Annie Collyer
About Annie
Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday.
My niche(s) Home fragrance! I swear by the fact that the smell of your home is just as important as your decor. Otherwise, I am currently reviewing a bunch of sleep buys including pillows, and I am always on the hunt to test the latest cordless vacuum.
Why listen to me? I graduated with a First Class honors degree in Journalism and Media from the University of Portsmouth. After a stint in PR and a few internships here and there, I landed the role of Deals Editor at Real Homes in 2018. Since then, I've been the Shopping Editor and Deputy Ecommerce Editor for a number of brands, and now, I'm back at Real Homes as Head Ecommerce Editor which means I curate all of the content that makes us money. Which is how we continue to write our amazing content! I've done my fair share of Black Friday events and have slowly learned how to spot an actually decent deal, otherwise, I've got experience in reviewing pretty much every product area, from mattresses to vacuums and portable grills. You can also find my expertise written into words at Ideal Home, Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.
About my Real Home... My apartment is a healthy mix of Scandi and boho. Lots of white, lots of wood, small pops of muted colors. I had dried flowers at my wedding which I've been able to keep ever since (best idea ever!) so there's so much pampas grass.
My fave home buys
It's sooo hard to choose, but I would say that it has to be my Dyson fan which I use all year round, during a heatwave or so as to not turn my heating on. Otherwise, I'm a sucker for a candle (obviously) and Nest New York's Himalayan Salt & Rosewater candle is my year-round favorite. I am also obsessed with my Shark vacuum cleaner because I simply just hate doing this chore, and it makes it a lot easier and faster.
On my to-buy list
Honestly, everything! I'm expecting a small human soon so when I am not looking at diaper caddies and baby monitors, I am constantly thinking of ways to make my home look nice while being child safe for when they're a little more mobile. I do need some new dining chairs, and I've been eyeing up these ones from Amazon for a while now.
I am currently working on...
Reviewing lots of sleep items, from white noise machines to pillows and luxury bed sheets. As well as reed diffusers (as always) and cleaning gadgets, such as carpet cleaning machines.
Latest articles by Annie Collyer
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Coffee station essentials: bring the café home with these 5 buys
Coffee lover? You NEED these coffee station essentials in your life. Because we're all missing our morning takeaway brews right now...
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best wake up light: 6 top buys for all year round
See the best wake up lights to help you sleep better. This is also a great buy if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
By Annie Collyer Published
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How to play Cluedo — setup, rules, and tips on beating fellow board game players
Wondering how to play Cluedo? This board game is always a winner with the entire family. Here's how to play fairly, and beat your opponents...
By Annie Collyer Published
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean review
Read our Philips Sonicare DiamondClean review to find out if this is the electric toothbrush for you...
By Annie Collyer Published
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GHD Rise review
We've tried and tested the new GHD Rise. Here's how it fared...
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best chest freezer: 5 top frost free chest freezer options
Compare our picks of the best chest freezer to store more of your favourite frozen foods
By Annie Collyer Published
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We tried the pumpkin planter trend – here's how to make one yourself
Pumpkins aren't just for candles, clearly. Use your pumpkin as a planter this year and pop some cute succulents inside. Here's how to make yours...
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Support these Black-owned businesses on Etsy – 6 gorgeous buys for your home
Check out these Black-owned businesses and give them your support this Black History Month. Here's everything that's going in our basket...
By Annie Collyer Published
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Cheap toastie makers aren’t just for students – these are all on sale...
Student or not, these cheap toastie makers are amazing value and a must in every home – especially oven winter! From Argos to Amazon, these are the best sandwich maker deals right now...
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Working from home? Check out these stylish (50% off) La Redoute bargains
Working from home needn't mean taking over your dining table any longer. This 50% off La Redoute sale is here to help you bag a bargain, and create a home office (space)
By Annie Collyer Published
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The Debenhams lighting sale is ON with prices from £12 – see our top faves
Check out the Debenhams lighting sale for some seriously cheap – designer looking – bargains
By Annie Collyer Published
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This wheelie bin store is a green-fingered DIYer's dream – and can be made in a day
Want a wheelie bin store that doesn't cost a fortune, is easy to make and looks good? Follow this Instagrammer's easy DIY project. We love!
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Say NO to Black Friday scams – here's how to bag a bargain the safe way
Don't fall in the trap of a Black Friday scam this year and shop safely. Here's how...
By Annie Collyer Published
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13 buys every Bake Off fan needs – to release their inner Paul Hollywood
Bake Off inspired you to get in the kitchen? Now here is all the top kit you need to BAKE!
By Annie Collyer Published
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Amazon Echo Show (2nd Generation) review
We've tried and tested the Amazon Echo Show (2nd Generation) and it's impressive. Here's what else we thought...
By Annie Collyer Published
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Amazon Echo Show 5 review
We've reviewed the stylish yet practical Amazon Echo Show 5. How did we rate it? Read to find out
By Annie Collyer Published
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Mrs Hinch fan? Bag this big brand cleaning kit at nearly 20% off now
Mrs Hinch fans will jump high for this cheap cleaning bundle – it includes some of the best products around and is only £15
By Annie Collyer Published
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August Bank Holiday sales: 10 best home and garden sales you shouldn't miss
These are the best Bank Holiday sales from around the web for August Bank Holiday 2020
By Annie Collyer Published
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The best indoor heaters
If you're feeling the chill, it's time you started searching for your newest winter-time companion: a handy, portable, indoor heater that offers control and comfort wherever you put it in the house...
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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Best laptop stands: 5 adjustable laptop stands for comfortable desktop use
These best laptop stands are ideal for typing comfort and that work-ready desktop feel. Whether you're after an adjustable laptop stand, one that's basic or elevating, check out our list
By Annie Collyer Last updated
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NOW LIVE: Aldi's back to school buys – from just £1.99 and eco-friendly, too
Aldi are selling back to school buys so that you can get ready for September. Here's what looks good...
By Annie Collyer Published
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Best sofa protector
Protect your furniture with a sofa protector, from spills, pets, kids and more.
By Annie Collyer Published
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Summer Savings are on all over the web – here's how to find the best
Several retailers are offering huge discounts in their summer savings sales from Amazon to Argos and John Lewis. Here's how to find the best...
By Annie Collyer Published
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It's pay day weekend! Shop these top 10 sales – from Argos to Made – to save
Because who doesn't love a bit of retail therapy? These pay day sales can help save you big £££s
By Annie Collyer Published