www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk

Treat your mum to the perfect dining experience this Mother’s Day. The Five Course Tasting Menu with a Glass of Champagne at maze by Gordon Ramsay for Two is a wonderful gift to show your mum just how special she is. It is also a fantastic way to spend some much loved quality time together.

maze by Gordon Ramsay is a stylish restaurant that overlooks the gardens of Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, London. My husband and I experienced this fabulous Virgin Experience and had a thoroughly wonderful time.

When we arrived at maze we were greeted by warm lovely staff who checked in our coats and seated us at our table. We were given a glass of champagne each and then shown the Tasting menu. This menu had a variety of delicious different dishes for us to enjoy. Our first course was the Delica Pumpkin with pumpkin seeds and chia. This was also accompanied with a cracker made of rice, seaweed and squid ink. The presentation was beautiful. Every part of this dish had been thought about and the flavours complimented each other perfectly.

We then had a choice of two dishes for our second course. These were Burrata with fennel, garlic and lemon puree and Cumbrian beef Tataki with smoked ponzu, pickled mooli. I chose the Burrata and my husband chose the beef Tataki. Again the presentation of the food was stunning and each dish tasted wonderful. The different textures between the soft cheese and crunchy fennel was fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed my Burrata dish.

We also had a choice between two dishes for the third course. These were Chargrilled Octopus with soy sauce, squid ink and lemon and Button Mushroom Risotto with artichoke and chanterelles. Both myself and my husband chose the octopus. I absolutely adore octopus and have tried it in various ways. I found this octopus dish at maze to be one of the best I have eaten. The octopus was seasoned beautifully and the soy sauce, squid ink and lemon added another dimension to its flavours.

The fourth course was a choice between Suckling Pig Belly with crackling mandarin salad and pork jus and Duck “les Dombes” with artichoke, endive, and chanterelle mushrooms.  I chose the Suckling Pig Belly which was delicious. I especially enjoyed the mandarin salad which accompanied the pork at is was light and refreshing compared to the pork crackling. The combination of both the salad and pork belly was exquisite. My husband chose the Duck “les Dombes” and he too thoroughly enjoyed this dish.

We were then given Rhubarb with yoghurt and lychee sorbet to cleanse our palate. This was divine. The sorbet was wonderfully refreshing and the yoghurt was light and creamy. The rhubarb was also cooked to perfection as it was not too sour as rhubarb can sometimes be.

Our last course was a choice between Lemon Pie with meringue and passion fruit sorbet and Cheesecake with white chocolate, tarocco oranges and ginger beer. I chose the Lemon Pie which was gorgeous and ended our meal perfectly. My husband chose the Cheesecake and he too thought it was delicious and a great end to the meal. During this course the waiter also brought a bowl of lemons with dry ice underneath and placed this in the middle of our table. He then poured water into the bowl and the steam from the dry ice was created. Visually this was stunning and a true ‘wow’ moment.

Throughout our whole dining experience, we found all the staff to be extremely helpful, polite and attentive to our needs. Our glasses were always topped up and all dishes were explained to us as they were brought out.

Both my husband and I had a truly wonderful time at maze by Gordon Ramsay and would highly recommend this experience to treat your mum for Mother’s Day, or any other loved one that you want to show just how special they are to you.

The Five Course Tasting Menu with a Glass of Champagne at maze by Gordon Ramsay for Two is available from www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk and the RRP is £149.00.

www.lumie.com

This fabulous bedside system from Lumie is a great way to wake up in the morning as it wakes you gradually with increasing natural light. This increasing natural light signals your body to ease the production of sleep hormones and increase the production of hormones that help wake you up. As the light does this gradually, your body will begin to wake up naturally and you will be less likely to be startled and jump up when you hear your alarm go off. These wake-up lights also help keep your sleep cycle on track, boost your mood, energy and productivity levels all day.

When I used this Lumie Bodyclock I was surprised how refreshed I felt in the morning., The natural light seemed to gradually wake me up and I felt it easier waking up in the mornings. My alarm still woke me, but I found it easier to wake up and get out of bed.
The Lumie Bodyclock Elite 300 has an extensive menu of light, music and meditation options. It has a 15, 30, 60 or 90-minute sunrise to wake naturally and 15, 30, 60 or 90-minute sunset to wind down for bed. This gradual sunrise and sunset is great for gradually waking you up and gradually allowing you to wind down in bed.

Another wonderful feature of this Bodyclock Elite 300 is that it has a choice of wake-up sounds to enhance your sunrise, including dawn chorus, rain and waves. It also has guided meditation by Meditainment, who are experts in audio for sleep and well-being. I liked listening to the waves when I woke up and found this very calming and relaxing, it did make waking a little bit easier. In addition to this it also has a choice of relaxing sounds to lull you to sleep. As we all have busy, stressful lives, I thought this feature was brilliant as it helps calm you before bed.

The Elite 300 also has an AM/FM radio to listen to your favourite station and a SD slot to play MP3 tracks. As well as, a 7 day alarm setting and a snooze feature.

The Lumie Bodyclock Elite 300 is a fabulous gift for Mother’s Day as it is a gift that will keep on giving all year round. Any busy mum will love to be woken gradually to help her fell refreshed in the morning. She will also adore listening to the calming sounds to help her relax and unwind.

The RRP for the Lumie Bodyclock Elite 300 is £160 and is available from www.lumie.com and several retailers including amazon, John Lewis and Boots.

uk.russellhobbs.com

The Russell Hobbs Electronic Fondue maker is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves entertaining. It has a 2 litre capacity so there will be plenty to share with friends and family. It also has 6 fondue forks for easy dipping, so everyone can help themselves to the delicious contents.

I have never used a fondue maker before and found it very easy to use. You have to use it on a stable, level heat resistant surface and simply plug it in and set the temperature control. If you are cooking with oil you need to fill the pot to between the Min and Max marks. If you are cooking with cheese you don’t fill it more than half full. The light will come on and then when it goes out you can start cooking. You then put the pot on the base and fit the fork holder on the pot. When you have prepared the fondue you can mount the food on the fork and dip it in. If using oil, you dip the food in the oil for 2-4 minutes to cook. It’s as simple as that!

This fabulous fondue maker also has a keep warm function to ensure its contents stay delicious and tasty. As it is electric it has a constant source of power, so you will not need to worry about the candles or gas flames going out. It also means the pot will heat up faster and the temperature of the contents will be even throughout.

Another great feature of this fondue maker is that the bowl is stainless steel and dishwasher safe so it is easy to clean and maintain.
This versatile appliance can be used for various fondue sauces from cheese to chocolate to sticky toffee. The Russell Hobbs website has some recipes to try as well.

The electric Fondue maker is a fabulous gift for anyone who loves sharing food and entertaining friends and family. The RRP is £45.00 and is available from amazon and Argos.

www.buyagift.co.uk

Buyagift.co.uk have a wonderful range of gifts that will make any mum feel extra special this Mother’s Day. With a wonderful range of gifts and experiences to suit any budget, you will be spoilt for choice.

Below are some of the gifts and experiences buyagift.co.uk have available that will put a smile on any mum’s face.

Champneys Luxury Spa Day with Breakfast, Lunch and Treatment for Two, Was £188, Now £135

Offering a harmonious ambiance and tranquil atmosphere, Champneys has everything you need to relax and unwind. Set in the countryside, the Springs, Henlow and Forest Mere locations are the perfect retreat if you’re looking to unwind. Upon arrival, you will indulge in breakfast refreshments before enjoying a 25 minute treatment each of your choice. You will choose between the Champneys Body Wrap, Head in the Clouds shoulder, neck and head massage, Champneys Massage or Champneys Facial, which will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. You will also enjoy a healthy three-course lunch each and will have access to the spa’s state-of-the-art facilities and classes if you’re keen to work up a sweat.

2 for 1 Superior Pampering Weekround Spa Day at Clarice House, Was £276, Now £135

Take time out for some serious pampering, as you and your Mum relax at this luxurious countryside retreat. With this Superior package, both of you will enjoy a Swedish back and neck massage, a Germaine de Capuccini facial, and your choice of a pedicure or a manicure, as well as a delicious lunch between treatments. You will have access to a spa bath, pool, and sauna. Your spa also has an aromatherapy room and hydrotherapy pool, so make sure you try everything!

NEW Memorable Minibreak – Smartbox by Buyagift, £69.99

If you want to give your Mum a relaxing overnight escape to get away from it all, we’ve got something to suit everyone. Featuring a hand-picked selection of over 150 memorable minibreaks, from seaside retreats to rural escapes, there is sure to be something suitable. With fantastic breaks in the heart of the stunning English countryside as well as exciting city getaways, this is the ideal gift solution! At point of purchase you will have the option to choose either a gift box or an e-voucher.

Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrods’ Georgian Restaurant, £88

Harrods is an iconic London institution and its Georgian Restaurant has been satisfying customers since 1913. Recently refurbished, the decor combines the elegance of 1920s and 30s fine dining with modern elements. Your Mum will be treated like royalty from the moment she enters with this exceptional afternoon tea for two. You will be met by staff and seated at an impeccable table before being served a luxurious version of the quintessentially British treat. The delicious food will be accompanied by unlimited loose-leaf tea of your choice, taken from Harrods’ extensive menu including the finest teas from around the world; each blend on offer has been specially selected by Harrods’ tea experts.

NEW Three Course Michelin Meal at Hotel Chocolat’s Rabot 1745 with Prosecco for Two, Was £90, Now £49

If your Mum is a chocolate fan then Hotel Chocolat’s Rabot 1745 is the place to go. The colonial plantation-inspired eatery sourced its inspiration from Hotel Chocolat’s Saint Lucian Rabot Estate and even boasts wood from the island throughout the upstairs part of the restaurant. With a covered terrace that overlooks the bustling Borough Market and a shop that sells a fine selection of chocolaty treats, Rabot 1745 is more than just your average restaurant. Throughout your experience you and your Mum will be served an appetising three-course meal from the a la carte menu, complete with a refreshing glass of Prosecco each.

Visit to The View from The Shard and Afternoon Tea at Hotel Chocolat for Two, £109

A gleaming skyscraper designed by architect Renzo Piano, the Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building and home to London’s highest viewing platform. You and your Mum will ascend up in the building’s high speed lift and arrive onto the observational deck where you will be able to enjoy breath-taking 360 degree views of the capital for up to 40 miles around. Once you’ve captured those prestigious landmarks and fantastic sights, enjoy a short walk to the famous Borough Market where you will enjoy a divine afternoon tea for two at Hotel Chocolat’s Rabot 1745. A colonial plantation-inspired restaurant, Hotel Chocolat serves a delectable array of dainty treats from scones, hot chocolate, banana bread and much more.

To see the full range of fabulous gifts and experiences for Mother’s Day visit www.buyagift.co.uk

www.sensiospa.com

The Sensio Spa Deep Pore Cleanser is a fabulous gift for anyone who wants fresher, healthier looking skin. This skin cleanser is suitable for all skin types and deeply yet gently decongests clogged pores.

The Deep Pore Cleanser is very easy to use and gently pulsates to remove impurities, clean out clogged pores and help remove any residual makeup.  My skin definitely felt wonderfully clean and refreshed after I used it.

A fantastic feature of this cleanser is that it requires no brush head replacements. There are three different brushes that will not need to be replaced and each brushes are used for different skin types or different areas. The front side brushes are ideal to use on normal to sensitive skin. The tip front side brushes are best used on the T-zone, around the nose and eyes. The back brushes are best used for oily skin. As it has three silicone brush types, I could use different brushes for different areas of my face. This resulted in my skin feeling more thoroughly cleaned than when I have previously just used my hands or a sponge.

As well as having different brush types available there are also different intensity levels to choose from. These levels range from gentle, to delicate to powerful, deep cleansing. Depending on how deep a clean you need, determines which intensity you choose.

This Deep Pore Cleanser is waterproof so can wonderfully be used in the bathroom. It also has an auto shut-off after 15 minutes so you if you accidently leave it on, it will shut off by itself. This cleanser is also very compact in size so is brilliant for taking away with you.

The Sensio Spa Deep Pore Cleanser is a fabulous gift for anyone who takes care of their skin. It is very easy to use and deeply cleans pores. The RRP is £50.00 and it is available to buy from www.sensiospa.com and Argos.

www.microsoft.com/microsoft-band/en-gb

When I had the opportunity to review the Microsoft band 2, I was both interested and intrigued to see if it is as good as it sounded. After wearing and testing the Microsoft Band 2 for 6 weeks, I can honestly say it definitely is a superior smart band that has enabled and encouraged me to live healthier; it definitely lives up to its hype.

The first thing that struck me about the band was how fashionable it looked. Having tried and worn other smart bands before, I thought this band looked extremely stylish and was the most comfortable band I have worn. The Microsoft Band 2 is made of Thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanate (TPSiV) which was extremely soft and smooth next to my skin. The band was also a very good fit. I had previously used the measuring strip provided to see what size I needed. I could then adjust the recommended band to fit my wrist comfortably. It is advised that the band should be worn snug and should not be sliding up and down your arm. The adjustable strap made it easy to find the best fit for me. There is also a contoured design to the display that makes it very comfortable to wear.

The Microsoft Band 2 brilliantly features an enhanced array of sensors, including a barometer that counts the floors you climb when you take the stairs, and measures elevation gains while running and biking. The band has two buttons and a touchscreen to help you navigate all the features. There is a mic and barometer on the sides of the band and the heart rate monitor and galvanic skin response contact points are on the inside surface.

A fantastic feature of the new Microsoft band is that it helps you to live healthier by tracking your heart rate, exercise (including daily steps), calorie burn and sleep quality. Microsoft Health also helps you to track these. Microsoft Health is available as a universal Windows app, a dedicated app for iOS and Android devices and via a Web Dashboard. Microsoft Health enables you to set wellness goals and receive actionable insights. It’s a great way to help you live healthier as you can easily track your lifestyle, look at your stats and gain insights into your wellbeing.

By allowing me to track my heart rate, exercise, calorie burn and sleep quality I gained an informative picture of my health. It was also very motivating knowing how many calories I had burnt each day and it was great to identify what activities helped me burn more calories. The step counter was very accurate and gave me a true picture of how many steps I take every day. The band also alerted me when I had reached my step goal for the day. I thought this was a great feature as it alerted me that I had been more active that day and I found this motivated me to continue taking more steps.

I was also very impressed with the sleep quality tracker. The tracker needs to be switched on before you go to sleep and turned off once you wake up. You can then scroll through the information about your night’s sleep. I could see how long I had been asleep for, how long the tracker had been activated for, how many times I woke up in the night, how many calories I burned and I was also given an efficiency percentage. It was reassuring to see this efficiency percentage was always in the 90s!

Another fantastic feature of this new Microsoft band is the Guided Workouts it gives you. I could choose from a selection of workouts to carry out, each one focussing on a different body part or activity. These workouts were fantastic to get me started. You can also custom track your running, biking or golfing where the speed and distance are tracked with the built in GPS.

Not only does the Microsoft Band 2 help you to live healthier but it also provides notifications about your emails, texts and calendar alerts. This feature helps make this band superior to some of the other smart bands available. Having phone, text and email alerts come to my band made me less likely to miss an important correspondence. I loved that I was alerted to any phone calls as I cannot always have my phone on me all day, so I found it really useful knowing if I had had a phone call.

The Microsoft Band 2 can also be personalised to best suit the user’s needs. I could choose from a wide range of ‘tiles’ to add to my display so any information important to me could be displayed on the display screen. There are 37 tiles to choose from, including the 24-hour heart rate monitor, steps, text messaging, calls, Cortana, news, smart notifications and calorie tracking. There is even a Starbucks tile that means you do not need to reach for your wallet when in Starbucks, but can enjoy coffee with your Starbucks card ready to scan at an arm’s length! These tiles can be simply added to my band through my phone. I could also choose what colour I wanted the display screen to be, allowing me to choose my own preferred colour for my band.

The Microsoft Band 2 is an excellent band to not only help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and enable you to track your daily activities, but it also allows you to keep up to date with emails, texts and calls. I would highly recommend this smart band for anyone who wants to live healthier and gain an insight into their health and wellbeing.

The RRP for this fabulous smart band is £199.99 and is available from www.microsoft.com/microsoft-band/en-gb.