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Give the Gift of Nostalgia: Retro Is the New Black

wombles
December 19, 2012 By In Christmas, Gifts, Guest, Lifestyle

Did you grow up in the eighties? If so, we bet your hair was big and your shoulder pads even bigger. Or perhaps it was the seventies and you danced to Bowie, Bolan and The Pistols? Maybe you were a child of the sixties and wore flowers in your hair, or the fifties and you rocked around the clock.

Whatever your age, there is something magical about seeing those products from your childhood again. The toys we play with and the television programmes we watch can stay with us forever. For instance, show a middle aged businessman a Subbuteo set and chances are he will instantly drop his ‘King of the World’ persona, grin inanely and start a conversation involving the phrase, “flick to kick”.

Lost? Us too, but we’re certain any fellow Subbuteo fans will be grinning along with him.

Nostalgia is our way of escaping to a familiar and happy place. Who doesn’t want a bit of that every now and then?

If you’d like to bring a little old school magic back into your life, a great way would be to add a few classic items to your home. With their kitsch and homely style, these storage tins are perfectly practical as well as cute, and a great way to indulge in some fifties-inspired decor.

When it comes to more recent decades like the eighties, many people automatically think of bad fashion and outrageously big hair. But with techno music, John Hughes movies and 80’s theme nights becoming more and more popular – many are discovering the true delights of the eighties for the very first time. If you know some eighties enthusiasts, a great gift could be something like a Roland Rat talking toy, or an Only Fools & Horses themed Monopoly set. For fans of ‘classic’ music (by which we of course mean Kylie and Jason), the best of Smash Hits Annual would undoubtedly appeal.

 

For anyone who grew up in the 1970’s, The Wombles of Wimbledon Common were a familiar part of teatime television. That five minute slot between Blue Peter and the news had many tenants – The Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Willow The Wisp, but for many, The Wombles were the favourite. Some of these lovable characters are available as plush toys that would make a super gift for anyone who remembers the programme originally, or even for any youngsters who might fall in love with one of these cuddly little guys – Back In The Days are selling a range of Wombles characters, each one priced at  £13.99.

More often than not, the best gifts are often those that aren’t needed, or have been specifically added to a ‘wish list’. The best gifts are those that conjure up memories of childhood – something that bring a smile of recognition and suprise to the face of the recipient.

With retro and vintage products enjoying a real comeback, everybody seems to want a bit of the past. Seems like nostalgia isn’t what it used to be!

For more retro gift ideas and bargain products, check out My Voucher Codes.

Christmas Shopping for Children: The Golden Rules

lego feature
December 12, 2012 By In Guest, Lifestyle

If you are a parent, Christmas shopping can be tough.  I’ve just spent the morning erecting a flat-pack kitchen for my kids and thinking about this very matter.  If you’re in the same boat, here are a few tips to make sure you make the best choices this Christmas.

Test your gifts

As I was assembling the furniture I couldn’t help but think of my Dad, who, when I was little, bought me a Sindy house.  I always desperately wanted a Sindy House, but I actually never knew I nearly had one until I was a grown up. You see, my Dad decided to take it back to the shop just before the big day because it was too flimsy. He ended up buying me a beautiful doll’s house instead. In many ways he was right, but I daren’t tell him I’ve been looking at vintage Sindy houses on eBay for my daughter.

Think back to when you were a kid

How do you know which toys will stand the test of time? Which will fall apart or fall out of favour? When buying for kids the secret is to dig deep in the memory bank and think about what inspired you as a kid. Don’t be swayed by last minute panic or what they have seen advertised on television – you also mustn’t be afraid to have a difference of opinion. After all, you are their parent: chances are you know them better than they know themselves.

Top toys – what makes them special?

When I went to a John Lewis toy event a few months back, the predictions for top toys were varied, Butterscotch the pony, tablets, the Lego VW campervan set, Furby. So remember to think carefully about what makes them top and whether they will be ‘top’ for the child in question. What sets those toys apart? As a kid I loved my Labrador puppy that moved – that was one Christmas I will never forget – so I can see how Butterscotch and Furby will appeal.  Motorised puppies and Monkeys were a big feature when I popped into Hamleys last week.

The right ‘pet’ for Christmas

Children love pets, but soft toys that move are a compromise between adding another stuffed toy to soft toy mountain and a real pet. As a parent I welcome anything that means we can put off having an actual pet until my children are old enough to look after it themselves. At least if they lose interest in Furby or Butterscotch it means I don’t have to look after them myself!

Don’t go to pieces

You can’t go wrong with scooters and bikes; I love the idea of something that gets them outside and also lives outside, rather than something in lots of pieces that ends up scattered over the living room. For that very reason I am glad the VW Lego camper is 14+, it will be a work of art when finished, something to be treasured instead of left in bits on the floor.

Are they old enough?

Tablets and hand held consoles can be a good investment if children are responsible enough to look after the games carefully, otherwise it can involve an awful lot of parental admin. Although my two like to borrow my husband’s old DS, I like to feign ignorance when it comes to working it – the constant demands for tutorials and recharging is exhausting. What’s wrong with a good book these days?

Time it wisely

Finally, do think carefully about when you invest. Although ‘must have toys’ get snapped up fast, most toys are generally cheaper the week before Christmas (by up to 25% according to research by Idealo), so you could grab some real bargains. Don’t forget to shop around, compare prices and look out for Christmas voucher codes.

Good luck if you are buying for kids, but when you see their faces on Christmas morning, the pain will all be worthwhile.

 

Penny Alexander is a parent blogger at the award winning Alexander Residence family life blog. She has been reviewing Christmas toys, and unpicking predictions and research into toys, since July… She’ll be glad when Christmas finally arrives.

Feature image courtesy of Collider.com

8 Alternative Ways to Keep Warm this Winter

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November 6, 2012 By In Guest, Humour, Lifestyle

Struggling to keep up with the enormous price hikes that the likes of British Gas and Scottish Power are whacking our way? We’re not surprised! Here at MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, we’re all about saving the Great British public money wherever possible, which is why we’ve come up with these handy tips on cheap ways to keep warm this winter.

So if you’re feeling chilly, turn the heating down and take a look at these slightly unconventional suggestions…

Bunsen Burner flame

1. Bunsen Burners aren’t just for science

Want a portable mini fire wherever you go? Then invest in a Bunsen Burner! Don’t be fooled into thinking these contraptions are just for teaching physics, they also double up as a very handy portable flame to stave off the cold. Just remember that the gas canister costs may add up – but it’s probably still going to be cheaper than British Gas.

 

Woman wearing loads of clothing layers

2. Wear all the clothes you own

That’s right, every single item. When it comes to keeping warm, one simple outfit just won’t cut the mustard. Rather than forking out on expensive heating bills, simply pile on every clothing item in your wardrobe (movement restrictions permitting) and relax in the sweaty comfort that 23 layers brings.

Woman with hot water bottle

3. Strap hot water bottles over your clothes

Hot water bottles are an excellent way to keep warm in the winter – but why confine them to the bed? Strap hot water bottles of all sizes over your clothes and bask in the warmth of their glorious heat. For extra warmth, try fashioning a hot water bottle into a hat using an old bra as a chin strap to keep it in place. Practical and stylish.

Hands around coffee mug

4. Never drink your coffee/ tea

A hot mug of tea or coffee is an excellent source of heat, yet drinking them is a terrible cause of loss of heat to the hands. Rectify this by simply never drinking your hot drinks, holding on to them until they cool. When this happens, you can simply refill to enjoy toasty hands all over again.

Running people

5. Run everywhere you go

An excellent way for you to keep fit, and warm in the winter months – simply run EVERYWHERE. Whether it be to work, to the loo in the office or into that important meeting, make like Mo Farah and leg it. Alright, you might get some funny looks, but they’re just jealous of the extreme warmth you’ll be feeling at all times.

Man asleep under desk
6. Sleep in the office

Heating bills this winter may make it difficult for many to heat their homes, so save money on costly household energy bills by sleeping at work. Making a small, discreet bed under your desk after 5:30pm will keep that cosy, homely feeling; and maintain bodily warmth at the expense of your boss. It’s cheap, practical and will show real dedication to the job.*
(*if caught by cleaners, simply tell them you have a new client in Tokyo/ America that requires you to be in at alternative hours. Foolproof).

Old laptop
7. Fire up that old laptop

Old laptops are an excellent source of (over)heating, so use them to their best advantage. Plug it in and listen to those internal fans go into overdrive in an attempt to cool the impressive heat that’s emanating from it; what may have once seemed to be an unfortunate side effect of old technology can now be an excellent source of heat in the cold winter months.

Caution: random hugs tshirt

8. Cuddle up

Nothing keeps you warm like a loving embrace from a partner/ friend/ colleague/ dentist, so hold out your arms and bask in the warmth of anyone willing to give you a cuddle. Hugs work best for heat the longer they go on for, so try to schedule in different cuddles throughout the day to maintain a constant supple of free heat.

Make us feel all warm inside: tell us your alternative ways to stave off the cold in the comments.

Book a Hassle Free Holiday with our Exclusive Expedia Discount Code

Expedia 1
October 17, 2012 By In Guest, Lifestyle, Travel

Thinking about taking a holiday? Dreaming about lying on a beach, drink in hand, worshipping the Bahaman sun? Or maybe your idea of a relaxing trip is a cultural city break, exploring the beauty of Berlin? Or skiing in Chamonix? Whatever it is you love doing when you’re away, there’s usually a stressful bit before you get there – actually booking your holiday!

Ideally, you could click your fingers and have your whole holiday sorted; flights, connections, hotel, car hire and even your itinerary. We know it’s not usually as easy as clicking your fingers – but it can be as easy as clicking your mouse. That’s where Expedia comes in.

What Is Expedia?

Expedia is a really cool, simple and easy to navigate online travel aggregator. In plain language, Expedia is a hub that allows you to find the right holiday for you, get all the details sorted out in one go – hotel, flights et al – and save money in the process.

When it comes to saving money, many people find booking holidays online is a big help. But Expedia throws in the advice and support you’d normally find from a high street travel agent along with the money saving power of the World Wide Web. With a wealth of tips, advice and travel updates, Expedia will help ensure your holiday goes smoothly.

How to Book your Holiday Using Expedia

Using Expedia couldn’t be simpler, whether you know what you want from your holiday or not.

Simply find the ‘Create Your Trip’ box on the top left hand side of the homepage and select the services you need. For example, if you were looking to sort out your flights, hotel and hire car in one go click ‘Flight + Hotel + Car’. Type where you want to travel to and from, the dates, how many rooms you want and any other relevant details. Lastly, click search. The best deals will be right in front of you, all on one page.

Try it yourself. How easy was that?

If you’re not sure where you want to go or want to find the best deals first, Expedia makes choosing the right holiday for you even easier – just use the tabs along the top bar of the website. Here you’ll find holiday packages, the latest available deals, last minute options for you to browse and much more. There really is no need to ‘Google’ it!

 

Why you should Sign Up to Expedia

Signing up to Expedia allows you to keep track of your bookings and allows you to save your preferences. Not only does that make it easier to book your next holiday, but as an Expedia member you’ll get discount codes and exclusive deals sent directly to your account.  You can even use the online check-in service to avoid queues. And if something goes wrong and you need to cancel, you can do that at a click of a button. How awesome is that?!

So there you go – Expedia combines the support and service of a travel agent with the money saving power of the internet, and provides all the connections and tools to make sure your holiday goes smoothly. Readers, let’s give Expedia a standing ovation please. And guess what? There’s no better time to get acquainted with Expedia, we have an exclusive Expedia discount code just for you.

Fashion Fakes: Can You Tell the Difference?

fakes
October 11, 2012 By In Guest, Lifestyle

Do you ever wonder how you can tell if your high-end purse or dress is the genuine article, and not a cheap knockoff? Being able to tell the difference can be a highly useful skill because it ensures that you do not overpay for an illegal fake item. Keep these points in mind when you are looking for real fashion to ensure that you are protected.

# 1: Beware of the Internet

It’s very easy to find fake purses or articles of clothing online. Of course, you can also find many quality distributors of genuine goods online. However, the problem with buying your fashion products off the internet is that it is virtually impossible to inspect them beforehand. You will not be able to check for the classic signs of a fake except by picture. Even the most reputable companies on the net have occasionally been fooled into selling fake items, so beware.

# 2: Beware of the Material Used

A real designer handbag is going to be crafted from material that is not stiff or excessively soft. It will be just the right material; over time, you will learn what a genuine item “should” feel like. If an item feels wrong, then it is best if you move onto another option.

# 3: Read the Label

Simply looking at the label is a great way to check if an item is genuine. For example, if there are words that were misspelled or words that appear to be stamped onto the label, then you would be wise in moving on to another product.

# 4: Look for a Glued Lining

If the item contains a lining that was glued and not stitched, it is most likely a fake product. When it comes to spotting fashion fakes, it is important to keep in mind that it is the tiny details that you should look for. Fashion fakes are often only going to make mistakes in those tiny details.

# 5: Beware Of Pricing

If a price for a designer product seems too good to be true, that may very well be the case. Unusually inexpensive designer products can oftentimes be less expensive for a reason – they are fake. Therefore, be particularly cautious when purchasing a low-priced item.

# 6: Check for Impeccable Threading

A real designer product is going to feature close to flawless threading. If you notice that the threading looks sloppily done, then you are most likely looking at a fashion fake.

Now you may be thinking, “Amazing! I can buy something that looks similar to the real deal for a fraction of the cost!” That may be true if you choose to buy a substitute brand. However, keep in mind that fashion fakes that claim to be the original brand are illegal. You cannot be criminally prosecuted for unwittingly owning one of these handbags, since it can be so difficult to tell which are real. However, they can be confiscated from you, such as if it were detected while you were passing through airport security. The main thing to examine when looking for fashion fakes is the smaller details. They will give the fakes away every time.

This is a guest post by Zoe Plescia on for Damart UK.

6 Money Saving Tips for Students (that you won’t have thought of)

piggy
October 3, 2012 By In Guest, Lifestyle, Saving Money

Freshers’ week is over, you’re slowly recovering from the dreaded flu, and it’s likely that your bank balance suffered a little too. Perhaps you’re thinking that you shouldn’t have gone out for that fifth night in a row!

So how do you start to save money at university? There are tonnes of student money saving tips to pick up, and most of them will no doubt become second nature to most students after their first year (when trying to survive on the dregs of your student loan no longer seems acceptable).

But just as you were thinking you’ve exhausted all possible avenues for saving any more money, Jake from the student money site Save the Student! is here to bring you 6 alternative money saving tips that you most probably won’t have thought of.

Ten pound note in a jar

1. The Direct Debit Trick

Every student should set out a budget for university to work out how much money they have going in and out. From drawing up this budget you should be able to work out how much you can afford to spend on certain “luxuries” each month.

A simple way to stick to this spending limit is the direct debit trick. You will need to set up an extra bank account. Use the debit card from your new account as the one you use to buy clothes, food, drink and other essentials with.

Then all you have to do is set up a direct debit (or standing order) of your chosen amount to your new account every month. That way, you won’t be able to spend money that you don’t have easy access to!

2. Night out? Take cash not card

Going on nights out can easily turn into one of the biggest money drains for most students.Many may have cottoned on to this trick already but if you haven’t then this one will definitely become a vital tool of your money saving repertoire as a student.

It’s a pretty simple tip but it could save your £100s over the year. Leave your debit card at home on a night out and just take as much cash as you need. It will most probably save you from buying that expensive round of drinks for everyone at 3:30 in the morning!

Oh, and if you run out then maybe it’s time to head home?

3. Invest in a Onesie, sleeping bag, Slanket or similiar

Winter is coming and it’s bound to be a cold one (especially if you are at a university in the North).
Energy bills can be really expensive and students up and down the country spend the whole of winter either almost freezing to death (not literally) or racking up a huge bill.

One simple solution is just to put more clothes on or invest in a good Onesie. It may seem a bit costly but in relation to energy prices investing in warm clothing could help you make a saving overall.

4. Haggle when buying anything

This is a well known money saving tip but the amount of students that don’t give it a go is a crying shame. The truth is that you can save money on almost every single purchase you make (with a few exceptions). A lot of the electronics stores almost expect you to haggle on big ticket items, along with mobile phone companies, broadband companies & even your landlord. The potential savings over the year are huge.

Along with haggling you should always ask for a student discount. If a shop doesn’t offer a student discount then simply ask, why not? It gives you a greater position to knock those pounds off. Find out which retailers do have a student discount here.

Mix CD

5. Use your hands

This is all about getting creative and it may not be what you are thinking…Of course I am talking about making your own presents. Christmas is coming around fast, and it may sound a bit budget but if you get creative you can make some memorable gifts for next to nothing. A few simple ideas to kick you off are: a mix CD, a photo album, homemade cards or baking.

6. Sleep on it!

Picture the scene, your student loan installment comes into your bank and all of a sudden you feel like a millionaire (or maybe not). The tendency is to go out and spend this money on clothes, food or a big night out. You might be looking to buy that 42” 3D HDTV that you’ve had your eye on but I would suggest that you sleep on it.

Before making any large purchase or going on a spending spree it’s always best to give it a day. If you are still keen on buying the item because you can’t live without it then go ahead. Otherwise, if you have a change of heart then you could have just saved yourself a bundle.

So there you have it, a whistle-stop tour of some great alternative money saving tips that you may not have thought about.

Tell us your own tips in the comments.

Get the Look with 10% Off at DrJays.com

drjay
September 5, 2012 By In Fashion, Guest

For anyone that doesn’t know, DrJays.com is the leading retailer of trendsetting affordable apparel, fast fashion and popular streetwear.

Offering over 10,000 styles and hundreds of top brands including New Era, Adidas, LRG, Apple Bottoms, G-Shock, Rocawear and many more, DrJays.com is the one stop destination for all your favorites.

While DrJays.com began selling some of the world’s most stylish clothes on the Internet in 2000, the Dr. Jays legacy dates back to 1975, across the pond in New York City.  It was in the Bronx where the very first Dr. Jays store was opened.  The area was a hive of cultural creativity, so it’s no coincidence that hip-hop was born at the same time, and in the very same area of New York.

Once Dr. Jays opened its doors, it became a major source of new clothing styles that came to represent the new urban youth culture. As the influence of the new urban art form of hip-hop expanded, Dr. Jays grew with it. Eventually, what had started as one single store grew to almost twenty throughout the greater New York metropolitan area.

Just as the brick-and-mortar Dr. Jays stores were part of a cultural revolution, DrJays.com is a recognised pioneer in sharing the most stylish and leading-edge New York City fashions with the world.  As the urban landscape changed and new forms of music and youth culture developed, so did its fashion sensibilities and Dr. Jays evolved every step along the way.

And now DrJays.com carries on the legacy of selling popular urban apparel and streetwear for men, women and children.

Be sure not to miss out! Shop DrJays.com and find your perfect style today.

Get an exclusive 10% off all orders at DrJays valid until 30th September. Remember to check MyVoucherCodes for all the latest and best fashion discounts.

Look After The Pennies With The Reader’s Digest Sale

digest main
August 1, 2012 By In Gifts, Guest, Other

A true bargain can be hard to find, but you can count on the Reader’s Digest sale to arrive in style and help you save money.

Reader’s Digest is one of the UK’s best-known brands and boasts a wide portfolio of products including the monthly magazine (available via subscription, newstand and iPad app), catalogues, DVDs, books and lifestyle products.

Whether you’re buying a gift for someone special or treating yourself, or looking to save on essential items, Reader’s Digest has something for everyone in our special selection of web exclusives.  Prices start from as little as £3.99.

Noddy ABC Books with Play Mat and Flash Cards

These Noddy ABC books come with an exciting play mat and flash cards, so the little ones can have fun and learn at the same time. The three books are written and designed to keep young minds amused as well as helping them develop skills before they start school, and for years to come. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, helping the kids play and learn together is made easy with these fun and informative books.

Pashmina Wrap

Extremely soft and comfortable to wear, this gorgeous pashmina wrap will brighten up any outfit. Worn as a pashmina scarf or as a stole over the shoulders, it’s the perfect cardigan alternative and is great for special occasions or even to feel comfortable when travelling! For such an easy way to look and feel great, this saving can’t be missed.

Paddington Station Clock

This beautiful antique replica clock will add a touch of stylish nostalgia to any home or garden. With a delicate face and large roman numerals, the clock will be a topic of conversation and makes a stunning statement piece for inside or outdoors. Based on the design of old steam railway station clocks, it’s a treat for any train enthusiasts.

Bird Feeder & Book of British Birds

Ideal as a gift for wildlife lovers, this collection includes a multi nesting box and feeder, plus a copy of Reader’s Digest’s The Book of British Birds. The nesting box and feeder will give birds a warm welcome to your garden, so they might choose to come back time and time again. Then, while the birds are enjoying the treats you’ve left for them, you can identify over 850 types of birds, their lifestyles and habitats using The Book of British Birds.

From brilliant books to enjoy on a weekend or storybooks to read to the little ones, to hilarious comedy DVDs or CD collections and a whole lot more, the Reader’s Digest sale is sure to be your one-stop shop for gift giving, home shopping and a little self-indulgence.  But hurry, whilst stocks last.

Top Ten Unusual Homemade Beauty Remedies

beauty
July 31, 2012 By In Beauty, Fashion, Guest, Lifestyle, Top 10

For British women an average lifetime of looks maintenance will cost around £133,000 with the male population not far behind at £75,000.

All this spending seems a little excessive however, in an image obsessed world, it can be almost impossible to avoid. But this isn’t your only option.  There are a number of natural alternatives that will help you stay looking your best without parting with your life savings. This summer, take the opportunity to embrace all things natural – and save a small fortune along the way. Not only are natural, homemade beauty remedies cost effective but they are also friendly to the environment.

We’ve scoured the web to find you our top 10 effective natural beauty remedies to try at home. So, next time you find yourself needing a little pampering, bypass the bathroom and head straight to the kitchen cupboard.

1. Baking Soda Scrub – Removes Self-Tan Streaks

Self tan streaks can be a serious faux-pas if left unattended. They occur when tan is applied unevenly, or when the skin hasn’t been properly exfoliated prior to application. To help amend this problem you can create your own streak-stopper scrub using plain old baking soda. Taking a small amount of baking soda add a little water and carefully rub into the streaky area.

2. Vaseline in Your Socks – Helps Dry Skin.

Combat calluses with this quirky trick to reduce dry, flaky skin on the bottom of your feet. Slather your feet in Vaseline before bed, keeping your socks on over night and wake to silky smooth, sandal-ready feet.

3. Vodka Shots – To Stop Dandruff

Next time you have a big night out why not try saving one of those shots for your scalp? – no, really. Mix one cup of vodka with some of crushed rosemary, allow the mixture to rest over night then pass through a coffee strainer in the morning. Massage the mixture through your scalp and rinse with cold water to help reduce dandruff.

4. Seaweed Anti-Aging Mask

Seaweed (or kelp) powder can be found online or at specialist retailers and works as a really effective anti-aging remedy. Mix the powder together with 1 egg white, a table spoon of dark honey and a teaspoon of orange juice until you have a smooth paste. Rub the paste onto your skin and rinse off with warm water after 15 to 20 minutes. Rich in vitamins and minerals the seaweed will help improve the look and feel of you skin helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

5. Potatoes to Reduce Dark Under-Eye Circles

Potatoes produce a cooling effect that can lighten the skin around the eye area, reducing the appearance of tired looking eyes. Take a peeled raw potato and thoroughly wash with cold water. Then cut two segments from the potato and place them underneath your eyes for ten minutes. Potatoes also work as an astringent and can help reduce water retention and reduce the look of puffy eyes.

6. Vinegar for Shiny Hair

Give dull hair a boost of life with this chip shop staple. Combine 500ml of cool water with 250ml of vinegar. Apply the mixture to wet hair taking care to avoid your eyes and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse away and your hair will be soft and shiny.

7. Toothpaste for Spot Fighting

Acne suffers will know that there is nothing worse than having an important event coming up and discovering a huge spot the night before. Rather than rushing to purchase expensive spot creams, everyday toothpaste produces the same rapid results without the additional costs. Toothpaste quickly acts to dehydrate spots, absorbing the excess oil. This will help reduce the redness of the spot helping to keep skin blemish free.

8. Peach and Honey Soothing Face-Mask

This yummy recipe is good enough to eat but also great for soothing and brightening skin. Taking a peeled peach (or nectarine) mash together with 3 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of yoghurt to form a workable paste. Apply to clean, damp skin and relax for 10 minutes. Remove with warm water and follow with your normal toning and moisturising routine.

9. Almond Scrub Hand Exfoliator

Tend to dry, cracked hands with this yummy homemade hand scrub. Take a small amount of ground almonds and combine with 1 teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of sunflower or walnut oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Rub the mixture into your hands for a few minutes and rinse away. The mixture will leave your hands feeling smooth and supple. This is a great one for cold winter days.

10. Pepto-Bisbol Face-Mask

Not just excellent for settling stomachs, Pepto-Bismol is unexpectedly effective when it comes to brightening your complexion. The remedy contains many of the same ingredients found in the most expensive skin creams and so works as a great alternative. All you need is two teaspoons. Rub into your face and leave to dry for 10-15 minutes. This will make your skin feel softer, but should be avoided if the skin on your face is especially sensitive.

We thoroughly recommend giving some of these a go. Let us know if you see results. Will you be swapping your pricy potions and lotions for these natural alternatives?

For all the best beauty discounts remember to check MyVoucherCodes

main image taken from Google images/www.dailyglow.com

Roll up, Roll up….Make Sure you Get your Fair Trade Goody Bag!

people tree main
July 9, 2012 By In Fashion, Gifts, Guest

Get a New Wardrobe and Make a Difference with People Tree.

It is an unfortunate fact that at this very moment millions of people in some of the world’s most marginalized communities are struggling to escape poverty.  We are all suffering the consequences of the economic crisis, but it is not purely a Western problem.  The effects it has had on some of the world’s most vulnerable populations are vast.  But charity is not the solution; Fair Trade target the vulnerable and help deliver sustainable livelihoods by developing opportunities for small and disadvantaged producers to support themselves.

People Tree agrees with this philosophy, and actively support 50 Fair Trade producer groups, in 15 developing countries around the world.  The brand has this worthwhile cause at the centre of everything they do.  Known as the leading 100% Fair Trade and environmentally sustainable clothing retailer, People Tree are genuine pioneers.  Previously, they have done a collection with Emma Watson (you might be lucky and get some in your Goody Bag) and now have styles from hot designer Orla Kiely.

Why not show your support with a Fair Trade Goody Bag, an absolute Bargain at only £35.

Goody bags contain a surprise assortment of 4 items of Fair Trade organic cotton, hand-woven clothing and a small hand crafted item worth more than £150 individually.  I can hear you asking what is the catch?  Rest assured there is none; these beautiful items are simply past season styles.  Every Bag is unique, containing variations on colour and style, so items you could get include dresses, skirts, bottoms, jackets and tops. (Items may differ to image)

The Goody Bag makes a great gift idea for friends and family, so take that first step into Fair Trade clothing.

Get Free UK Postage and Packing on Fair Trade Goody Bags at People Tree with MyVoucherCodes, valid until 31st August 2012.

Main image taken from www.graziadaily.co.uk