Marks & Spencer’s - Macmillan Coffee Morning*

Unless you’ve been living under a rock then you’ll have no doubt seen posters and adverts galore about Macmillan Coffee Mornings happening as we speak all over the country. I’ve certainly seen a few bakes sales this week at work and its fantastic to see lots of events taking place all over to raise that all important money. Having a coffee morning is the perfect opportunity for a catch up with friends and have some delicious cake all for a good cause. One in three of us will face cancer and the money raised at Macmillan Coffee Mornings will ensure that no one has to face it alone.

This year is the 7th world’s biggest coffee morning in partnership with M&S and all the stops have been pulled out to ensure this is the best one yet. Since 2010 thanks to the support of M&S customers and employees an incredible £6 million has been raised. By 2020, almost 1 in 2 people will get cancer at some point in their lives but you can help be there for even more people by taking part where you can. The Birmingham store is even inviting shoppers to join them for a coffee and a slice of cake on Friday 30th September.

Whether you’re baking or faking it this year you will find a fantastic range of treats in M&S stores this September including a delicious selection of cakes, biscuit and a new range of 13 flavours of cake and cookie mixes. I was lucky enough to receive a few goodies including this ‘Hot Stuff’ mug, Tatty Devine Pin Badge, Pure Ceylon Teabags and Thumbprint Cookie Mix. Whenever you treat yourself to coffee and cake in the M&S Café, a donation will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. I decided to make these strawberry and white chocolate thumb print cookies and bring them along to our Macmillan Coffee Morning at work where they were sold and eaten for charity. They tasted really delicious and went down a storm with the buyers. All I had to do was add butter and the rest of the mix was provided - 10% of the sale of this product is donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

So if you have a work bake sale or the chance to attend a coffee morning, please pop in. Think of the lives you could change, grab a slice of cake and a cuppa and get involved. Remember – calories don’t count if it’s for charity! If you would like to learn more about Macmillan’s partnership with M&S, please visit their website.

*I received some items from M&S free of charge in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are my own and I was not influenced in any way.

Purrfect Cat Subscription Box Review*

I love receiving subscription boxes for my pets, there is just something about it that makes me feel good about spending the money because it’s not technically for me. I love the excitement of receiving the box and seeing what is inside, then sharing the goodies with my furry friends. I recently received a Purrfect Box run by the same people who brought me my Pawsome Box for dogs. This time I decided to treat Biscuit my cat, he has just moved in with me so the more treats and things I can get, the better! I am hoping they will all help to settle him in to his new surroundings.

Purrfect Box is a surprise box containing quality products worth over £30 for your cat delivered straight to your doorstep. You can order a gift subscription or subscribe yourself from just £19.90 but you can save money by committing to subscribe for a longer amount of time. The box comes filled with goodies, wrapped in paw print tissue paper.

The first item I received for Biscuit was this Catch Ball. I am not sure if it is filled with catnip or not but Biscuit seemed to enjoy playing with it which leads me to believe it is filled with the good stuff. I think this ball is well designed and good quality. I love the little pop out fish section too.

These Pet Munchies Gourmet Chicken Liver Treats are a favourite in this household and we have bought these before. These treats do have a very strong scent so bare that in mind when cracking these open. I have a specific cupboard set aside for cat treats but if I’d have stored these anywhere else they would have caused a stink! These treats are natural so its always nice to know you're giving your cat some good.

I then saw this Gim Cat Pudding Sachet which is something I haven’t seen before. This liquid substance does not have a strong scent and can be given to your cat by popping this on the end of your finger. Just be careful if your cat bites! My cat is not fussy when it comes to food and really enjoyed this which is a bonus and it won’t go to waste!

Biscuit loves these play and fill mice and is not the first one he has owned. I love seeing the effects of a cat on catnip, it’s great if you want some peace and quiet for a bit whilst they roll around. I felt like the catnip remained strong for a while and is still giving off the same effects after a couple of weeks of using it.

This Bowl is amazing, simply pop it in the freezer and when you come to use it, the water is kept nice and cold. I assume this can also be used for food, but food doesn’t hang around long enough in my house! The bowl is of a reasonable size and can also be used for dogs. This has been great for both the puppy and the cat this summer.

This dangly fish toy has also gone down well with Biscuit, although he does like most toys. I love that you can attach this to your arm or leg and watch TV whilst also playing with your cat with minimal movement. I have proceeded to hang this from the radiator so I don’t even have to move a muscle now whilst the cat has some fun.

What did you think of this box? I think they are great value for such a good variety of treats, toys and accessories. For £5 discount on a Purrfect Box for your cat, use code ukbtkfqt on their website.

*I received this box free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please see my disclaimer for more information.