Competitions and Reviews

Sock Shop – Tips on Looking after Your Feet.

August 7, 2019 by Anne Sweet 1 Comment

Now that the summer is here we love to show off our feet, but we should still be thinking of taking care of them. The socks we wear are most important and in a moment I’m going to tell you about the lovely socks you can get at The Sock Shop and give you a discount code.

Tips for Foot Care.

These tips I have adapted from the NHS site.

Wash your feet often, but don’t leave them to soak for too long
Dry your feet well as this prevent fungus from developing.
Moisturise your feet to prevent dry skin
Keep your toenails cut short and straight
Limit time wearing high heels
Change socks daily to avoid foot odour
Wear socks that fit
Visit a podiatrist if you develop foot problems

Socks

My children rarely go without socks, they don’t like the feel of shoes on barefeet and the only time socks come off is when they are wearing sandles. I choose their socks carefully. I make sure that they fit well and wash well. So many socks shrink after washing. Boo, my 12 year old, likes pretty socks like these from The Sock Shop. They are a pack of three super soft and super pretty socks for just £4.99. Click through to see the different designs available.

School socks

I’m already stocking up on my school socks. Star and The Little Man are so fussy with their socks. They do not like toe seams at all and the socks have to be really soft. I have been buying them on Ebay but then I found these at the Sock Shop and I think we will be changing over.

These socks come in sizes from age 1 to 14 years (or baby to size 5.5) and in 8 different colours. They are made from pure natural bamboo which is soft, silky and very kind to sensitive young skins. It is antibacterial and anti-fungal, so feet stay fresher and healthier. They are £1.99 a pair but if you buy more than 5 pairs they are reduced to £1 a pair.

The Smelly Feet issue

Keeping your feet clean and making sure you dry them properly should be enough to stop them from smelling. But occasionally you need a little extra help.

Here are some facts about bamboo socks;

bamboo socks are purely and naturally better for your feet
they have 3 times the absorbency of cotton
breathable bamboo keeps our feet fresh, dry and comfortable
for sensitive skin bamboo is unbeatable it has soft, gently rounded fibres that don’t irritate and give fabric it’s soft, silk-like touch
Bamboo is kind to the environment, the plat is sustainable, needs very little water, uses no pesitcides and gives out more oxygen than it’s equivalent in trees.

men's bamboo socks in grey — *Men’s bamboo socks in grey*

These colourburst socks come in 18 different colours and cost £3.99 or you can buy 3 pairs for £9.99. I’ve been buying another branded bamboo sock for £9.99 a pair, so this is a no brainer swap for me!

Discount Code

Just for my readers I have a 10% discount code for you to use at the Sock Shop. Just use the code RAISIEBAY10 to claim your discount.

What sort of socks do you like? Are your kids as fussy as mine? Do you know someone with stinky feet?

Jibbergiggle – the Fun New Game from Gamely Games

July 31, 2019 by Anne Sweet 1 Comment

When Ordering a complicated Coffee Sounds just like Explaining Rocket Science

Jibbergiggle is the fun new game from Gamely Games. We’ve reviewed games from them before. For instance, Randomise and The Pretender.

Jibbergiggle

Jibbergiggle takes everyday scenarios and challenges you to act them out using only ridiculous nonsense words and your own expressive face.
Can you calm down a bear using only the words ‘wimmy wozzle’ or propose to your partner by saying ‘patootie’? Master the art of spouting nonsense in silly noises, as others attempt to guess what exactly it is you’re trying to do!
Just as good for travel and holidays as your home board game collection, Jibbergiggle is super compact (the size of a double pack of cards) so you can easily pack it and play it anywhere.
Perfect for games night, family gatherings and parties, this fun family-friendly game is quick to set up and takes two minutes to learn but will keep you smiling for hours.
Loved by children (age 8+), teenagers and adults alike – Jibbergiggle will get your friends and family laughing. 3-8 players.

Our Thoughts on Jibbergiggle

We have loved playing the previous games. Boo, 12 years, in particular, finds them great fun. This game arrived just before her 12th birthday so we had lots of fun playing with her friends.

The game rules are simple and it takes about 2 minutes to read the instructions. It’s so easy to pick up and fun to play. With practice you can learn to be really good.

Take a look at my first picture – when you play you have 9 scenarios to choose from. In this picture I’ve picked just two, ordering a complicated coffee, and explaining rocket science. As well as the scenario cards you get a card with 3 nonsense words. At the beginning of the game you choose whether you are going to use the first, second or third word on the list. The nonsense word cards are drawn for each round, so you always get a different word.

Now, see if you can explain ordering a complicated coffee using just the word ‘coddiwomple’ and maybe some facial expression. You can say the word however you want, even split it up, and use it as many times as you like. Now, see if you can explain rocket science using only the word ‘coddiwomple.’ We found this example hilarious as they can sound so similar.

A Video Example

I made a little video of Boo and her Dad playing to show how it can be done.

When you know what scenario is being acting out you need to call Jibbergiggle and then take your guess from the nine cards. If you get it wrong, the other players get a go at guessing. If no-one guesses the card is discarded. If someone guesses correctly they win the card. When the card is removed, it’s replaced by another card from the pile. The winner is the one with most cards at the end of the game.

There are 8 different collections of scenario cards to play with, some are a harder than others. There is only one pack of nonsense word cards, but to mix it up there are three words on each card.

Conclusion

The game comes in a little box that can be taken anywhere. It is quick and easy to pick up and for ages 8- 108 years. (Boo, did say what if you were 109, would you still be able to play?) The Little Man is 8 years old and he was able to pick up how to play easily. A younger person could play with a little help. You do need to be able to read the cards, although you can start the round by reading all the cards aloud to those not so good at reading. But then they will have to remember them so they can pick up what the player is trying to portray with their nonsense word.

We’ll definitely be taking this game, along with The Pretender and Randomise to play on our caravan holiday.

disclosure: We were sent this game for free in return for our honest review

Winnie’s Picks, Painting By Numbers – competition

June 28, 2019 by Anne Sweet 4 Comments

Today I’m bringing you a fabulous competition where you can win a paint by numbers kit of your choice from Winnie’s Picks.

When I was a little girl, I remember my Mum had a few hobbies, she liked to knit, jigsaw puzzles, complete word searches and paint-by-numbers. I don’t really know how she had the time to do any of this, she was always so busy. I figure she’d worked out the importance of mindfulness and taking care of herself way before it became popular.

Painting By Numbers

A few years ago, Adult colouring books became popular. People wanted a way of doing something creative to ease the stresses of everyday life. I remember buying my first colouring book while I was in hospital, it helped while away the days and helping to take my mind off what was happening to me.

image of a hand painting a paint by numbers cat picture

Painting by numbers was popular many more years ago, as you can tell from the story about my Mum. Just like colouring it gives you a way of creating something beautiful just by putting your mind to it. You don’t need any special skills or creativity. Winnie’s Picks have brought paint by numbers back to the market with their huge selection of kits and options of personalised paintings

The pictures have an outline with little numbers in them. The numbers correspond to the colour of the paint you need to fill that part of the picture. Each paint pot has a number that corresponds to the number on the picture.

The kit contains everything you need, the canvas, paintbrushes, paint and a finished print. The kits are adapted to suit adults and kids aged 10 years and above.

contents of paint by numbers kit, the canvas, paints, paintbrushes and a photograph for reference

Winnie’s Picks

Winnie’s Picks offer a wide arrange of gorgeous pictures for you to paint, from animals to flowers, still life to landscapes. You can also choose a precious photo and have it turned into a painting by numbers kit.

Prices for these all inclusive kits start at under £20 and up to under £40. You can add a little more for a frame. They would make a wonderful gift, either as kits or painted. Just imagine painting a picture of your children to give to their grandparents.

girl with dog painting by numbers taken from a phone photo

Winnie’s Picks have kindly offered to give away one of their painting to kits to one of my lucky readers. You can choose one of their pictures or one of your own. Just fill in the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions

competition open internationally
competition starts on 28th June 2019 and ends 26th July 2019
winners will be contacted by e-mail
I will collect no personal information except to contact winner
competition details will also be posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
The winner can choose one paint by numbers from Winnie’s Picks including custom canvases. We will pay shipping as part of the prize
Winnie’s Picks are responsible for the distribution of the prize

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Turn your favourite photo into a paint by numbers with Winnies Picks

Estarer PU Leather Briefcase – Perfect for Father’s Day!

June 10, 2019 by Anne Sweet 3 Comments

I was asked to review the Estarer PU leather Briefcase which would make a perfect Father’s Day gift.

PU Leather Briefcase as viewed from the front

Estarer Mens PU Leather Briefcase 15.6 Inch Laptop Satchel Messenger Bag for Business Work Office

What Does this Briefcase Offer?

Tough and Water Resistant: Crafted from water resistant yet sturdy PU Leather for an exceptional long- term performance and durability.Finishing touches include a protective base feet and closed by a non-slip secure fastening.
Multi-functional Central Compartment:Dimensions:42.5x32x10cm.Inside equipped with 1 computer pocket for 15-15.6 Inch laptop,1 padded sleeve for 12.9“ iPad/tablets,1 x divided compartment for A4 folders, document and 2-3 books,2 easy access pockets for mouse and charger,1 inner 500ml water bottle pocket.
Extensive Business Accessory Organizer: Front pocket with self-healing zippers includes 2 pen slots,1 open top pocket for sunglasses,4 elastic pockets for usb,1 zip pocket for wallet,4 business card slots,2 mesh pockets for cables and keys.
Indispensable Luggage Strap: Rear exterior features 1 pocket for papers and files,1 trolley strap to the reverse that neatly hooks over your wheeled luggage.,1 back anti theft zip pocket for a passport.
Comfort and Versatile Option: Carry using the sturdy dual top handle and a fully-adjustable, detachable padded shoulder strap to wear on the shoulder or cross-body for complete versatility.Sharp and functional, this professional case is sure to become your favourite office and business trips companion.

My Review

Considering it’s not made of real leather it looks really great. It’s waterproof and stylish and has so many pockets you will never find yourself searching for anything again. (I call my bag the bottomless pit because I can never find anything.)

The briefcase is big enough to carry a full size laptop like my Asus 15″.

With a laptop inside there is still plenty of place for storing everything else you could need, books pens, folders etc. And even a special separate drinks holder.

There are pockets galore and I give this briefcase 10 out of 10 for storage and organisation. There are also pockets on the front and back, just in case you have any more stuff to pack into it. I like the back pocket, it would be great for popping in your business cards for super easy access. Or your passport if you were travelling, it is safer too as it’s on the back of the bag.

Another feature I love is the fastening. It looks like a buckle strap, but underneath there is a little clip that you can just slip loose to open. Safe and secure, but easier to open than unbuckling a clip.

For carrying around you can use the handle on the top or the attachable strap to throw it over your shoulder. The shoulder strap even has an extra padded bit for comfort. It also has a strap on the back so you can slip it over your suitcase handle when travelling.

Estarer make many products including backpacks, camera bags, women’s laptop bags and much more. You can view them on Amazon.

Disclosure: This Briefcase was sent to me free of charge, my review is my personal and honest opinion of the product. This post also contains affiliate links.

Wood Watches for a Unique Style

April 12, 2019 by Anne Sweet 10 Comments

I have been gifted a gorgeous wood watch from Jord (pronounced like Yoda without the a.) They have also given me the chance to offer you, my readers, the chance to win $100 off a watch too. Jord offers free shipping to the UK and the rest of the world and make a huge selection of unique wood watches.

Jord Zebrawood and Champagne watch in the box it arrived in. — *The Frankie in Zebrawood and Champagne*

The Frankie Watch

The watch I chose is the Frankie watch in zebrawood and champagne. The Frankie comes in many other colour ranges and I was tempted by the Purpleheart and Plum, but in the end I couldn’t resist the zebrawood.

A close up of the side of the watch strap showing the zebrawood — *zebrawood*

Zebrawood is native to South Africa and considered a luxury wood. The striped pattern occurs naturally and it really is beautiful. The contrast is stunning and it feels light with an exceptional finish.

I chose the Frankie watch because I loved the minimalist style. The face is easy to read and the case is slim. It’s comfortable to wear and totally functional. The clasp is a deployment buckle with push buttons which are easy to use.

A close up photo of the watch clasp which is black against the zebra wood. — *The Clasp*

The watches are made to fit your wrist but come with additional links just in case. It also comes with tube of preserve to keep the wood looking great, and a soft cleaning cloth.

The watch displays hours minutes and seconds and it’s easy to read. The battery should last two years, before it needs replacing.

Watch face in champagne colour — *watch face*

Win $100 Towards a Unique Jord Wood Watch

These watches are just beautiful timepieces that anyone would love to own. Jord have so many to choose from it is easy to find the perfect watch to suit you.

Imagine what a wonderful gift they would make too. It’s Father’s Day soon and any Father would be sure to love one of these watches, you can even ask for engraving.

Jord have offered my readers the chance to win $100 towards a watch of their choice just by clicking through my special link and filling out the form.

You can find out more about Jord by checking out their Social Media Accounts.