For those who have been to a Build-a-Bear workshop, you will agree with me that it is the most enjoyable, exciting thing you can do with your child. For those who have not been there, I have to ask you ‘Why Not?’ I completely urge you to visit a store and explore it for yourselves.

As a family, my Fiancé, two boys and myself went to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. We were greeted at the door by an enthusiastic assistant and manager Glen, whom then introduced us to Roisin and Alana, who really got us all excited about the experience ahead of us. If all the staff at Build-A-Bear Workshops are like these assistants, then you will definitely get in the spirit within seconds!
What soon became apparent was a genuine care for the child in question. This is totally for the children, with the emphasis being on giving the little ones experiences (and bears!) that they will not forget. All the staff were extra friendly and completely in tune with the kids. It was refreshing to see this kind of attitude as opposed to everything being about profit.
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I love coffee, I sometimes need coffee! What I find hard to replicate at home, is that lovely cup you get from your favourite coffee shop.
You know what I mean, somehow it’s not the same. My cafetierre gave up on me recently, so I was over the moon when Nigel’s Eco Store sent me the Presso, an Espresso coffee maker. Formed from polished aluminium (can be recycled at the end of its life), The kettle uses the only electricity needed to make an Espresso. No electricity required for the Presso itself.

To make an Espresso, 2 things are required - Boiling water and pressure (ok, 3 things…you need coffee grounds!). This is where the fun of Presso comes in. You provide the pressure by moving the arms up and then slowly down. You become an Espresso professional. There is something in the movement that makes you start to pose a little bit. It’s very satisfying!
More importantly, The Espresso itself is of coffee shop quality. What you get is delightfully smooth, not like my old cafetierre which used to chug out grainy coffee.
And as important again, the electricity consumption is a lot less than normal machines. It looks really cool as well! It has pride of place in my kitchen now - because of two things, it’s looks and it’s performance.
At £79.99, you can get real Espresso’s time after time. There will be no electricty costs and you will be lowering your carbon footprint. Guilt free, perfect Espresso’s from Presso and Nigel’s Eco store.
Uplifting, heart-warming, sentimental and just absolutely beautiful! That’s just some of the words that arise in my head when I looked at the gifts I have received from photobox. Offering original and thoughtful gifts for Fathers Day (and many other occasions), to suit anyone, no matter what your needs are; you will definitely not be disappointed with what you get. If you’re looking for that special keepsake, then I urge you visit photobox and I will guarantee you will be smiling like a Cheshire cat when you have completed your order!
We all know how hard it is to buy presents for a Dad who has got everything, and who gives you no clue what-so-ever as to what he would like! My Fiancé is an absolute nightmare to buy for, always stating as long as he has me and the boys he needs nothing else (He’s such a softie at heart, but I love him for it). So whenever photobox contacted me, I was overjoyed. Now my special other half will have an extraordinary keepsake, which he will treasure and show off for many years. With plenty of different gifts to which you can upload you favourite photos, it really couldn’t be easier with Photobox.
I have 2 personal favourites, and my first is the hard back or soft back books. These books really are amazing. When I received my hard back book, it brought a tear to my eye! I chose my most loved photos of my 2 boys, uploaded them onto the site, and chose where to place them within the 26 page book. This really couldn’t be any easier. The only bit that was time-consuming for me was choosing photos from the thousands I have on my computer! You also have the option to auto fill, and the book will fill itself at supersonic speed. The book can also come with optional quotes, making it easier to say something extra special. My 2 boys helped me choose the photos, the theme (nautical, modern, pastel), background, fonts and also arrange the photos on the page in the way they wanted. It really was a fun time together. For each photo, you can add your own message, making it more personal. I really do recommend this for anyone. At a great price of £29.99, you really can’t get a more personal and heart touching gift.

My second favourite is the Canvas Art Work. Guaranteed to make Dad smile whenever he walks into the room where it is hung, even after Fathers Day. This will make an incredible surprise for him, an additional gift he will hold close to his heart for years on end. Choose a photograph that he really loves and transform it into a stunning canvas print. Dad might want to hang it in his office at work, or just simply have it on his living room wall. But to be quite honest, it will be worthy of any wall space anywhere. I was really blown away with the canvas print, it is a very special gift indeed, and I also thoroughly recommend it. Priced at £21.99 up to £69.99 for larger sizes, the canvas print will make a tremendous present for every Dad out there.

Check out the other fantastic gift choices on offer at http://www.photobox.co.uk/shop/fathers-day-gifts, a fantastic online photo service, I beg you!
OK… so the sun hasn’t currently got his hat on… but I’m told by a reliable source that he will have soon! Whether you believe that or not, no summer kitchen should be without Giles & Posner’s latest retro slush machine. Close your eyes, go back to the 80’s and remember those delicious brain freezing Slush Puppies… now you’re exactly where I am at with my slush machine sample… love it!
I’ve been experimenting with all manner of ingredients (and having lots of fun in the process too). My son loves the Ribena cocktail… however gone bedtime it’s time to start cracking out those delicious cocktails. Hic!
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The enforced Love fest that is Valentines day is over for another year, but that doesn’t mean we should ever stop the romance.
The personalised Love Is…. book is the ultimate in romantic declarations. The sentiment of this personalised book will leave your partner staggered and delighted by your thoughtfulness.
Itsyourstory.co.uk give you the opportunity to create a unique love gift, with details such as favourite film, meal, and restaurant present in text. A total of 24 illustrations will easily convey the love you have for your partner.
My Fiancee’s copy is always in her handbag, as she cannot miss a chance to show it off to just about everybody. The 1980s cartoons capture the sweet things about relationships so well, and to have it all personalised makes for a very special work of art.
This could be an amazing wedding present, engagement present or simply a gift that will be treasured always.
At £17.50, it really is a must have for anyone who is completely in love. That’s the price, but the true valuation of this book is clearly priceless.