Raisie Bay

Cadburys Christmas versus Thortons Christmas

In our house Christmas and Chocolate go hand in hand. I always buy a big hamper of chocolate to share around and we have chocolate Advent Calendars to count down the days.
Now there are lots of places to get your chocolate from but two of our favourites are Cadburys and Thorntons. I’ve decided to take a look at both and see what they have to offer for Christmas. Read on and then decide which you would go for Thorntons or Cadburys? There is a prize to be won for one of my lucky readers.

Advent Calendars

My kids adore Advent Calendars, a tiny piece of chocolate each day when they get home from school, and they know it’s getting closer to Christmas by how many window they have opened.
3 cadbury chocolate advent calendars
Cadburys are offering 3 Advent Calendars for £6. Sounds like a bargain to me!
three advent calendars from Thorntons
Thorntons also have a special offer on their Advent calendars, they are all under the 3 for 2 offer, with the cheapest ones being £5 that means it will cost you £10 for three calendars, but you can mix them for a wider choice, and even choose more expensive ones, although it’s always the cheapest that you will get free. 
Size wise, these £5 ones have the same amount of chocolate than the Cadbury ones, but you do get a bigger variety.

Selection Boxes

Selection Boxes are a great stocking filler and a fab last minute gift for kids. I always wrap a few spare ones up and keep them under the tree, then if we have surprise guests at Christmas I can give the kids a Selection Box. 
Cadburys selection box
1 x 169g Cadbury Selection Box containing six Cadbury chocolate products including Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Dairy Milk with Oreo, Dairy Milk Buttons, Double Decker and Wispa. £2.99
Thorntons do not do Selection Boxes, but you can buy gifts like Chocolate Santas or Snowman at a slightly more expensive price but again they do come under the 3 for 2 offer so great for mixing gifts.

Christmas Gifts

If chocolate is not gift enough in itself you can always buy chocolate with a gift.
Cadbury Gorilla Gift
1 x 360g Cadbury Dairy Milk Gift Bar with ‘Merry Christmas’ cardboard wrap sleeve, 1 x Cadbury Dairy Milk Gorilla Soft Toy (Height: 24cm suitable from 3 months upwards)
£13.50
I couldn’t find anything similar at Thorntons.

Chocolate and Alcohol

How about a little tipple with your chocolate? Or a more grown up gift? Both Cadburys and Thorntons do a selection of alcohol and chocolate mixes with price ranges to suit all budgets. Here I’ve picked two similar for comparison.
1 x 360g Milk Tray- two layers of Milk chocolates, 1 x 75cl Il Cortile Sereno Prosecco Brut NV- Italian ABV. 11.5%
Bottega Gold Prosecco (750ml, Alcohol 11% vol.)
2 x Sicilian Mousse Bag (110g)

Hampers

Need something to please the whole family, or looking for an extra special gift? How about a Hamper. Both Cadburys and Thorntons have lots to chose from, with a range of prices.
Cadburys Christmas is Magic Hamper £50
1 x willow hamper basket with fasterner and handle , 1 x Cadbury Heroes Tub 660g, 1 x Cadbury Roses Tub 729g, 1 x Cabury Christmas Selection Box 169g, 1 x Eclairs Carton 400g, 1x Maynards Bassetts Wine Gums Carton 400g, 2 x Cadbury Mousse Chocolate Snowman Bars 30g in a Cadbury purple organza bag, 1 x Christmas Cadbury Gifts Direct Gift Box which contains: 1 x Christmas Selection Pack 95g, 2 x Freddo Popping Candy 18g, 1 x Dairy Milk Winter Edition Bar 100g, 1 x Cadbury Buttons Tube 72g, 1 x Cadbury Snow Bites Bag 90g, 1 x Cadbury Fudge Mini Tube 72g  
Christmas Family Hamper £30
Reindeer Model (200g)
Christmas Stars Collection (176g)
Continental Chocolate Collection (142g)
Classic Collection (123g)
Vanille Truffle Bag (105g)
Bag of Honeycomb Crisp Chocolates (97g)
Santa Model (200g)
2 x Milk Chocolate Santa Lolly (25g)
2 x Smiles Milk Chocolate Coins (50g)
I’m on a mission to get 1000 followers on my Facebook Page, would you join me there and make my day?

Competition Time

Have you made up your mind? Would you rather have Cadburys or Thorntons under  your tree this Christmas? 
Take a look at this Christmas Super Fun Pack from Cadburys and this Puddings Christmas Selection from Thorntons and let me know which you would prefer. You will need to fill in the widget for your entry into the competition.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions

1. UK only (sorry)

2. Giveaway closes  5th December 2017

3. Entries will be validated according to the rules of entry
4. There is 1 prize of either a Cadburys Super Fun Pack or Thorntons Puddings Christmas Selection
5. The data of anyone that enters won’t be passed on to any third parties or used for any unsolicited marketing communications.
6. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook or any other social media.
7. The winner will be randomly chosen, and will be shown on this post, with further notifications may be shared on social media.
8. The winner will be notified via email, and will need to respond within 4 weeks otherwise a further winner will be drawn.
9. Prize will be sent out within one week of receiving e-mail details via the supplier.
10.If the prize is not available an alternative may be sent of the same value.
11. There is no guarantee that this prize will be received in time for Christmas, but prompt replies by the competition winner and stock availability will prove this easier to achieve.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links
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The Space Craft Book – Review and Give Away

This is ground control to Major Tom, are you ready for lift off? You will be after working your way through this fabulous book, The Space Craft Book.

Author : Laura Minter and Tia Williams
ISBN13 : 9781784943653
Binding : Booklet
Pages : 64
Photographs : 170 photographs
Series Title : Little Button Diaries
Publication Date: November 2017
The GMC Group have kindly offered to give away three copies of this book to my readers, aren’t you lucky! Read on for my review and fill in the widget below to enter the give away.

First Impressions

I have reviewed a book from The Little Button Diaries before, it was all about Pirates. We had lots of fun trying out the crafts, especially the cake. I knew straight away that The Little Man would love this Space Craft Book but I didn’t realise just how excited he would be. He wants me to make absolutely everything in it! Starting with the Walkie Talkies, after all, you need to keep in contact when you are in space. 

We love the bright colourful photos and the easy to follow instructions. There are crafts for all sorts of abilities, from the novice to the more experienced. There are even instructions for party food and a lovely recipe for a Moon Cake.

The Blurb

5…4…3…2…1… blast off! Create awesome space accessories for mini astronauts to pay with.
The sky’s the limit with this inspiring craft book, which contains 15 easy-to-make projects for budding space explorers. With clear step-by-step pictures and handy templates, there are also ideas for a space party and instructions on how to build your very own rocket den,  ready for intergalactic missions to explore unknown universes! 

Our Verdict

The Little Man has already given me his list of everything he wants me to make and I’m collecting all the materials. It should be noted, though, that these crafts are mainly for parents to make for their children, rather than children making them themselves. Any child would be thrilled with the crafts though so it’s worth it and they will get lots of play from them.
You can purchase the book from GMCGroup for £5.99

Competition

If your handy with a pair of scissors and want to make your little astronaut happy then please enter my give away to win one of three copies of The Space Craft Book. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions

1. UK only (sorry)

2. Giveaway closes  21st November 2017

3. Entries will be validated according to the rules of entry
4. There are 3 prizes of The Space Craft Book
5. The data of anyone that enters won’t be passed on to any third parties or used for any unsolicited marketing communications.
6. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook or any other social media.
7. The winners will be randomly chosen, and will be shown on this post, with further notifications may be shared on social media.
8. The winners will be notified via email, and will need to respond within 4 weeks otherwise a further winner will be drawn.
9. Prize will be sent out after receiving e-mail details via the supplier.
10.If the prize is not available an alternative may be sent of the same value.
11. There is no obligation to enter all parts of the widget to be accepted into the draw

Laura's Lovely Blog

W7 Eye Palette Review and Competition

I’m no expert when it comes to make-up, in fact it took me a while to stop my make-up habits first developed circa 1982. Jackie Magazine was my inspiration, it was hard work getting my fine, thin hair looking as full as this! The blusher application was a talent in itself.

I do love a more natural look now though, and when I get dressed up I will go for a smokey eyed look rather than full on colour. So I was thrilled when I was sent this W7 Smokin’ eye palette from Free Stuff.
As you can see, the palette contains 12 eye shadows with shades of greys, browns and nudes. There is also a choice of matt or shimmer shades. It’s perfect for carrying you from day to night by adding a little sparkle. The palette is a sturdy tin so it will stay safe in your bag and there is also a handy applicator and brush supplied. The shades are crease free and provide great coverage and they are perfect for a smokey look.
How do you fancy the chance of winning one of ten W7 Eye Shadow Palettes for yourself? 
Just follow the Link to enter;

Terms and Conditions:
This competition ends on the 1st December 2017
By entering you agree to sign up to WOW FreeStuff Newsletter
Must be over 18 and based in the UK 
Good Luck!

Survey and Thorntons Chocolate Give Away

I need your help! 

But I’m not asking you to give it to me for free. I have a lovely little gift to give away to one lucky participant in my little blog reader survey. It’s so short it literally takes just a couple of minutes to complete. Then if you put your e-mail at the end I’ll enter you into my prize draw.

I am trying to learn more about people who read blogs, why do they read them, what are they looking for in a blog post and what makes them come back again. I want to create a blog reader persona and you can help me, even if you don’t really have much interest in blogs there must be something that brought you here today. It doesn’t matter if you read hundreds of blogs a day, or just one a month, I really want to hear from you. The questions are simple and multiple choice, so you just have to tick a box or boxes. And like I said, it really won’t take up much of your precious time.

Now what am I giving away as a prize?

How about some chocolates from Thorntons?

Thorntons are currently promoting their Autumn Collection of chocolate, toffee and fudge, perfect for when the nights start to draw in.

How about a lovely box of chocolate covered toffees. First gooey then chewy!

Or Maybe you are nuts about nuts and would prefer this lovely box of nuts and praline collection?

Nut and Praline collection – 239g £6.00

Can’t make up your mind? How about a classic collection where you can choose from Creamy fudge to Honeycomb, Coffee Truffle to Turkish Delight. Something for all tastes in this delicious selection.
Can’t decide? How about a perfect Autumn Bundle containing no less than Ten lovely selections to suit everyone’s taste.
Have I tempted your taste buds? Feel free to click through and take a look at what’s on offer but don’t forget to go through Top Cashback first. All links are my affiliate links but you can just visit the main Thorntons site if you want to browse through yourself.
So my dear chocolate (or toffee) lovers, this survey is very important to me but I know you are all really busy. That’s why I’m offering a box of Thorntons chocolates in return for your time in answering my questions. 
Strike that!! I’m going to be giving one lucky participant TWO boxes of Thorntons Chocolates! All you have to do is fill in my survey form below and enter your e-mail at the end for your entry. E-mail addresses will not be collected, they are purely for identification for the give away, so please don’t forget to fill it in if you want to enter.
 Please see details at end of post for how to enter. Prize draw ends 27th October.

COMPETITION ENDED.

A few Terms and Conditions:

  • UK Only (sorry)
  • Competition closes when survey ends on 27th October 2017
  • Prize is 2 boxes of Thorntons Chocolates
  • Prize may differ from items shown but will be of the same value
  • One winner will be chosen at random
  • Winner will be chosen by e-mail address left on survey form
  • E-mail addresses will be collected for competition purposes only, if you don’t leave your e-mail I cannot accept your entry but you can still fill in the survey form.
Remember, I can’t choose a winner unless you have left your e-mail address for identification. E-mails will not be collected for any other purpose.

Sorry, I’ve had to close the survey early, all entries so far are received and ready for the draw on the 27th. If you have only just arrived here and not yet entered then please feel free to leave a comment saying you wish to be entered. I can then rip your e-mail from the comment and no-one else will see it. You will need to comment and say you wish to enter so I can take your e-mail though as although I can see your e-mail it would be unfair for me to take it without your wish. All e-mails will be used for competition entry only.

If you did wish to subscribe to my blog you can do so using the bar at the top of the page or the section in the sidebar.

King Pong – Review and Give Away

We’ve been trying out this new game from Drumond Park, King Pong. My kids love games that they can all play together and especially ones that give them lots of giggles. I think King Pong is going to be a favourite.

Assembling the Game

Before you play you have to put the cube together. This is quite a simple task although it does help having two people to put the top on so all corners slot in together at the same time. As I was on my own at the time I did manage it myself but I could see how it would have been easier with two. You start with the base, assemble the trays, attach the two parts of the pyramid in the middle, plug in the window holders in each corner, slot in the windows and then place the lid on top. The balls are then placed into the trays ready for playing. The game comes with full illustrated instructions. If you are playing with only two players then you can block off the other two corners with the extra pieces provided. Similarly, you can block off just one side if you have three only three players.

The Rules

The rules of the game are quite simple. Using one hand only, bounce the balls into the cube through the holes in the window or the lid. The balls have to bounce in, and you cannot bounce them through any other players window.

Playing the Game

The starter shouts King Pong, or ready, steady, go, or 3, 2, 1, go…we tried them all and everyone at once starts bouncing their balls into the cube.
The object of the game is to empty your tray of all balls. If a ball drops on the floor the player who threw it must immediately go and pick it up before returning to the game. As you play you will get many balls coming back out into your tray, you need to get them all back in as soon as you can.

Winning

The aim of the game is to get rid of all your balls by bouncing them into the unit faster than they roll back out into your tray. When your tray is empty you close your pivoting door and if you are first to do so then you have won. 

Verdict

We found the game lots of fun and very energetic. You need to play on a hard surface so that the balls will bounce, but the balls do fly around a lot so be careful of losing them under the sofa, the tv cabinet, the coffee table or wherever. Because of the rule of picking up a ball as soon as it’s dropped we found that they don’t get lost because they are retrieved straight away. 
The girls, aged 10 and 12 picked it up really quickly and managed to get a lot of balls bouncing in and soon starting getting tactical. The Little Man, aged 7, had a little more difficulty so I can see why the game is rated 8+ years. He still had lots of fun though, and we found that we made a good team with me bouncing and him running around to pick the balls up.

And if you want a few laughs and ideas on how to handicap top players or enhance your game, take a look at this! Pimp My Pong, King Pong

Take a look at our little video and then see how you could win the game for yourself in our latest give away.

For more information and stockists please visit www.drumondpark.com

Now it’s your chance to win a copy of this fabulous game, RRP £24.99. It would make a great Christmas Present!
Just a few little rules of entry:

Terms and Conditions

1. UK only (sorry)

2. Giveaway closes  10th October 2017

3. Entries will be validated according to the rules of entry
4. There is 1 prize of a King Pong game
5. The data of anyone that enters won’t be passed on to any third parties or used for any unsolicited marketing communications.
6. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook or any other social media.
7. The winner will be randomly chosen, and will be shown on this post, with further notifications may be shared on social media.
8. The winner will be notified via email, and will need to respond within 4 weeks otherwise a further winner will be drawn.
9. Prize will be sent out after receiving e-mail details via the supplier.
10.If the prize is not available an alternative may be sent of the same value.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure: We were sent a game of King Pong for the purpose of this review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.






Family Fever

A little Note About Positive Reviews on Raisie Bay

A little Note About Positive Reviews on Raisie Bay

Some people only write reviews when things go wrong with products, which is good because it lets people know that there could be potential problems. I’ve also seen negative feedback with say things like, I had to return this item because the colour did not suit me…is this useful?

I write reviews on most items I buy because I like to give genuine feedback. If I have a genuine problem with a product I will write my review in the appropriate place.

I write reviews on my blog too, but they are mostly positive. Why? Because I only write reviews for the things I’ve loved. If I don’t love them I let the person who sent me them know with details why and then let them decided if they would rather me write a negative review or not write one at all. It’s always the latter.

This is my blog, my place and I’ll let you know about the things I love. If you want to find out what other people have hated about the product then you will need to look elsewhere.

My reviews may all be positive, but they are still genuine.

Where to next?