne that even L enjoys eating too (proud moment as L normally wouldn't eat vegetables at all) and my last change- lots of freshly made fruit smoothies with the help of my new gadget- JML Nutri Blitzer (£49.99) courtesy of Superdrug.

I have previously used a basic jug blender which was poor in comparison to Nutri Blitzer. To start with Nutri Blitzer has a shiny black base, comes with 2 different type of blades (for smoothie making or grinding nuts and even leaves), power base can be used with either 1 large 900ml cup with the handle and or one of the 2 small 650ml cups with handles, all 3 can be used with resealable lids. Seems too perfect for a little clever machine! But I think I have found my new little helper and my motivator for yet another healthy year (or years) ahead of me! 

If you ask me " Should I invest in Nutri Blitzer for Christmas or any other occasion for that matter?!" I would say a definite "YES". It has been an eye-opener how technology has moved on and how easy it is to "receive" nutrients with a nifty gadget such as Nutri Blizer! 

 "So if nutrition and healthy living are at the top of your wish list for a new, happier, healthier you, look no further than the incredible Nutri Blitzer. The original nutrition extractor to get the essential ingredients your body needs".

Disclaimer: I have received the product mentioned above for the purpose of these review/feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas gift for GIN lovers

I have never been an alcohol enthusiast but I do like to see what's trendy and why people are having obsessions over a certain alcoholic drink! The latter would be more referred to the sparkling beverage which seemed to be quite popular but I want to talk about a slightly different drink, some would call it even more sophisticated and modern- Gin! 

Believe it or not, I have tried gin for the first time about a year ago or so which was served with tonic water and a rosemary in my glass, which was a really nice touch and a delightful drink in general!

Once the "C" word started to slowly creep into our lives I came across a unique gift idea for gin lovers, for those who appreciate the drink, perhaps for those who like novelty drinks or those looking for an alternative presents. Would you like to know what it is? It's Gin Baubles from Master of Malt (£29.95)! 

Gin baubles come in a little themed cardboard secured into a foam style insert. Six colourful baubles come with a red ribbon attached to the top of the plastic bauble, which makes it a safe and a thought through gift! 

I have received compliments about the gin baubles and according to feedback/comments from Master of Malt website the gift set was sold out last year within minutes! I would certainly be over the moon with the present like that- unique, stylish, practical and tasty!! 

Disclaimer: I received the product mentioned above for the purpose of this feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.