Giveaway #9 - 3 x 50th Anniversary Edition Play-Doh Fun Factory Sets - winners Dawnyloo, cleverish2001 & snoozeshade

Play-Doh has been a part of toy boxes for as long as most people can remember. And this month popular Play-Doh playset, the classic Fun Factory, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special birthday edition – the Fun Factory Spin and Store.

The new Play-Doh Fun Factory looks set to reignite kids’ imaginations with exciting new play features, including an extended handle for extruding Play-Doh, and a dial with eight great shapes including a triangle, bat and flower – feed in the Play-Doh and let their imaginations take over! (Oooh "Extruding"!! I love the word "extruding", it's only ever used in Play-Doh marketing !!)

To celebrate Play-Doh’s 50th birthday, I have not one, not two, but THREE of the new Fun Factory Spin and Store sets to give away to you, the lucky readers of this blog.

I'm absolutely loving all the retro products that are coming back at the moment (Sodastream, 5alive, Supermousse, retro Nestle Easter eggs, ...). For your chance to win, tell me which one product from your childhood would you love to see revamped. Come on people, it's time for a bit of nostalgia !

As usual, extra entries (up to 5) if you leave me comments on my other blog posts ! Make absolutely sure you leave me a way to contact you (email or twitter name), otherwise you'll be disqualified.

Good luck !

UK entries only. Closing date : Sunday 23rd May

Ecover's concentrated laundry liquids

As a mum of three, I get through about a million loads of washing a week (that's what it feels like anyway !) but I have a guilty secret to share - I still don't know the difference between Bio and Non-Bio laundry detergent ! (I also never know whether I'm supposed to put the detergent in the left or right hand side of the drawer but it all seems to come out clean wherever I put it, so I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference !)

Well, Ecover kindly sent me a bottle of each of their new concentrated laundry liquids (bio and non-bio) to test so I didn't have to reveal my ignorance (which I have now anyway !). I've used both of them and I still can't work out what the difference is - they both got all my loads of washing clean (even the orange baby-food covered bibs) and nobody, not even baby Pierre or sensitive-skinned Sophie, had any allergic reactions to either of them.

The new detergent is being promoted as "the first truly ecological concentrated laundry liquid", which is a lot to live up to. Ecover explain, "The formulas for these long-awaited products were put under the microscope by the Ecover scientists and after months of development Ecover has produced what they believe to be the most efficient and ecological concentrate on the market. Everyone knows the environmental benefits conventional concentrated laundry products provide e.g. reduced packaging, reduced CO2 emissions in transport and less water used during the production process. But, the biggest impact cleaning products have on the environment is what happens after they are used. So Ecover have worked hard to create concentrated Laundry Liquids which have much less impact after you’ve used them. Additional environmental benefits of Ecover’s new concentrates include: No optical brighteners ; Minimum aquatic toxicity; Fast and complete biodegradability ; No phosphates. What’s more, as Ecover use sustainable plant-based and mineral ingredients, you don’t have to worry about leaving behind residues of nasty (and unnecessary) chemicals on your clothes - or your skin - when you do your laundry either."

That all sounds very impressive but to be honest, coming from a company as highly-reputed as Ecover, I wouldn't expect anything less. Efficiency wise, I was impressed though - in a blind test, I never would have guessed that they were eco-friendly products because they work just as well as the less green competitors. They both smell really nice too, the Bio one having a 'Under the Sun’ fragrance and the Non-Bio smelling of lavender. Top marks on all counts.

star rating : 5/5

RRP : £5.69 (500ml)

for more information : http://www.ecover.com/gb/en/Products/Laundry/

Savonnerie Sleepy Boudoir Body Oil

If you haven't already read my review of Savonnerie's deliciously decadent Love Soak bath soak, I suggest you start there, to find out a bit about the company. Having been wowed by the gorgeous scents and the totally natural and handmade products, I came to the Sleepy Boudoir body oil with high expectations. Would it live up to them ?

Well, it's one of those products that makes me feel all smiley before I even open it. The transparent bottle means you can see exactly what's inside so you'll get no nasty surprises. You can see from the lovely bits and pieces floating in the oil that this is a totally natural product - I recognised the lavender petals and the orange rind but needed to check the (reassuringly short) list of ingredients to know that the white flowers are chamomile flowers. Ahh chamomile, that's supposed to be nice and calming, as is lavender, hence the Sleepy Boudoir name.

A quick sniff test made me go hmmmm lavender - the smell is strong but not overpowering and is totally natural, reminiscent of when I stick my head above the lavender patch on our patio ! As I've already mentioned, the fragrances are all natural, there is nothing artificial added, and you can tell that straight away.

The other ingredients are listed on the bottle : Sunflower Oil, Grape seed oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Essential oils of Lavender, Chamomile Roma and other 100% natural sleep-promoting plant oils, Orange Rind, Chamomile flowers and Lavender Buds. They clearly state that their products are totally natural but it still impresses me to see such an additive-free list.

I must admit, I was slightly bemused about how to use it though. The website doesn't help, calling it "Sleepy Boudoir Bath & Massage Oil" whereas the label on the bottle (including the bottle in the picture on the website) says body oil and never mentioning baths again ! The label says it's "a light easily-absorbed oil for massage & moisturising made with 100% pure essential oils to help you sleep". The website explains, "Sleepy Boudoir provides the perfect escape to ease away the tension of a hectic day and relax the body and rejuvenate the mind for a peaceful evening of relaxation. Blended oils of Grape seed, Almond and Sunflower smooth and soften skin while pure essential oils of Sweet Orange, Lavender, Patchouli and Chamomile Roma lightly scent it with sweet, warm sensual aroma. Use as a light massage oil to enhance skin tone, sooth stiff or aching muscles and feel the beneficial effects of improved circulation. A delightful and romantic treat to unwind and relax before bedtime."

It is a lovely naturally-scented, relaxing oil that is great for winding down after a stressful day but, as the name and the list of ingredients would suggest, it does leave the skin feeling a bit greasy so don't slather it all over your body before jumping in between your white silk sheets or wearing your flimsiest pure silk nightie. If you're planning on using it to give your poor overworked hubby (who has just finished cleaning the bath after your Love Soak bath ! see here if you haven't got a clue what I'm on about !) a lovely relaxing backrub, make sure you have a towel handy to wipe off the excess oil before he rolls over and gives you a load of laundry to do first thing in the morning !

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £16.95 for 250ml, £4.95 for 28ml

Savonnerie Love Soak bath soak

The name Savonnerie may sound French but don't be fooled (or put off, if you want to buy British !) - the company is based in London and the products are hand made in England. But Savonnerie sounds so much more enchanting and romantic and upmarket than "Soap Factory", which is basically what it translates as ! And those three words also sum up the products nicely too. "Whether a sublime bath therapy to escape and restore your balance at the end of a busy day or a captivating and uplifting tonic to recharge the spirit, Savonnerie expertly blends pure essential oils to delight and enchant the senses." Oooh sounds divine already !

I was sent two products from their extensive range to test, so look out for another review coming up soon (it's now available here - a review of the Sleepy Boudoir Body Oil). The first product I tried was Love Soak : "Escape and unwind and make bathing a deep, rich and sensual voyage of discovery for the mind. Mixing the exotic aroma of Ylang Ylang with sweet scent of Palma Rosa essential oils, Love Soak infuses the air around you and re-energises the senses. This famous and luxurious bath soak will leave you enlightened, relaxed and feeling special while giving you softened healthy looking skin." Just what you need to feel thoroughly pampered when the kids are in bed and you finally get to grab some well-deserved me-time.

I have to admit, it looks a bit strange in the bag - the mix of creamy beige powder and unidentified white granules with a hefty sprinkling of dried petals on the top looks a bit random and unconvincing. If you want it to look impressive, I suggest you splash out on the beautiful kilner jar, which will look gorgeous on your bathroom shelf and can be reused afterwards - my advice is to save the sachets for refilling the kilner jar (which is great for the planet too as it reduces waste).

The list of ingredients explains what the powder and granules are : Bicarbonate of Soda, Honey, Red & Pink rose petals, Sea Salt, Citric Acid and Pure Essential oils (Ylang Ylang & Palma Rosa), Jojoba Oil. Wow, not an artifical additive or nasty chemical in sight. The website explains that this is true of all of their products : "Lovingly handmade in the UK, each product contains only the finest ingredients giving skin the luxurious 100% natural care it deserves. All products are free from synthetic SLS, SLES, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, as well as any artificial colours or fragrances."

The smell is absolutely divine and totally relaxing. I stayed in the bath until the water got cold after two top-ups with hot water ! You know those scenes in cheesy chick-flicks when the girl has a bath sipping champagne, reading a book, in a bathroom lit with scented candles ? - well, sprinkle some of this in the bath and that could be you ! The wonderful scent also permeates the whole room (or the whole upstairs, if you leave the door open afterwards !) and leaves your skin lovely and soft and delicately scented.

The only very slight downside is that you will have to clean the bath straight afterwards, if you don't want the petals and rosebuds clogging up the plughole and leaving a deliciously-scented but nevertheless scuzzy ring around the bath ! But if your other half has lovingly offered you this decadent gift so that you can pamper yourself, I think it's only fair that he accepts to clean the bath afterwards as well ! You can tell him I said so !!

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : 100g Sachet £4.95, 435g Jar £16.95

new Kickers Lego shoe collection

If you ask parents to name their top brands, you'll probably find Kickers in the shoes category and Lego in the toys category, because they are both well-known and well-loved brands that have been tried and tested for generations. I would definitely have mentioned them both myself. But I was totally unaware of their partnership, now into its second year, which has come up with some really funky Lego-themed shoes made by Kickers.

I absolutely love the designs as an adult, so I can only imagine how much the kids will love them ! Especially when you look really closely and notice what Kickers describe as the "instantly recognisable LEGO design features incorporated into the collection on the eyelets and straps, as well as the LEGO brand’s iconic prints". Funkier than a funkier thing - or to quote the Kickers' PR person who is even worse (or should that be better ?!) than me, "cuter than a three-week-old kitten – and twice as frisky" ! As if that wasn't enough, the shoes have other uber-trendy features like the signature red and green Kickers tabs and really cool multicoloured soles that will have kids all over the country lying on the ground with their legs in the air to show off the soles of their shoes to their friends !




The collaboration between Kickers and Lego has created not just a range of fantastically funky kids' shoes but also a penny-saving offer perfect for the school holidays. Whenever you purchase a pair of Lego Kickers, the child receives a voucher which entitles them to free entry into Legoland Windsor. There will be a Lego Live mini festival on the 17-18th July for kids, where there will be a chance for the kids and parents to see the new Kickers Lego collection. The theme of Legoland this summer is pirates, and to celebrate Kickers are collaborating with Lego to come up with a pirate themed shoe.

Go on Mums and Dads, you know you want to !!

Mediband medical ID bracelets for children and adults

As a teacher, one of the first things I always try to find out at the start of the new school year is whether or not I have any kids in my class with a medical condition I need to know about - epilepsy, asthma, allergies or whatever. Should something happen that requires urgent medical treatment, the vital first few minutes spent waiting for the school nurse to arrive and checking medical records could be catastrophic.

These Medibands are a fabulous idea, combing the funky appeal of wristbands that kids and teenagers love, with the potentially lifesaving information that people would need in an emergency. If you are the parent of a child with a medical problem or allergy, it would be really reassuring - especially for young children who may not talk yet or who are too shy to speak up. Sending a small child with a "food allergy" wristband to the school canteen, for example, makes sure everyone is aware of the problem.

Michael Randall from Mediband explains, "Mediband can help provide peace of mind for many parents - our bracelets come in a range of sizes, colours and funky styles, so children will be happy to wear them, plus telephone numbers for parents can be printed onto the bands, so that they can be contacted if an emergency situation should arise. It could be one of the most important purchases you ever make for your child, because it could save their life.”

The company caters for over 20 different medical conditions, and that number is growing. If you or your child has a medical issue, I would strongly recommend you buy one (or several, because they're bound to lose them !) just to be on the safe side.

RRP : from £2.08 to £1.03, depending on the size of the order

for more information : http://www.mediband.co.uk/

Ambi Pur 3volution - Vanilla Treat

I've already raved about the 3volution air-fresheners from Ambi Pur, that stop you from getting nose-fatigue (which is a term that I've just created rather than some medical condition !) by constantly switching from one scent to another, thereby preventing the gorgeous scent from just blending into the background unnoticed when your nose gets used to it. I reviewed the Winter Sensations 3volution a few months ago but I've now been trying out the Vanilla Treat 3volution.

I have to admit, when the lovely PR lady asked me if I'd like to try out the new vanilla fragrance, I did a bit of a double take because the Winter Sensations fragrance was vanilla too. So does it smell the same or totally different ? Well, to be perfectly honest, I can't remember - but I do remember that the Winter Sensations vanilla smell was warm and luxurious and Christmassy, whereas the Vanilla Treat scents smelt fresher and more springlike, like bringing the outdoors inside. Is that just psychological because I can see the sun shining through the window or have they subtly adapted the scents to reflect the changing seasons ? I have no idea, but you won't find the seasonal Winter Sensations range in the shops until next Christmas anyway, so make the most of it and discover the delicate, fresh Vanilla Treat range instead !

Ambi Pur explain, "Smell is intrinsically linked to mood enhancement, so by choosing a soothing fragrance, you can help bring a feeling of wellbeing into your home. Vanilla, in particular, is a renowned favourite fragrance, conjuring up pleasant memories and a sense of nostalgia that brings a sense of softness, purity and simplicity with it."

The Vanilla Treat range, like the Winter Sensations one, is inspired by "freshly baked cakes, creamy hot drinks and sweet vanilla fudge" - and the best part is, it's all totally calorie-free ! Just the thing after the chocolate-fest at Easter !

star rating : 5/5

RRP : Primary unit: £7.99, Perfume Refill: £4.49

Ambi Pur Car for Her - air freshener for your car

I have been well and truly won over by the Ambi Pur 3volution plug-in range, that I've reviewed here and here - they change scents every so often so that your nose doesn't get used to it and "tune out" the fragrance. So I was intrigued to discover their new car air fresheners, to see if they would live up to the high standard I've come to expect.

The Car air fresheners don't have the innovative scent-changing technology of the 3volutions but, as you're constantly getting in and out of the car, your nose doesn't have time to get used to the scent and tune it out. Therefore, every time you dash back to the car, you get the full effect of the lovely fragrance all over again.

I have bad memories of the old-fashioned car air fresheners that smelt so strong that I'm sure they were a major factor in my childhood car sickness ! The Ambi Pur car air freshener has a much more natural, delicate scent that isn't at all overpowering, even in the confined space of the car.

I was sent the "For Her" air freshener, which is lovely and feminine, both in its delicate peachy/floral scent and its funky pink unit. The little flowery decoration adds a touch of class and femininity to your dashboard and it's dead easy to clip it on to the ventilation system - no screwdrivers or husbands required to fit it !

But Ambi Pur don't just make car air fresheners for women. They also have the more gender-neutral Pacific Air, Vanilla, Anti-Tobacco versions, as well as the new "Breathe Easy" fragrance, which is described on the Ambi Pur website as a "refreshing combination of cool eucalyptus and mint" to "make your car a bursting bubble of freshness". That sounds perfect for long journeys in a stuffy, overheated car this summer.

I was really impressed with the scent-alternating technology of the 3volution device, but I'm also impressed with the way the Car air freshener works. "Ambi Pur Car air fresheners combine real liquid perfume with the power of your car’s ventilation system to provide a quality fragrance to enjoy on your journey." That means the fragrance wafts around the whole car and even those in the back seat can enjoy the nice smell.

The great news for all the mum-taxis out there is that the air freshener lasts for up to 60 days (based on average driving and temperature conditions) and has an adjustable strength setting. Go on, pimp your ride !

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £3.99 for a starter unit and £2.79 for a refill

extra information :

Ambi Pur Car air fresheners are available in a new stylish device, with three colours options and five fragrances, made with real liquid perfume:

Pacific Air – a crisp and light fragrance inspired by a seaside drive and a fresh morning breeze

Vanilla – a fresh exotic fragrance of sweet vanilla pods and flowers inspired by a sunset drive on a tropical island

For Her – a light and feminine fragrance with a floral elegance and a touch of peach for a sophisticated aroma

Odour Naturizer Anti Tobacco – is made with natural extracts and helps to neutralise bad odours whilst leaving a fresh fragrance of cedar wood and mint

Breathe Easy – an uplifting fragrance of eucalyptus and mint designed to help you experience a fresh cooling sensation ·

Available from all good supermarkets, forecourts and Halfords

for more information : http://www.ambipur.com/

Kellogg's Fibre Plus Bars

I was seriously impressed with these bars. The name "fibre plus" and the big "20% of your daily fibre requirements" on the front of the box spells it out immediately - these are treats for the health conscious (or the seriously constipated !). On top of that, each bar only contains 111 calories. Well, that's great news for your waistline but a high-fibre, low-calorie bar can't really ever be as tasty as a bar of chocolate, can it ?

Well, surprisingly, yes ! I tucked in, expecting a mouthful of cereal bar reminiscent of sawdust, and was amazed to taste real chocolate. For once, it really does live up to the "deliciously smooth milk chocolate" label on the box - there's a layer of chocolate on the bottom of the bar and just to be a bit decadent and naughty, they've tantalisingly drizzled more chocolate across the top of the bar in a zigzag pattern. I really don't know how they've made something that tasty that's only 111 calories !

As well as the delicious chocolate, which makes up a non-negligeable 22% of the bar, the ingredients list includes cereals (20% oats), various sugars (oligofructose, glucose syrup, sugar), honey, cocoa powder and a few other bits and bobs. Only one E number is listed (E320) and everything else sounds pretty natural.

One 28g bar (which - unlike many low-calorie chocolate bars - really is enough to fill you up) contains 6g of sugars, 3.5g of fat, 1.5g of saturates and 0.1g of salt, which sounds very reasonable to me.

Until I'd tasted them, I didn't believe the comment on the box, saying "So delicious, it's hard to believe there's 20% of your daily fibre requirements in them too !" but I was pleasantly surprised. I'd highly recommend them if you want a seriously tasty but healthy snack option. Yum !

Little Me Organics

As they say on their website, "Bathing your baby is one of the most pleasurable aspects of parental care. It's not just about cleansing, it's about bonding, pampering and having heaps of fun with your baby." I couldn't have put it better myself and to make the most of the moment, you need some seriously gorgeous but gentle bath products. I've already tested and told you about some fabulous organic, luxuriously scented products that make Pierre's skin so lovely and soft that I pinch them myself when I feel like some pampering, but I'm always up for testing some more, so I was really happy to be contacted by Little Me Organics !

The Little Me products are just as lovely and eco-friendly as my other top picks that I've raved about but they're the first ones that I've come across that have different scents depending on baby's mood. As they explain, "The Little Me range has three ranges to choose from - Shh Sleepy Head, Yipee Playtime and Moisture Babies. The three different themes all come with carefully selected essential oils to enhance your baby's mood and meet your baby's needs". That sounds like a brilliant idea to me.

I started off testing the Shhh Sleepy Head range, which contains Dill and Organic Lavender. "Soothing Lavender settles and calms the baby leaving their tender skin comforted and moisturised, whilst Dill is renowned for its calming properties. The products contain the safest and most gentle organic essential oils and Botanicals to help your baby rest, whilst wrapping baby's skin in loving moisture." They explain that Organic Lavender has cleansing, calming and balancing properties, while Dill is "used in gripe water and other baby digestive preparations so helps to calm tummies and make baby sleep more soundly". I tested the Shhh Sleepy Head Bath Milk which left Pierre's skin lovely and soft and moisturised and smelling absolutely divine. The relaxing scent got Pierre ready for bed and helped me wind down just by giving him his bath - bonus ! It's a bath milk so it doesn't make bubbles, which is a good thing at the moment because Pierre always tries to eat the bubbles in his bath ! To make the whole bedtime bath routine even more relaxing, I gave him a quick massage with the Shh Sleepy Head body cream. It has the same calming lavender scent which smells so nice that I rubbed the excess into my hands as hand cream. Pierre fell asleep with a smile on his face and not so much as a whimper !

After a particularly messy teething session with a baby biscuit, I decided it was time to try out the Yipee Playtime Bath Bubbles. The website explains, "The Little Me Organics Yipeee Playtime range helps promote contentment and happiness whilst nurturing goodness into your little one's skin. Treat delicate skin to silky smoothness and the beautiful aromas of Neroli, Rose and Organic Mandarin. The renowned properties of these Essential Oils promote deep relaxation, whilst helping skin stay healthy and keep your baby happy. With its sophisticated fragrance this range is suitable for both mums and babies alike." Whey-hey, you won't have to tell me twice ! Sorry Pierre, this one's mine !! With Neroli & Rose - "traditionally known for their uplifting properties" and Organic Mandarin, which has calming and cleansing properties, this is a great product for tired, stressed-out mums in need of a boost. The smell is indescribable - I was expecting something citrussy and it certainly isn't that but I couldn't say what it does smell of ! - but it's lovely and natural and does indeed give you the sense of washing your troubles down the plughole with the water and feeling happy and bouncy after your bath.

The final product I tested was the Moisture Babies Hair & Body Wash. "The Little Me Organics Mmm Moisture Babies range provides extra moisture to your baby's skin. It keeps the skin hydrated and locks moisture into the skin where it is needed the most. The range is soothing and comforting for baby and the ingredients contains Chamomile and Organic Lavender." Chamomile has natural healing properties and is comforting for dry skin and Organic Lavender is cleansing, calming and balancing. Like the other two ranges, the smell is wonderfully natural and refreshing. I love the handy pump dispenser and the fact that the body wash comes out as a foam, which makes it much easier for bathing a slippery baby and also makes it much less likely that you'll get the product in your baby or children's eyes when washing their hair. Both big sisters also loved squirting the foam all over their bodies then washing it off, thinking it was much more fun than their usual "boring" bath products !

So there you have it - it gets a unanimous Madhouse Family thumbs up, from Mum, baby Pierre and both big sisters. I wonder if Daddy Mike tried it out without telling us too ?!

star rating : 5/5

RRP :
Hair & Body Wash £4.49 for 150ml, Body Cream £4.99 for 150ml, Bath Bubbles £3.99 for 300ml, Bath Milk £3.99 for 300ml