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This day I love.......

The slim sleek design of the Philips Avent 4 in 1 healthy baby food maker makes it the perfect choice for any modern kitchen.  The 4 in 1 provides the ability to steam cook, blend food, reheat and defrost food in one compact unit.  

The 4 in 1 provides a unique steaming method to ensure no boiling and equal cooking throughout.  Food is placed in the easy to handle jar and the desired time is selected.


Steam circulates round the jar ensuring an even cook.  

Once cooked the jar is simply flipped over and is ready to blend.  No messing with different compartments, no need to scoop out the ingredients, it is all done in the same jar.  Easy and convenient.  The blend function is a press and hold so food can be blended to your desired consistency.  


I was amazed at how easy the 4 in 1 healthy food maker was to use and at how little mess was created.  It certainly make making healthy baby food easy.  Even better is that the jug and blades are dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean too!


All words are my own opinion. 
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We were challenged by Philips to swap one take away a week to a take in, and to use their new air fryer to do so. As a family we do tend to rely on the convenience of take away and particularly during the week as the girls have clubs after school and it is usually quicker to feed them on the drive there. Whilst I do try to cook every day it is simply not always possibly and so the take out becomes an option.


First on our list was chicken nuggets and chips. This is perhaps a firm favourite of the girls, so in my mind if the air fryer cooked this well then we were automatically onto a winner. We made the nuggets from scratch and it was actually really easy to do and probably took the same amount of time for the oven to heat up for frozen ones. The air fryer takes 3 mins to pre heat, which is actually very quick.
I was really impressed that no oil is needed, so the nuggets were simply placed in the basket, we fitted in 12, and then straight into the air fryer for 8 minutes. Overall much quicker than traditional cooking methods and they tasted fantastic.


If like we did you want to cook 2 or more items, you obviously need to wait for one to cook before cooking the other. Perhaps this is the only draw back, but it is no different to a conventional fryer or other fryers on the market. We have worked out how to cook the perfect chip, thanks to the handy guide, but are still working out how to get sweet potato chips just right.

Since cooking chicken nuggets we have made curries, meat balls and even chocolate brownies. I love the convenience of making my own chips and love knowing exactly how they have been made, it makes me happier to give the girls chips this way. My eldest has taken a really interest in cooking since we got the air fryer, and often asks to cook with it. Swapping a take out for a take in has never been easier.


As for the cleaning up, it fits in the dishwasher or is very simple to wash by hand. There is no oil so no grease to contend with and most of the time it simply wipes clean. A win all round,

Thanks to Philips for asking us to take part in this challenge, all words are my own opinion 
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My girls still very much love Frozen and whilst Frozen fever has calmed down quite a bit they still love the film and love to dress up as Anna and Elsa.  They still ask for Frozen things for Christmas and with this in mind I thought I might put together a little gift guide

Disney Frozen Elsa 3D Shimmer Shaker Bubble Bath




My girls love to have a bath and this 3D Elsa shimmer shaker bubble bath is perfect.  From H&A and available exclusively at Sainsbury's with an RRP of £5 this is a wonderful stocking filler.  Elsa is a good size and the sparkles add a real touch of magic.

  




Disney Frozen Elsa Tame Your Hair Set




Another perfect stocking filler from H&A.  With an RRP from £4 this is also available exclusively from Sainsbury's.  My eldest really wants her ears pierced and has been told to wait until she is a little older.  At the moment she is also really wanting her independence and to be able to do her own hair.  This kit is perfect for her as it contains everything she needs.  She is able to recreate Elsa and other magical hairstyles.  It even contains clip on earrings!





Samsonite suitcase, backpack, holdall and pencil case



Both my girls love to pack bags.  My youngest in particular has to pack everything in a suitcase and given the chance she would take the suitcase with her everywhere.  Samsonite have just launched a brand new range of suitcase, backpack, holdall and pencil case all with a Frozen theme.  I know this would be something both girls would love.  Perfect for sleepovers or for school.


Large cracker





Ok not strictly a gift but Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a cracker.  Poundland have an amazing selection of Frozen goodies, everything from tableware to gifts.  They even have these large Christmas crackers.  Perfect for any Frozen Fan






Disney Frozen Elsa Shimmering Bath Tints




Let your little ones release their inner Frozen magic with these Elsa shimmering Bath tints.  As the shimmering bath tints hit the bath water they magically change the colour of the water.  My daughters love to scatter them into the water like snowflakes and pretend they have magical Elsa powers.  A wonderful gift from H&A



Elsa SoftPal






I was lucky enough to see the SoftPal back in July.  These glowing characters are perfect as a night light as they softly light up a bedroom.  They can be used as a portable light and it can be switched on for 5 minutes by simply tilting it.  They would make a wonderful gift.  Made by Philips and available from Argos, Amazon, Shopdirect and B&Q.







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For those unfamiliar with Christmas in July it is the time of year when brands and companies showcase their Christmas range to the press.  Doing this in July gives time for material to be published and scheduled as often print can be scheduled many months in advance.  It gives an idea of what the themes and styles will be, what will be hot and what to look out for.

This year was my first Christmas in July and I was incredibly excited.  In total I covered 15 Christmas in July events in one day.  It took a whole day to plan, which I had to redo because of the tube strike and had to spend perhaps less time than I would like to at certain events.  However next year I will know which are the bigger events and therefore which need more time.

I have thought for some time about how to structure this post and I thought the best way would be to list each event I attended and give a feel for the items or range.  These are in the order I visited and not in a preference order as I thought this would flow better.

PlayStation

I had planned to visit PlayStation last so I could spend more time playing the games and taking my time over the upcoming releases, however it was the furthest away from the train station which meant I had to visit first but was not able to spend anywhere near as much time as I would have liked to.  


As a huge Star Wars fan I loved playing on the new Disney Infinity Star Wars game.  It was as action packed as I would expect for Star Wars and of course with Disney Infinity you can switch between characters.  Something I am sure my husband would love for Christmas.  My absolute favourite from PlayStation was Project Morpheus.  

Project Morpheus is PlayStation 4 new VR [virtual reality].  I often worry about playing these because I suffer very bad motion sickness with VR machines, my mind cannot cope with the movement yet the lack of my moving.  It is why I stay clear of any VR machine, but in the interest of research I gave it a go [this is Jess trying Morpheus but it gives you an idea what it looks like]


Project Morpheus creates two set of images, one in the headset and the other on the TV/screen.  Meaning everyone can join in.  I watched what Jess could see in relation to what we could see and how our game unfolded.  I then got to try it for myself.  After an initial adjustment the whole headset was comfortable and easy to wear and I felt totally immersed in the game.  Everywhere I looked I was part of the game and items felt so real I wanted to reach out and touch them.

Sound and visual are beyond anything I have ever experienced and simply out of this world.  There can be only one word to describe Project Morpheus and that is phenomenal.  I wanted to stay and play all day.

Lakeland

My Mums favourite store is Lakeland and I have to admit to being a huge fan too.  Lakeland was bigger than I expected and should I be invited again next year I must spend more time here.  As I prepare for my marathon in October I am trying to eat healthier, one of the ways I am doing this is with a spiralizer which I love.  I watched the demonstrations and picked up some tips and ideas.  On my wish list is a food processor as I feel I could do so much with it, and it would be great for my training.


What Lakeland did for me was add a real Christmas feel.  Ideas for decorations, gifts and even ideas for the run up to Christmas.  A great sprout hunt game sounded a lot of fun!  Each room laid out with  a theme and I also managed to find some snowflake cookie cutters!


Asda

When I arrived at Asda it was incredibly busy and I did not get any photos.  What I can say is there was a large amount of gorgeous food to sample and some amazing gift ideas

Philips

Philips were showcasing everything from their range.  I started with the juices and sampled some of Joe Wicks’ recipes.  I am a huge juicing fan, it is a great way to get your 5 a day and on a busy day can even give you a real energy boost.  I felt really relaxed and pampered in the health and beauty section

Whilst I loved trying out the Philips Hue lights, and yes I would really love them for our house, I think I managed to get my hands on perhaps what will be one of the most sort after gifts this Christmas.  The SoftPal night lights do not get hot and can be cuddled in bed, priced at an RRP of around £14.99 [varies on character] they make a great gift.  Easy to turn on and off and child friendly I know of two girls who would love these, especially Elsa.



Aldi

I watched with amazement at the wrapping table in Aldi, I wish I had that much skill.  I am already familiar with the Aldi food range, as last Christmas I got very addicted to their Stolen bites.


Aldi impressed me with their gifts for children range, in particular the wooden toys that they are soon to launch as special buys.  The wooden dolls house was exceptional quality and the girls will be getting one of their wooden kitchens for Christmas.


Little Rooster

I would have liked to have spent longer at Little Rooster but it was incredibly busy as a result I could not get to talk to many people but there were a host of amazing gadgets for Christmas, the Go Pro would be at the top of my list.


Tesco

Tesco had a welcoming cafe for a well earned break and the chance to make decorations.  The showcase of decorations was stunning and it certainly gave me some inspiration for our Christmas table


Another of the showcases I wished I could have stayed longer at, and taken more time to explore.  I was a little in awe at the size of the showcase and how stunning everything looked.

Dobbies

We visit Dobbies every Christmas as a family as our local Dobbies has an amazing Christmas display full of lights and decorations.  I got to have a little sneak peak and it has made me very excited to take the girls this year.

Peekaboo Communications

I have worked with Peekaboo communications in the past and am familiar with their brands, however what was amazing for me to see in real life was the OSETBikes.  I know that the girls would want one and the husband!

Need to Know PR

I took a lot of inspiration from Need to Know PR for my younger nieces and nephews gift ideas.  I loved taking a look at the new Cuddledry WWF inspired towels and knew the girls would love the magical fairy doors.  As both girls love dressing up they would also love the Mini range from Nibbling jewellery.  Nibbling jewellery offer a full range of soft silicon, easily washable necklaces that are safe for babies to teeth on.  The girls would love the Mini range for their babies when they play Mummies.



Focus PR

The convenience store Christmas in July event gave a good mixture of Christmas inspirations.  Plenty of alcohol [which I was unable to taste] and Coffee [which I am allergic to] however they did have some amazing health and beauty products and some natural drinks.  The Lemony lemonade and gingerella ginger ale are delicious! 

I also discovered a new brand Joss & Main and am now addicted to their site.  They offer flash sales of furniture and décor so if you are in the process of an interior project you need to give these a look.

Poundland

By Poundland my phone had given up and it was time to get out the emergency charger.  I was really gutted because Poundland had some amazing displays.  They had catered for everyone's taste be it traditional or pastels.  Each room was laid out with sheer beauty and you would not believe the items cost £1.  There was a whole host of Frozen goodies available and I know where I will be shopping for the stocking fillers for the girls and decorations for the tree.


The White Company

The sophisticated delicate touches of the White Company were evident as you stepped through the door.  The air was filled with Christmas scents and I wished I could have a house as beautiful.  I know that the girls would love their rooms to look like this for Christmas morning. 


Dunelm

Having had to do the events in reverse order by the time I arrived at Dunelm they were packing things away.  I did manage to get a quick look at a few items and have chosen a couple of duvets for the girls.


Morrisons

Morrisons was my final visit at the end of a very long and tiring day.  I got to try my hand at making Panettone tear and share Christmas trees, which by the way are absolutely delicious and will be featuring at our Christmas table.  I decorated a Christmas cookie and now have a new found respect for those that do it for a living.

The Nutmeg range of clothing for Christmas gave me some ideas for our Christmas jumpers and Christmas PJ, both for the girls and for myself.  I even found some Christmas wear for the dogs.


For the first time all day I managed to sit down and had a well deserved drink and something to eat.  Christmas dinner was of course on the menu and I only hope my Christmas dinner turns out half as nice, it was delicious. 


I almost miss timed the walk to the train station and made it with a slight sprint to the train with 2 minutes to spare.  As I got on the train the doors closed almost instantly behind me.  I was too tired to find my seat and opted for the seat in the door way.  I opened the very squished cookie box with my decorated cookie inside and whilst it did not look particular fantastic it certainly hit the spot for the train ride home.


I had such an amazing but tiring day, 15 events was a lot to get through and in quite a lot of cases I felt rather rushed.  I wished I could have stayed longer at each event and spent more time chatting and finding out more.  Next year, if I am lucky enough to be invited, I plan to arrive earlier in the day so as to have more time and fingers crossed there will not be a tube strike!


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About me

About Me

Welcome to This Day I love.

My name is Leyla, also known as Mum to my 3 humans and dog Mum to J. I have a passion for the outdoors and love to run. I can often be found off road exploring the trails and fells and covering distances all the way up to 50 miles. As a family we love travelling and discovering new adventures, as I try and run around the world!

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