The Review Studio

Just Spices DIY Chocolate Kit

Birthday Gifts, Children, chocolate, Easter, Family Life, Gifts for children

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Easter is now synonymous with chocolate, or at least it is in our house! It’s also the end of Lent, which often is a time for giving up chocolate in most households. This Easter, you can indulge in chocolate as well as keep the children happy during the holidays with this alternative to an Easter Egg – the Just Spices DIY Chocolate Kit.

The kit contains two chocolate silicone moulds, clear wrappers and cardboard packaging, a booklet on how to make chocolate bars and 11 spice sachets. The spice sachets, which Just Spices are famous for, include Peppermint, Pink Pepper, Ceylon Cinnamon and more unusual flavours like carrot and Anise. If you’re into gourmet chocolate, you’ll know that all the big chocolate houses are now doing flavoured chocolate bars as well as boxes of your favourite flavours, so these spices will go down a treat with the whole family!

The handy booklet that’s contained in the kit talks you through everything that’s needed and how to make the chocolate. It’s worth noting at this point though, that the kit doesn’t have the chocolate included – you have to purchase that yourself. You also need a saucepan and heat-proof bowl, kitchen scales, a spatula and a kitchen thermometer. The booklet calls it ‘The Ultimate Guide’ to getting started making chocolate and takes you on easy to follow steps through the process. The first step is to heat the chocolate you’ve bought and make sure that it doesn’t overheat otherwise it spoils! Taking the chocolate to the right temperature is crucial and make sure that that the chocolate doesn’t come in contact with the water.

Once you read up about getting the temperature right (I had no idea that was an art in itself!) then you can add the spices. There is an art to this as well, making sure that the spices are added before the chocolate gets too cold and placing it in the silicone mould. It needs to harden at room temperature before it goes into the fridge to set completely. The chocolate is best eaten at room temperature but you can keep it in the fridge or a pantry cupboard.

The whole process takes an hour or so if you’re following the instructions and can be completed by children, especially young teenagers who are supervised around the hot saucepan. Smaller children will need to be brought in at a later stage when the heating is done, but they will enjoy mixing in the spices and smoothing off with a spatula. It will depend on your children’s patience as to how long they are willing to wait for the chocolate to set, but you can guarantee they will love licking the chocolate off of their fingers when they’re finished!

The silicone mould can be used again and again and the spices are available on the Just Spices website if you need more. The packaging is a nice edition but you don’t need it for every time you make the chocolate, only if you’re giving the bars as a gift.

This is a nice way to spend an afternoon with the family or as a give to a family at Easter. Those who are particularly good at crafting will enjoy this starter kit and how the chocolate process works, especially if you go on to make more varieties of flavoured chocolates in the future using the Just Spices ingredients!

£29.99 at: https://www.justspices.co.uk/diy-chocolate-kit.html

Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant, Angel Court London EC2R 7HB

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Behind The Bank of England in the City of London, there is a tiny car-less passageway called Angel Court which houses Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant. The minute alleyway belies how extensive Mint Leaf is as both a restaurant and a bar, but if you were here during the working week, you would see that every inch of space is needed for diners of this authentic Indian cuisine.

We were greeted by the lovely staff who brought over cocktails for starters. Illusion is a lychee and lemonade mocktail topped with Gypsophila and is deliciously refreshing. I was given the Sunderban, a vodka based cocktail served in a toadstool glass and beautiful table setting. Named after the delta Sunderban in the Bay of Bengal, it also contains peach, pineapple, Grenadine and lemon juice. Yes, it really is delivered in the toadstool ceramic ornament!

It’s always worth asking for a recommendation so we were brought Crispy Kekda (Indian style fried crab) and Charcoal Lamb Chops for starters. The Charcoal Lamb Chops were perfectly cooked with the lamb meat tender but the fat was silky soft and pulled away from the bone. There was an accompaniment of mint sauce as well, which added to the flavour and texture. I couldn’t get enough of these and this was only the starter! The Crispy Kekda was equally delicious. Each piece of crab was fried to a crispness without being burnt and not at all heavy with grease. The flavour of the crab meat was also evident and made a welcome difference to what you normally find on a menu.

The main course was again recommended to us. We had Bhuna Khargosh (slow cooked rabbit) and Coconut Prawn Curry were brought over to us in piping hot dishes with beautiful garnishes and ample amounts. The Coconut Prawn Curry had enormous prawns, curled round and presented in a dish of coconut sauce. This wasn’t too spicy, and along with the rice, the sauce was a meal on its own. The prawns were cooked to perfection and not at all chewy and the coconut sauce was delicious, especially on its own. This is a great dish for children who don’t like hot curries. The rabbit is something which is not often seen on menus in the UK and I gather it’s not that well known in India either, but if you have never tried rabbit as a dish before, this is the time to try it! I’ve eaten rabbit before and it can be a bit stringy, but this dish was tender, had the texture of soft beef and was easy to eat in the Indian gravy. I also added some of the Coconut Curry sauce to it which gave it a different texture altogether!

The staff also added some rice and both plain and garlic naan breads, which help enormously when you’re trying to devour the last few drops of curry sauce from your plate. They were also delicious on their own!

As full as we were, there was still dessert to come. We were treated to the house specials of White Chocolate Cheesecake and Carnation Milk Vanilla Cake served with rose petals. The cheesecake was to die for – the base was light and had only a slight texture to it and the filling was incredibly delicate, with a rich flavour but nothing like the heavy cheesecake filling I knew growing up. The Carnation Milk Vanilla Cake was served on a bed of Carnation milk and rose petals and the cake itself is also incredibly light with a vanilla taste. It absorbs some of the Carnation Milk to give extra flavour and it’s more than enough to give a sweet ending to a meal.

Overjoyed at a fabulous meal and feeling full, I was given a tour of the rest of the restaurant. The magnificent bar stretches along the back wall, but there’s another bar upstairs in the private dining area which can house corporate events. Downstairs, the restaurant area is divided so that you can have several smaller private rooms of around 30 seated, or open up the divided and have long tables seating up to 60. There’s also a projector downstairs for presentations and a lounge area for pre-presentation drinks or after dinner.

The restaurant itself is enormous and you don’t get the scale of it until you walk around all the different areas and see for yourself. The lighting is kept low (which makes it difficult to photograph!) and the subtle lighting comes from pretty candle tealights on the table. The whole room is airy with double height ceilings and an open staircase with the bar taking up the main bulk of the back of the restaurant.

I cannot speak highly enough of the food. This is not your “High Street” Indian restaurant where you find the same old items on the menu. Instead, this is Indian inspired cuisine with the best quality meats (and you can tell that these are not the cheap cuts) with rich Indian flavours, a mixture of hot curries and every type of Indian bread you can think of. There’s plenty to choose from on the menu too and enough for vegetarians to enjoy, or if you want to go back several times and try a range of dishes.

Mint Leaf Indian Restaurant is one of those hidden treats in London that once you find it, you’ll want to tell everyone you know. You’ll not be disappointed with either the food, or the experience.

Mint Leaf

Angel Court London EC2R 7HB

T: 0207 600 0992 | E. reservations@mintleaflounge.com

https://www.mintleaflondon.com/city

Tropical Sun Snacks

Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Him, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Anyone with teenagers knows it is essential to keep your cupboards well stocked with food as no matter how much they eat at mealtimes, they are invariably hungry an hour or so later. My teenage sons are always raiding the cupboards for nibbles, so when we were given the opportunity to try some snacks from Tropical Sun Foods I certainly didn’t need to be asked twice! Fortunately the box arrived quickly and it contained a fantastic selection of snacks to feast on, which I hoped would keep the boys satisfied for at least a week!

The first snack we tried was the plantain chips, there were four different flavours in the box –Lightly Salted, Sweet Chilli, Sweet and Chilli and Lemon. Plantain chips have a flavour that is reminiscent of potato crisps but the thicker chips have a more exotic taste and unlike their counterparts, offer a hint of sweetness alongside the saltiness. Made from ripened plantain, they are hand-sliced and then batch-cooked following a traditional recipe with no added sugar. The standout feature of these plantain chips is their irresistible crunch and as they are thicker than potato crisps, they are also great with dips and salsa and with less fat they are a much healthier option. My favourite is the Lightly Salted, it has just the right amount of crunch and saltiness, making it the perfect snack to eat at my desk or whilst watching a film. My younger son who has a sweet tooth loved the Sweet chips, the sweet flavouring is very similar to sweet popcorn and again is a great snack when watching a film. Those who like a kick to their snacks will enjoy both the Chilli and Lemon and the Sweet Chilli chips. The Chilli and Lemon flavour is surprisingly mild, it’s not a flavour combination I have tried before but the lemon pairs surprisingly well with chilli and we all found them incredibly moreish. The Sweet Chilli plantain chips have more of a bite and were the first to disappear.

A 450g tub costs £4.49 and they get a big thumbs up from my teenage taste testers.

I love peanuts so was very intrigued with the selection in the box – Crunchy Coconut, Crunchy Coffee, Crunchy Sriracha, Crunchy Wasabi and Crunchy BBQ peanuts. The delicious nuts are roasted to perfection and have a very satisfying crunch when you bite them. They are great as a snack but can also work really well as ingredients in cakes and biscuits, the Crunchy Coconut peanuts were a tasty addition to both my peanut cookies and Rocky Road and my bakes didn’t last long when I took them into work. My sons loved the Crunchy Sriracha and Crunchy Wasabi peanuts best, but I found these a little hot – much to their delight as it meant there were more for them!

RRP from £0.99

The Crunchy Mixed Crackers were a big hit with everyone, an irresistible mix of seaweed, green peas, soy sauce, garlic, spices and more, these little snacks have a pleasant hot kick to them and look nice and colourful in a dish. They are perfect for parties or even a mid morning snack.

RRP £2.99 (150g)

The final snack we tried was the Cassava Chips, made with cassava root they are thinner than plantain chips and are a delicious alternative to traditional crisps. The thinly sliced chips are light and crispy and the 80g bags are the perfect size for sharing (or not!!)

RRP £1.49

Tropical Sun’s snacks are now a staple on my weekly shopping list and the winning combination of flavour and crunch is helping keep the hunger pangs at bay – no mean feat with teenagers. So whether you’re craving the tropical sweetness of the plantain chips, the crunch of roasted peanuts, the mix of heat and flavours of the mixed crackers, or the light and crispy crunch of the cassava chips, Tropical Sun have a snack for you.

Lola’s Cupcakes Valentine’s Postal Cake

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Easter, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Love is in the air and The Review Studio team have been spoilt rotten by our loved ones today. As well as the usual chocolates and flowers we’ve had a very special delivery from Lola’s Cupcakes who make the most amazing cakes. Their stores are mainly in London, but they do offer a nationwide delivery service, meaning everyone can enjoy their delicious bakes.

When sending cakes through the post they need to be well packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition and I was really impressed with the care that goes into the packaging. The cake sits in a carboard box with a protective layer of cardboard on the top and there is a cool block and thermal liner to ensure they arrive in tip top condition. Once opened the cake should be stored at room temperature in an air-tight container and is best eaten within 48 hours. It can be kept in the fridge for another 2 days – ours didn’t last that long!! The thermal liner and ice pack can also be returned to Lola’s Cupcakes and they will be cleaned and reused which is a great idea and to make it even easier there is a prepaid label so it doesn’t cost you a penny.

So, onto the important bit – the cake – the Valentine’s Postal Cake not only looks amazing but tastes fantastic too. The delicious chocolate sponge is beautifully decorated with pink vanilla buttercream with “Happy Valentines” iced in the middle. It won’t come as a surprise to hear that it is adorned with hearts – a couple even have “Love” written on them and there are plenty of Valentines sprinkles and a few rose petals to complete the Valentines theme. The cake has a nice thick layer of pink buttercream sandwiched between the two moist chocolate sponges and once we had cut into it, we discovered that the cake was light and fluffy, nice and chocolatey and incredibly tasty.

We were all really impressed with this cake, it has travelled a few hundred miles yet still looks like it has just been picked up fresh from the bakery. Lola’s Cupcakes make all their cakes daily by hand and from scratch, using only the very best ingredients and have a fantastic selection of cakes, cupcakes and brownies available on their website. The cakes make lovely gifts so next time you need a birthday, anniversary, get well soon, Mother’s Day, Easter or even a “Just Because” gift for a loved one then Lola’s Cupcakes is the place to go and I guarantee they will be well received by the recipient!

Small (serves 8) £25

Large (serves 14) £40

Joe & Seph’s Valentine’s Day Popcorn

Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, snacks, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year so instead of going out we’re planning a cosy night in with a good film and plenty of popcorn. Since discovering Joe & Seph’s gourmet popcorn I must admit we’ve become “popcorn snobs” and supermarket popcorn doesn’t get a look in anymore! Joe & Seph’s have an amazing selection of flavoured popcorn and we eagerly await the limited editions that are launched throughout the year for special occasions. The latest flavours to land on our doorstep were the Valentine’s collection which consists of three delicious flavours, Rose Chocolate, White Chocolate & Strawberry and Caramel Macchiato & Whiskey.

Joe & Seph’s make their popcorn in small batches using only the finest, natural ingredients which means all their popcorn is packed full of flavour. All the popcorn is lovely and crispy and covered in a delicious indulgent coating which makes it the perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day treat.

The White Chocolate & Strawberry air popped popcorn is a real treat for the tastebuds, when you pop it in your mouth you first taste the smooth caramel before getting a white chocolate hit which is then followed by a delicious fruity strawberry taste. It is light in colour with pink flecks and incredibly moreish so be warned!!

The Rose Chocolate popcorn is perfect for chocoholics. The rose flavour works well with the chocolate and reminds me of Turkish Delight. The popcorn is light and crispy and goes incredibly well with a sparkling rose wine!

The Caramel Macchiato and Whisky Gourmet popcorn isn’t one I would have chosen myself as I’m not a whisky lover, but I was pleasantly surprised with this popcorn, the combination of smooth cream, Columbian coffee and Scotch whisky works incredibly well together and as it’s not as sweet as the other popcorn was my husband’s favourite of the three.

The 80g pouches contain 4 servings and the pouch is resealable, Once opened it’s recommended that the popcorn is eaten within 5 days – I’ve never been able to check out the freshness after 5 days though as it never lasts that long in our house!!

RRP £4

Edifier WH950 NB Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I love listening to music and podcasts so there is always a pair of headphones in my bag. You can’t go wrong with a pair of Edifier headphones and I’m currently using the new WH950 NB headphones which not only look great but are comfortable to wear and most importantly offer a great sound, especially when I’m out and about.

Available in black or ivory with rose gold the wireless headphones are very stylish and well made, the earcups and headband combine soft leather effect material with memory foam, giving a pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear, even after many hours of use.

That’s a good thing as the battery life of these headphones is quite impressive. Charging from USB-C for 1.5 hours gives up to 55 hours of use (34 with ANC on) and if you’re in a rush just 10 minutes of charging is good for another 7 hours!

The headphones use 40mm titanium film drivers to deliver the sound with a frequency response of 40kHz and the Edifier app gives plenty of options to tune your music with equaliser settings plus different sound modes to get the best from games and movies. With a compatible device the headphones support both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio wireless with LDAC certification. Hi-Res audio provides a wide range of detail and clarity so whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, gaming or using them for calls the sound quality is excellent.

I’ve already mentioned how comfortable the headphones are, but the soft over-ear design also helps to block external noise too. When combined with the active noise cancellation it is a great way to listen to music when in noisy environments or travelling as you don’t hear background noise when wearing them. There are also ambient sound and wind reduction modes if needed.

Connection is made with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 so Android users will also benefit from fast pairing.

These headphones are great for travel, folding into the included hard case which also has room for charging and audio cables. They feel very well built, with all moving parts made of metal and I’m confident that these will last me for years to come. They even include an aeroplane headphone adapter so will be perfect for my holidays!

RRP £149.99 available from Amazon

LoveRaw’s Nutty Choc Balls

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

LoveRaw started in 2013 with the crazy idea of founder Rini to create vegan chocolate that tasted like regular chocolate. In the 10+ years since then, the website has grown and the product line has exploded to include all sorts of varieties of chocolate, including the Nutty Choco Balls (milk chocolate) that we were sent this week to try!

LoveRaw chocolate is not only vegan but is completely plant based, has no palm oil and no added artificial ingredients either. LoveRaw product chocolate bars which are similar to commercial treats on the market, and are less about blocks or bars of pure chocolate or they type of chocolate you can cook with. The LoveRaw chocolate bars are the type of treats you’d buy for yourself for lunch, or as snacks for children. The fact that you can buy them in bulk (typically packs of around 16 bars) means you can keep them for lunchboxes or even use for children’s parties where anyone, even though with dairy allergies or who are vegetarian or vegan can eat them.

The Nutty Choc Balls are based on a famous commercial chocolate that the Ambassador would enjoy… each one is individually wrapped and contains a hazelnut surrounded by hazelnut cream, wafer then milk chocolate and finally a coating of hazelnut pieces. Guessed what it is yet? The pieces are easily eaten after dinner, during a meeting or as they were in our house, as a snack in the afternoon when you need just one or two for a quick sweet hit of sugar.

You really can’t tell the difference between the commercial chocolates and the LoveRaw variety. The chocolate still has a smoothness to it and tastes like chocolate should. The added hazelnut pieces and hazelnut cream are still silky and indulgent and the wafer adds the decadent touch we look for in these chocolates. The team at LoveRaw also sent me some Cream Wafer Bars in milk and white chocolate which I have tasted before, and the LoveRaw Peanut Caramel Bar in Milk Choc which is new to me, but I will make room for!

LoveRaw Nutty Choc Balls available from £9.99 here: https://eatloveraw.com/products/m-lk-choc-nutty-choc-balls-box

Just Spices Pancake Spice

Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Home

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

It’s that time of year again, where Christmas is far behind us, Easter isn’t here yet but we are on the slow road to the Easter Eggs when Shrove Tuesday comes around! Or should that be Pancake Day?

Just Spices create lots of lovely toppings for food including Avocado Toppings, Egg Toppings and sweet seasoning like this Pancake Spice. The 75 gram pot, which is sealed for freshness and longevity, contains sugar, ground cinnamon, ground lemon zest, Cardamom and vanilla. The combination of flavours give pancakes a different twist, adding some sweetness as well as the sharpness of the lemons to pancakes. The Pancake Spice can be used in 2 ways; firstly by adding it to the mix before you put it in the frying pan, or you can add it as a topper to pancakes after they’re cooked and ready to eat.

If you’re not familiar with pancake recipes, let me share with you my favourite one!

Pancake Recipe (makes approximately 4)

You will need…

100 grams of flour (sifted)

2-3 large eggs

250ml milk

2 heaped teaspoons of Just Spices Pancake Spice

Oil or butter for heating the pan

Method

I like to heat the frying pan slightly before adding butter, as butter gives a crispier finish but you can use olive oil too.
Add the flour to the milk, sifting as you fold it in. It’s much easier to pour and cooks more evenly if you take out all the lumps first. Add the eggs.
Add the heaped teaspoons of Just Spices Pancake Spice. You can add more or less according to taste.
Pour the mixture into the frying pan and wait until the edges start to firm. One the top is slightly cooked, wiggle the pan and flip to cook the other side!

Once the pancake is on the plate, you can add more Just Spices Pancake Spice to give more flavour, or if you’re adding ice cream, Pancake Spice added a little more sweetness to the dish overall.

After Pancake Day, if you still have some left over, Pancake Spice can be used on other desserts too. Why not try it as a topping to Tiramisu? Or to add to the apple of an apple pie? The sugar, cardamom and cinnamon make it versatile for any pudding!

Available from £4.99 at: https://www.justspices.co.uk/pancake-spice.html

The Protein Ball Co Snacks

camping, Children, Family Life, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The Protein Ball Co do what they say they do, except have you ever thought about what they really are? 50% baked cookies, 50% sweets, they’re 100% natural, gluten free, high fibre and no added sugar so it’s as if you’ve made them yourself in the kitchen this morning! The treats come in handy packs of 6 balls which are easily transported around – they don’t need refrigerating.

We were sent a selection pack of 12 different flavours, from Lemon & Pistachio to Cacao & Orange as well as favourites such as Raspberry Brownie. See what I mean about half cake, half sweets? Their newest flavours out this month are Salted Caramel and Choc Chip Muffin which of course, were also in the variety pack.

The base of each of the protein ball recipes is dates along with peanut or nut butter, cashews and different juices for flavourings. The Salted Caramel Protein Balls (as seen in the photo) also contain Pink Himalaya Salt and almond nibs for that crunchy texture. They contain 8 grams of plant protein per pack to satisfy your enough to fill you up, but also to give you a sweet treat as a pick-me-up. When I tried these as an afternoon snack, they are indeed filling and you can taste the caramel in them but I also got a distinct peanut butter flavour. The added almond nibs are lovely too, for adding texture.

The second of the new flavours is Choc Chip Muffin flavour. This flavour contains 9 grams of plant protein and boasts added cacao nibs and gluten-free oats to add fibre and texture too. This is one of the cake-style alternatives which give you a sweet treat as well as providing health benefits such as B12, C and D3. These are just the right size and amount to give you a lift in the afternoon without the sugar hit, and they’re great for children’s lunchboxes too.

My favourite flavour? Probably the Choc Chip Muffin for the delicious chocolate cake-like texture and because I can fool my taste buds into thinking I’ve had a whole piece of cake instead!

Available for £18.99 for 10 bags at: https://theproteinballco.com/collections/our-range

MONPURE Hair Products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, secret santa, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

After years of straightening my curls, I am now embracing them and in my quest for perfect curls have tried a huge selection of curl friendly products, all with varying results. One product my hair likes is protein as it gives my curls strength, shape and structure so I was really pleased to receive the Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo and Strengthening Essence Conditioner from MONPURE.

If you’re not familiar with MONPURE they are a luxury haircare brand who know that the secret to healthy hair begins with the scalp. Their products contain retinol and lactic acid – products more familiar to us in skincare – and are effectively bridging the gap between skincare and haircare, taking haircare onto a new and exciting level.

The Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo £36 is a fantastic product, cleansing the hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural oils and moisture. The shampoo lathers easily, creating a creamy foam that lifts away dirt and debris and the vegan silk peptides in the shampoo create a breathable ‘second skin’ on both the scalp and hair to protect it from the effect of pollution, irritants and bacteria.

I love the fragrance of this shampoo, it smells fresh and luxurious and as you massage it in it instantly feels like it is doing wonders for both my scalp and hair. It rinses out easily leaving my hair clean and fresh.

The Strengthening Essence Conditioner £36 is designed to hydrate both your scalp and hair, the lightweight formula glides through my hair leaving each strand silky and free of tangles. I found a walnut sized amount was perfect for my shoulder length hair and I left it on a few minutes before scrunching it into my hair and rinsing with plenty of water. The conditioner deeply hydrates and nourishes my hair and scalp and the blend of strengthening vegan silk peptides, Argan oil and pro vitamin B5 has left my hair incredibly shiny and it definitely looks a lot healthier than it did a few weeks ago!

The key to great curls is to keep them moisturised and hydrated and these products do just that, helping keep the dreaded frizz at bay and enhancing my curls.

Whilst the products are fabulous they aren’t the cheapest so with Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day coming up it’s time to start dropping a few hints!!

⁠

Barebells Protein Snacks

Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Lunchbox Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I had never heard of Barebells before, but as someone who is (meant to) eat low carb, these indulgent looking snack bars were tempting! We were sent a variety pack of 4 flavours; Caramel Choc Soft Protein Bar, Banana Dream Soft Protein Bar, Cookies & Cream Protein Bar and White Salty Peanut Protein Bar. Barebelles also have a larger range of protein bars on their website, suitable for all tastes and a lot of them would appeal to children too.

Barebell’s Protein Bars contain between 15 grams and 20 grams of protein per bar and have no added sugar. Most of the bars are covered in chocolate and aren’t identical to chocolate bars you find on the supermarket shelves, so there’s something different about them. The vegan bars also contain 15 grams of protein and are topped with cocoa for that delicious chocolate taste.

The first bar I tasted was the White Salty Peanut bar. With 20 grams of protein, it’s at the upper end of the range of protein per bar, which probably has a lot to do with the peanut content. It’s dense but not heavy – there’s no air involved so you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth with this bar. You can taste the peanuts in it and although I don’t like white chocolate very much, this was a nice bar. I think it’s more for adults though as it’s not a taste children would enjoy. The next bar was the Caramel Choco. This has 16 grams of protein and is one for the chocolate lovers! Children will enjoy this too but it’s a thick, caramel and chocolate covered bar which is really filling. There’s a lot of chocolate on this bar, and a lot of caramel for the 55 gram sized bar!

The Cookies & Cream protein bar is another massive 20 grams of protein. This bar is more creamy with the familiar cookies & cream flavour we are used to in ice cream. Again, it’s not like anything I’m already familiar with on the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable! It’s a taste which anyone, including children would enjoy because it’s the right mix of sweet and tasty. The Banana Dream has a banana base and a caramel topping, finished off with an all-over layer of chocolate. I again couldn’t find anything similar on the market to compare it with, but there’s a really lovely banana flavour, and anyone who loves bananas will enjoy this.

Each of the bars are 55 grams which I found to be a bit too much. They’re quite sweet and with their density I found I could only eat half of one at a time. Maybe I’m used to shrinkflation and the size of chocolate bars getting smaller, but if I needed a snack to fill me up that was also high in protein, I now know that Barebells fulfil both criteria, and any of the flavours would satisfy me!

Available at a variety of prices and sizes at: https://barebells.co.uk/shop/

Annabelle Minerals Lipstick, Jumbo Lip Pencil and Refill

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

What beautiful Mother’s Day gifts! Annabelle Minerals have been around since 2012 and founded in the UK to provide handpicked ingredients that are both minimalist and natural. The idea is that the ingredients pamper your skin so that you don’t have to suffer unnecessary layers of heavy chemicals just to look your best. The theme of the ingredients being natural also carries across into the style of make up – natural and understated but still with a flare for style.

We were sent some lovely lip make up for Mother’s Day. Annabelle Minerals have both lipsticks (with refills available online) and jumbo lip pencils which can be used as both lip liners and as a lipstick. There’s several colours online too, including these shades; Apricot for the lipstick you can see and Brown Fig for the refill.

The Shear Lipsticks are presented in these gorgeous gold swizzle sticks and come in Apricot, Brown Fig, Coconut, Dragon Fruit and Strawberry. The names of the colours give away the type of natural ingredients Annabelle Minerals strives for! The Apricot colour I received is a slightly darker shade of my lips, so it’s very natural and glides on superbly. The colour stays all day too, as I discovered when I went out one Friday night wearing it. Only a small amount of the middle of the lips was missing at the end of the night, and probably as a result of drinking.

Once you’ve bought one lipstick, you can buy refills in either the same colour or a different one, and saving not just the packaging but also a bit of money! I was sent my second choice of Brown Fig, a slightly darker shade with a touch of red in it. This was a great colour for when I was wearing a darker outfit and wanted my lips to pop.

The Annabelle Minerals Jumbo Lip Pencil is probably my favourite of all the lip products. I was sent the Marigold colour which compliments all the other lipstick colours in the range. I used it as a lip liner, then you can fill in your lips with that colour, or dab it on as a base before you add a lipstick on top to vary the colour. You can also do the opposite and put the lip liner on top of your lipstick and seal it in and also change the colour.

With each of the lipsticks and the lip liner, they glide on perfectly, don’t come off easily and keep a constant colour. I didn’t notice them on my lips as they’re not greasy at all and in fact, I didn’t even need to blot with each application. They travel really well too, with a pencil lid to the liner and magnetic locking lipstick cases. I’ll be exploring more of the range at Annabelle Minerals, and looking at what Mum would like for Mother’s Day.

Annabelle Minerals Lipstick: £12.90 (Apricot)

https://www.annabelleminerals.com/en_gb/lips/1368-sheer-lipstick.html

Annabelle Minerals Jumbo Lip Pencil: £11.90

https://www.annabelleminerals.com/en_gb/lips/1268-1922590-jumbo-lip-pencil.html#/364-jumbo_lip_pencil-marigold

Annabelle Minerals Lipstick refill: £9.90: (Brown Fig)

https://www.annabelleminerals.com/en_gb/lips/1368-1922976-sheer-lipstick.html#/478-lipstick-brown_fig/485-options-refill

Seep Plastic Free Cleaning Cloths

eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden, REUSABLE, Sustainable, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Granny always knew about cleaning. When I was little, there were so many different cleaning cloths, just in her kitchen that I could never keep up. As time went on though, all her cleaning equipment as well as the cleaning products in my parent’s house whilst growing up were plastic, non-recyclable and not good for the environment. We’ve come full circle though, with cleaning products now becoming more environmentally friendly and from companies other than the big corporations.

Seep (Sustainable, Everyday, Essential Products) is the only B-Corp certified cleaning product company which means they can be proven to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. They have an extensive and ever-increasing range of products too, and these Valentines Eco All-Purpose Sponge Cloths are one of their latest innovations.

The pack of 2 cloths are zero plastic and long lasting, made from sustainable wood pulp. That also means they are compostable! Each cloth measures around 15 centimetres square and is spongey to the touch. They soak up loads of water and are easily rung out. You can add them to the washing machine to give them a longer life but they dry really quickly on the side of the sink or over the tap. They’re hardwearing too, but when they are at the end of their life, they can be compostable. Just cut them up and add them to your compost or food waste bin.

Each of the designs is suitable for Valentines, but they can be used by anyone! If you’re like me and don’t particularly relish the thought of cleaning products as a Valentines present, then any of the Seep products can be used as part of a bigger present, or a hamper for your Mum, Nan or a friend at Valentines. I think the best use of these Valentines Eco All-Purpose cloths is to use them as a date marker – start using them on 14 February and you can easily tell how long they last before you need to buy new ones.

Available from £4.95 for 2

Martha Hill Anti-Ageing All Day Crème Gel

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Martha Hills are one of the brands available from the Beauty Naturals team, the natural beauty company since 1980. Their extensive range of beauty items online covers everything beauty related, and this Anti-Aging All Day Crème Gel is no exception.

The new Anti-Ageing Crème Gel is new to the market, formulated with natural probiotics preBiulin FOS™ to protect and restore the skin’s natural microbiota barrier. What does that mean? Well it means that it protects the ‘good bacteria’ on the skin that is needed for your skin to be healthy and therefore keeps a balance that’s more favourable to clear, well-nourished skin.

It’s suitable for all skin types and not oil based so it absorbs in easily without a greasy shine. The Anti-Ageing All Day Crème Gel keeps your skin moist and nurtured all day to give a glowing complexion and the gel seals moisture in. Along with the preBiulin FOS™ to protect the microbiota barrier, the All-Day Crème prevents wrinkles, protects from UV damage and acts as a buffer between pollutants and harsh chemicals. It also works wonderfully under make up to create a beautiful skin texture. Over time, the crème will build up protection along with keeping moisturiser in to give you ongoing defence.

I have been using the Martha Hill Anti-Ageing All Day Crème Gel for a few weeks now. It’s not heavy at all, and keeps skin light and hydrated. It works well under make up, and if you’re wearing it to bed or with exceptionally dry skin, you can still add a moisturiser over the top. It’s fragrance free too!

Available for £21.00 but currently on sale for £14.70 at: https://beautynaturals.com/product/?mh=200

Steccato Set of 4 Dinner Plates

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Plastic free, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

These Steccato dinner plates which are part of a much bigger collection at Spode, remind me of al fresco dining in Italy, or your favourite posh Italian restaurant back home. Made of Earthenware, these plates are 28 centimetres in diameter and have the traditional cobalt blue striped design. The timeless artwork and deep colour of gorgeous blue is a scheme which never go out of fashion.

The Steccato Dinner plates are made in England and are dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe. So whether you are making a fancy meal from scratch or just heating up leftovers in the microwave or oven, Spode have covered your back and made life easier with these super durable plates. You can see how each plate is made with quality in mind, and their robustness is a beautiful quality that will keep these dishes contemporary and relevant for a long time to come.

The plates are part of a whole set of Steccato ware which instantly lift a table and give a sense of style. There are also sets of similar designs which you can mix and match to your taste, so that there’s more interest on the table, or you can build your crockery set over time with different statement pieces and arrange them for your celebrations.

Available for £80 for 4 at: https://www.spode.co.uk/steccato-set-of-4-dinner-plates

Sophie Conran Lavandula 3 Bowl Tray Set

Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Plastic free, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This beautiful table set of three porcelain bowls and a tray from Sophie Conran are perfect for Mother’s Day.

The set arrived very well packaged in a beautiful light purple gift box from Sophie Conran’s Portmeirion collection. The bowls, which are about 5 centimetres high, sit in a similarly decorated porcelain tray which can be used on a table for snacks, nuts or dips for entertaining, or even sit on Mum’s bedside table for rings, earrings or her smartwatch.

The bowls and tray each have a delicate lavender design in lilac and green at the bottom with a glazed finish and tactile circular texture from manufacturing. The outside of the tray is completely white so you can’t see a design until you finish the snacks inside! The tray is decorated more heavily with the lavender flowers adorned at the bottom of the tray and the same concentric circles from manufacturing. The three bowls sit snugly on the tray, or you can use the bowls and the tray separately for your table.

All of the pieces are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe and can also be used to store items in the freezer. With these robust characteristics, you can tell that these exceptionally well-made porcelain pieces won’t chip or crack easily and will last a long time. The lavender pattern won’t be for everyone but with the bowls filled you don’t see much of the flower pattern, just the outside of the bowls, only to discover the artwork on the inside.

These are a lovely set of bowls and tray that make a beautiful present, but will last a lifetime too. If not for Mother’s Day, then a birthday, wedding gift or new home gift would be ideal and the options for how you use them are endless.

Available for £53.50 at:

https://www.portmeirion.co.uk/sophie-conran-lavandula-3-bowl-tray-set

Spode Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, Sustainable, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Mother’s Day gifts are always hard to source especially if you veer away from the chocolates, flowers and wine tradition. Spode have a fabulous range of gifts for Mum, Nan or Aunty which are slightly unusual but very usable. Like most Spode products, they are hugely decorative and decadent and not something your Mum is ever likely to buy for herself.

Take for example this Spode Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug. Made of ceramic, as you would imagine a Spoke piece would be, it’s a 0.31 litre travel mug that’s decorated in a beautiful dark floral pattern with curious snakes, bugs and pink roses. The cup itself is very hardwearing and both dishwasher and microwave safe. The silicone lid needs to be hand washed, but the manufacture makes it easier to place over the mug and doesn’t spill easily when knocked about in transport. As the ceramic mug is well constructed and robust, it holds the heat of your beverage really well and for a long time. It doesn’t burn your hands when you hold it, so no need to add a sleeve to carry it around. You can use it for cold drinks too of course!

At 15 centimetres high it fits into most car and buggy cup holders and has real longevity compared to the plastic mugs. The ‘curious’ pattern is a real talking point because it’s so beautifully detailed and very feminine, unlike most sports travel mugs that don’t have any character. This is not a mug to use whilst jogging; it’s more for long walks in the park, taking the dog out with friends or keeping warm on long car journeys. The baristas will love this too because it’s so easy to heat up and to put the silicone lid on quickly. It’s a classy piece that Mums or Nans who love their hot tea or coffee on the go and want something with more of an occasion to drink it!

There’s also a matching laptop sleeve and water bottle as part of the Spode Creatures of Curiosity collection.

Available from £15.50 at: https://www.spode.co.uk/creatures-of-curiosity-travel-mug

She Grows Veg Valentines Gifts

Birthday Gifts, Children, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Spring, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Probably not your first thought for the typical Valentines present, but let me explain She Grows Veg to you and it will start to make sense!

She Grows Veg is an online seed company with a very modern, yet traditional twist. They sell seeds online, but they are heirloom seeds. That means the seeds are cultivated from rare varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and trees and are typically not found in your usual garden centres. This means that the varieties often have different looks, taste different and grow differently to what you might be used to. It’s an expanding industry where so many people are now getting into gardening especially growing their own food since lockdown.

She Grows Veg sell singular packets of seeds, but they also sell gift bags, like the two that were sent to us; Chilli Trio and Tomato Lover’s Bundle (£22.50). If you or your other half are gardeners, you’ll know that this is an excellent selection of seeds for someone who loves growing, especially growing and eating!

The Chilli Trio contains 3 different chilli seeds; Biquinho Red, Chocolate Habanero and Machu Pichu. On the back of each pack are the growing instructions and key facts, along with a QR code to find out more on a You Tube video. You can see from the photos on the packets what you’re getting, and helpfully, the instructions on the back tell you what kind of flavour each chilli is and how to use it. The Biquinho Red chillis are from Brazil and take a little longer to geminate but are worth it. I’ve never grown chillis before but the instructions say to start sowing in January or February indoors, so these are perfect as Valentines gifts.

The Tomato Lover’s Bundle contain 5 packets of tomatoes, none of which I’ve ever seen before. There are three hanging varieties; Crazy Cherry (a sweet green tomato), Red Currant (small, early ripening and very sweet) and Hanging Prince (plum shaped and unusually last for months if stored correctly). The other two tomatoes are Black Beauty and Green Doctors, but of which are favourites of Lucy and Kate at She Grows Veg. Each of the gift bundles comes with a gift bag to keep your seeds safe but can also be used to store larger seeds later in the year.

These are lovely gifts for Valentines and if you harvest the fruit right, they produce can go on for weeks in the summer. The fact that these seeds are heirloom and not easy to find anywhere else if at all, makes them all the more special as a gift.

Chilli Trio (£13): https://shegrowsveg.com/product/chilli-trio-with-gift-bag/Tomato Lover’s Bundle (£22.50): https://shegrowsveg.com/product/tomato-lovers-bundle/

Clean Co Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit Gin

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Clean Co, the drinks company started by TV personality Spencer Matthews in 2019 has been going from strength to strength. No doubt lockdown helped with the sales of the company’s non-alcoholic spirits, but the increasing product range has led to people talking about all of their products. We first tried Clean Co over a year ago when few people had heard about it, but without me prompting the conversation, Clean Co (and specifically their ‘gin’ in the green bottle) has come up in conversation recently with the moniker of ‘the best non-alcoholic gin.’

To explain, the Clean Co products all mock the high alcohol volume spirits you normally find on the shelves but are made alcohol-free and retain the same taste. The whole range extends to; Clean G Gin (green bottle), Clean G Pink Rhubarb Gin (pink bottle), Clean W Whisky (dark brown), Clean R Rum (light brown), Clean T Tequila (clear), Clean V Spiced Apple (also clear). There are new flavours arriving all the time, so check out the website to see new additions soon.

The award-winning and original Clean Co drink, the Clean G works exactly like gin. You can make a cocktail with it, drink it neat, or simply add tonic and lemon to re-create your favourite tipple. It tastes so close to gin that you won’t know the difference. It’s also sugar free with just 14 calories per 50ml serving. The design of the bottle (Art Deco, 1920s) also makes it more theatrical to drink at home, making it easy to forget that it’s not got alcohol in it. Most people who don’t know the brand would assume that it’s not alcoholic either.

The Clean Co Clean G non-alcoholic gin was a hit with my friends, some of whom had already heard of the brand and one in particular who already drinks it. It’s a winner in both worlds; non-alcoholic but with the taste of gin that allows you to enjoy your favourite tipple, guilt free.

Available from £16 at:

https://clean.co

Pact Coffee – Cafeina by Elenita Nogueira for Valentines Day

Birthday Gifts, coffee, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Nowadays, everyone who drinks coffee LOVES drinking filtered, roasted, blended real coffee rather than the instant coffee we used to buy in jars. I noticed after coming back from lockdown that there are a lot more coffee brands out there, but that’s probably because there are a lot more ‘real coffee’ drinkers than there ever used to be.

Pact Coffee send packets of specialty coffee to your door as part of a subscription, but with the assurance that this is the very best coffee available. There’s an ever expanding range of coffee available from a company that is a Certified B Corporation – that means they act in a sustainable, ethical way and are using business as a force for good for their farmers, the planet and you.

As part of their changing range, Pact have brought out a new coffee called Cafeina, by Elenita Nogueira. This Brazilian coffee boasts hints of dark chocolate and strawberry. We were sent Cafeina in a Pact reusable tin, so it can be given as a gift or kept in the cupboard. For those interested, it was a coarse ground coffee, not the beans.

Elenita Nogueira is the first woman in her family to farm, aided by the Cafeina group; a cooperative in pursuit of gender equality for women in the Brazilian coffee industry. Her Arabica bean coffee is competition standard and grown at an altitude of 950 MASL. Upon opening the tin, the coffee is darkly rich with a strong almost earthy aroma, much stronger than the High Street varieties you buy off the shelf. When brewed, it gives berry tones and slightly bitter, deep chocolate flavours. This is a strong coffee for serious coffee lovers who don’t want the run-of-the-mill coffees but instead appreciate subtle flavours. It’s strong, so if you’re not used to coffee it might take a while to get used to the hit. On the plus side, if you like strong coffee then this will definitely wake you up!

If you’re not up for getting a subscription from Pact yet, then this Cafeina from Elenita Nogueira makes an excellent gift, especially for Valentines Day. At £13.95 for the tin as well as the coffee, it makes approximately 15 cups or more if you prefer it less strong. If you and your partner are coffee lovers, it’s the perfect gift to show you care – especially about the quality of your coffee together.

Available for £13.95 at: https://www.pactcoffee.com/coffees/brew-for-two

Island Bakery Biscuits

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Organic biscuits, shortbreads and nibbles made in the Hebrides, Scotland.

Here at the Review Studio we never say no to trying something new but biscuits are a clear winner! Even better, the Island Bakery biscuits are organic and sourced with local ingredients where they are made on the Island of Mull. The team sent us 3 varieties to choose from their range of 11; Apple Crumbles, Chocolate Gingers and their savoury Cheese Biscuits. How quickly do you think we put the kettle on to test these…?

Island Bakery Cheese Biscuits

Starting with the Cheese Biscuits, these are flavoured Harissa & Cumin. The cheese is sourced locally in Tobermory, where the Island Bakery is situated on the Isle of Mull and the cheese comes from just one herd of Friesian, Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle. Each biscuit is made with real butter and the harissa warms the texture of the biscuit along with the cumin. You’ll notice other spices in there, which work brilliantly with any of the cheeses you choose to pair with the Island Bakery Cheese Biscuits. A fabulous savoury offering that if you’re clever, you might even be able to pass off as homemade!

Available at £3.79: https://www.islandbakery.scot/product/isle-of-mull-cheese-biscuits-harissa-with-chilli-cumin/

Island Bakery Apple Crumbles

Onto the sweeter biscuits, suitable for tea or coffee or just as a snack on their own. The Apple Crumbles are oaty biscuits, made with real, dried apple piece and apple juice, complete with sprinkles of cinnamon. The biscuits are snappy, not soft and chewy and work exceptionally well dunked in tea, although they’re far better as a biscuit on their own. In fact, they were more like a snack than a biscuit because I had intended to eat two (purely for testing reason you understand!) but one was enough. They’re very filling which is probably because they are made with real products and not with additives and synthetics. They’re great for after Sunday lunch and remind you of grandma’s homemade cookies.

Available from £3.15: https://www.islandbakery.scot/product/apple-crumbles-2/

Island Bakery Chocolate Gingers

Sharp, spicy and wickedly delicious, these Chocolate Gingers pack a punch after you bite into them and start to chew. Made with stem ginger, and lashings of it by the taste of them, they are also half coated in dark chocolate. They’re very hearty and much like the Apple Crumbles, they don’t need a second one (unless you really want to!) to fill you up. I think I loved these the most because of both their texture, and the juxtaposition of the ginger and the sweet sugar taste. The added chocolate is a welcome bonus and its generous chocolate too. I was still savouring the chunks of ginger with my tea long after the biscuit was devoured and the tingling sensation was still in my mouth from the ginger. These are much better than the High Street variety where they go soggy if left out for a few days. The Island Bakery Chocolate Gingers are a biscuit lover’s dream and so moreish you’ll be buying these as gifts too.

Available from £3.95: https://www.islandbakery.scot/product/chocolate-gingers-copy/

All of the biscuits are delicious, and that was only a small selection from the website. Other flavours include Lime Melts, Lemon Melts, Blonde Chocaccinos (coffee and cinnamon) and other savoury biscuits such as Onion and Thyme Cheese Biscuits. There’s also biscuits in tins available on the website shop, which are great for giving as gifts. Delivery is £5 in the UK only but if you order more than £30 worth, delivery is free.

Ginsters Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice

Family Life, Food & Drink, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This one is especially for vegans! Ginsters, famous for making the pasties we all love, have created a gorgeous Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice with all vegan ingredients. Using their finely-honed knowledge of what makes a great pasty, Ginsters bring you this lunch, or snack that incorporates a garlic twist to give you that afternoon flavour.

Made with vegan puff pastry, the pasty contains chestnut mushrooms in a white wine sauce which is also vegan. The filling also contains coconut milk, garlic puree, potatoes, onions and a mix of herbs to give it that extra flavour. I’m also told there’s a touch of lemon zest in there too, to compliment the mushroom flavour. At 170 grams, the Ginsters Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slices can be eaten as a snack, or even as a lunch, particularly if you’re adding a salad to it. Alternatively, there’s enough slice here to make a dinner if you add some vegetables to it too! It’s recommended that you eat it hot, probably oven baked, which I agree with because if eaten cold, it loses some of the extra flavours that the herbs and garlic bring to it.

Once heated, the aromas of the garlic and mushroom fill the room and you can see the generous white wine filling. I enjoyed this as a lunch because it has such a hearty punch to it with the mushrooms and potato but the flavour of the garlic and herbs comes out too. The pastry is lovely and you wouldn’t know it was vegan because it’s so flakey and soft. There’s a real taste to the mushroom sauce from the white wine which comes through with the vegetables, and why it’s best that this Creamy Garlic Mushroom slice is eaten hot. Delicious!

Available from £1.95 at: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/310148187

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice

Bruler Bergamot & Oud Luxury Soy Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Lighting a scented candle is a simple way to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in any room and with Valentine’s Day coming up, make the perfect gift for a loved one. For a special occasion it’s lovely to have a luxury candle but premium scented candles, whilst smelling amazing, can be a little pricey so I was really pleased to discover Bruler Candles whose mission is to make premium scented candles at an affordable price. With over 15 scents and a choice of candles and reed diffusers there is a great selection to choose from.

In my experience the sign of a good candle is always when you can smell the fragrance before you take it out of the packaging and the Bruler candle did not disappoint on that score! After unwrapping the Bergamot & Oud luxury soy candle l couldn’t resist lighting it straight away and within minutes the sublime fragrance was diffusing around the room. The balance of bergamot and oud is perfect, the fragrance is noticeable but not too overpowering and it fragranced my room beautifully, lasting long after the candle had been blown out. With the 30cl candle having a burn time of 40 hours my home is going to be smelling lovely for the next few months.

The design of the candle is nice and simple, a solid glass jar with a white label meaning it will suit any style of décor and not look out of place. The 30cl glass candle costs a very reasonable £23 and there is the option of adding a gift box for an extra £2. Standard delivery is £3 and orders over £50 (with standard delivery) are free.

So if you want a candle to create a romantic ambience this Valentine’s Day then take a look at Bruler candles, they will add a luxurious feel to any home without an expensive price tag. And if there isn’t anyone special this year then why not treat yourself!!

Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Hotel, Mother's Day, Restaurant, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

There is nothing better than escaping from the stresses of everyday life to a beautiful hotel in the countryside and whether you just want to relax and recharge your batteries, enjoy a foodie break or explore the local area, Gibbon Bridge, situated in the picturesque village of Chipping, ticks all those boxes and needs to be on your list of places to visit this year.

Situated in the Forest of Bowland, the hotel is in a real walker’s paradise with both rolling countryside, woodland, rivers and the spectacular Bowland Fells on the doorstep. If you’re not familiar with the area, you can expect wild moorland walks with stunning views but without the crowds you find in more well known destinations. History lovers will enjoy visiting the nearby village of Ribchester, a significant Roman site and the market towns of Longridge and Clitheroe (with a Norman castle) are well worth a visit with a fantastic selection of independent shops to browse. Although perfectly situated to explore the delights of the Forest of Bowland and the Ribble Valley, you could be forgiven if you never left the hotel, instead simply enjoying the food, hospitality and beautiful views the hotel offers!

We have just spent a fantastic night there and from the moment we entered the hotel we knew this was a special place. After receiving a very warm welcome we were immediately struck by the character of this old building which began life as a family farm and was converted into a hotel in 1982 by owner Janet Simpson. The warm fire in the reception area was a welcome treat coming in from the sub zero temperatures outside and once we had warmed up we were shown to our room.

Opening the door we discovered a spacious room with a king sized bed and a couple of very comfortable armchairs. The room was spotlessly clean and incredibly comfortable with everything you might need for a relaxing break. It was very modern and tastefully decorated and the large bathroom contained a jacuzzi bath with an overhead rainfall shower. The bed was very comfortable and I’m not sure whether it was the long walk we did earlier in the day or the complete absence of road noise but I had one of the best night’s sleep I have had in a very long time.

The room had all the extras you would expect in a luxury hotel, cosy bathrobes, fluffy towels, complimentary toiletries and a tea tray with a good selection of teas and coffee. There were also some delicious biscuits, made in the on-site bakery, not only giving our tastebuds a treat but offering a taster of the culinary delights awaiting us later in the day.

Venturing downstairs the roaring fire in the bar area looked very inviting so we decided to enjoy a drink in the cosy bar area whilst waiting for dinner. There is a good selection of mouth watering dishes on the menu with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Two courses cost £30 or three for £37.50. After much deliberation we settled on the Crispy Pork Belly with Black Pudding and the Gin Cured Salmon followed by Sirloin Steak (£5 supplement) and Slow Cooked Shin of Beef. The food was not only beautifully presented, it was absolutely delicious and we didn’t need much persuasion to look at the dessert menu! Spoilt for choice we settled on the Warm Sunken Chocolate Cake and the apple pie and custard. The staff were attentive and friendly and as the tables were well spaced out you didn’t feel on top of the other guests.

The following morning, we headed back to the restaurant for breakfast – cereal, juice, fruit and yoghurt was served buffet style and the waitress took orders for cooked breakfasts and toast. We both went for a full English breakfast which was perfectly cooked and was just what we needed to set us up for the day ahead, exploring the beautiful Forest of Bowland.

Gibbon Bridge has large mature gardens offering many places to sit and chat or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The gardens, although not at their best in January, are stunning and offer a perfect backdrop for the many weddings that are held at the hotel. With a large terrace overlooking the garden and beautiful ceremony room it makes for a perfect venue for a special celebration.

The hotel has a number of outdoor eating areas plus a function suite and can accommodate both large and small gatherings. These are often used for corporate functions and family celebrations and the hotel also holds a variety of events throughout the year such as musical afternoon teas, concerts and recently partnered with a local distillery to hold a gin tasting evening. You don’t need to be a resident to enjoy the delicious food so I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re visiting again!

Throughout January and February you can take advantage of their Winter Warmer offer where you can stay in a double or twin room for £149 and includes tea or coffee on arrival, served in front of a roaring fire with syrup flapjack made by the onsite bakery as well as a delicious breakfast.

We really loved our stay at Gibbon Bridge, we were made to feel very welcome, the food was wonderful, the scenery fantastic and the hotel has so much more to offer than we realised. Living locally we’re sure to return and will be keeping our eyes on their website for news of their next events. We have already recommended the hotel to our friends and family as a brilliant location for family celebrations and look forward to our next visit.

To book call 01995 61456.

Walkers Meat and Cheesy Flavoured Vegan Crisps

Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Britain is known for many things but did you know the flavours of our crisps is one of the things tourists go mad for? Walkers are probably the grand masters of this trend, with not only a huge array of flavours available on the market already but with limited edition flavours coming out all the time.

Walkers have released three new flavours, all of which are vegan AND limited edition, to enjoy in 2024; Vegan BBQ Pork Ribs, Vegan Grilled Cheese Toastie and Vegan Flame Grilled Steak. How can meat flavours be vegan? Well it all has to do with the salts they use, which aren’t necessarily from the animal products any longer. Whether you’re doing Veganary or just like me, like different flavours to try, these new Walkers Crisps are worth a try.

We were sent a lovely selection of all the crisps, so I was able to pick which flavour took my mood! I started with the Vegan BBQ Pork Ribs crisp flavour, which is in the familiar 24 gram packet. The crisps are usual Walkers quality, sharp and cracking when you bite into them but it’s the flavour that stands them apart from supermarket offerings. The BBQ Pork Ribs crisps hit you with the BBQ flavouring first when you open the packet. The crisps have the BBQ flavour too, then as it dissolves in your mouth, the hearty pork flavour comes through.

Next up were the Walkers Flame Grilled Steak crisps. These are again strong, meat flavoured crisps and I really enjoyed the steak flavour coming through. These were probably my favourites out of all the crisps I chose because it’s not a taste you usually get with crisps, nor is it easy to get the taste with anything other than a flam grilled steak which you probably won’t be able to eat every day! As part of a lunch box or a snack in the afternoon, I thought these were a great way of making you feel full from the flavour, but not overindulging with the whole meal. They also work great with sandwiches because of the strength of these flavours.

Last were the Grilled Cheese Toastie flavoured crisps. If you’re a fan of cheese, then these are delicious! I like cheese toasties so I can see the flavour in these crisps because it’s not only the cheese but the slight toast taste comes through too. They’re very cheesy though, with more of a mature cheddar taste to them. I liked them too, and I realise that a lot of vegans won’t be able to compare the taste of the meat flavours with the real thing, so this is probably more appropriate to start with as a flavour if you’re a vegan or vegetarian. If you’ve converted from meat eating to vegetarian or vegan, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the range of flavour to the crisps as well as the depth of flavour.

I really enjoyed all the flavours of crisps but my favourite was the Flame Grilled Steak. Can’t beat a bit of flame grilled when you’re famished and Walkers Crisps in Flame Grilled Steak make the ultimate snack!

Available is varying sized packs from lots of retailers. See details here: https://www.walkers.co.uk