health – Page 2 – The Review Studio

OneBrush Adjustable Hairbrush

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Mother's Day, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As hair and beauty products seem to be advancing at an exponential rate recently, there are new gadgets on the market all the time. The OneBrush takes the humble hairbrush and upgrades it to something tailored to what you need it for that day. It’s the world’s only adjustable hairbrush.

If like me, you have several hairbrushes (and combs!) for different reasons, then the OneBrush replaces all of them. With a dial on the back of the brush face, you can change the firmness of the brush in 7 iterations and anything in between. From ‘Soft’ to ‘Firm’, the dial changes the direction of the bristles on the face so that they have different effects. The brush bristles are plastic (the whole brush is recyclable and already made from recycled plastic) and shaped like aeroplane wings. They’re wider at the base than at the top and they taper towards the end. This gives the advantage of changing the firmness of the brush stroke when the dial is changed, thanks to the direction of the fin. The pattern of the bristles also causes the brush to be firmer or softer as it pulls in different directions.

Yes it sounds technical! However, when you play with the brush and try it against your scalp and hair it feels different so you start to get an idea. As it’s easy to change the dial each time you use it, you can start with the firmness in one direction for the scalp, then change again as you brush towards the ends. Likewise, you can change it when you are in the shower and might need a softer brush to run conditioner through your hair, or need a firmer brush for when you have shorter, fly away hair.

It takes a while to get used to the different settings, which is understandable as it’s a whole new concept. I’m not a fan of plastic but it does mean that this brush is more versatile and can be used in the shower, taken on holiday (it’s probably indestructible!) and kept in a handbag if you need to. I found that the firmer end of the dial was very good at massaging my scalp as well as brushing, which made me wonder if using OneBrush helps with stimulating better hair growth. It’s not just great for getting the right stroke in your hair brushing, but for massaging your pressure points after a long day too. Mum will love it!

This Mother’s Day, OneBrush have a special pink version on their website, along with the original version.

As a special deal for Review Studio readers, you can use discount code MD20 for 10% off for Mother’s Day!

Available online for £16.50 at: https://onehairstyling.com

SOS Serum Face & Body Healer

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Gifts for Her, health, Home & Garden, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

For Mums, Grans, students and anyone else who needs an all-in-one and on-the-go healing cream, SOS Serum Face & Body Healer can do it all. Containing anti-inflammatory wasabi and calming burdock leaf, this gorgeous, floral smelling serum moisturises and protect. The added peppermint and Lauromacrogols help anesthetise the skin, which helps with skin complaints such as dermatitis and eczema.

Even if you don’t have a skin condition, SOS Serum helps soothe every day complains like chapped skin, washing-up hands and acts as a barrier for elbows and knees. The mild ingredients can be used for so many reasons that it’s great to have on you at times, especially in a handbag or nappy bag! Great for taking on holiday too, the soft fragrance is useful for wearing at work when your hands are dry or if like me, you sit on calls and need something to moisturise your hands and face in a stuffy office and like to have something other than the basics.

Add this to your medicine cabinet, overnight bag or just have handy in the kitchen and SOS Serum Face & Body Healer becomes a close companion.

Available from £16.00 at: https://www.superdrug.com/skin/face-skin-care/expert-skin/expert-body-skin-care/sos-serum-face-body-healer-50ml/p/mp-00001717

Rubis Classic Slant Tweezers

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Mother's Day

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Everyone needs tweezers. Yes, that’s what I’ve said! It doesn’t matter how old you are, they’re needed for eye brow shaping, taking splinters out of little fingers or for the dreaded whiskers. Blunt, not meeting tweezers are a pain though and if you’re not used to using a well-made, sharp pair, then you’re missing out.

Rubis make hand crafted tweezers in Switzerland, relying on the eye for the final cut to make sure they work properly. The stainless-steel material means they have the perfect spring to them and last forever, with very few sharpenings needed. They may seem an expensive extravagance at first, but when you realise how precise they are and how long they last, it’s an investment.

The Rubis Classic Slant Tweezers are ergonomically made to fit a woman’s hands, with a safety clasp on them and in a zip-up folder for safe transportation. This also keeps the blades safe and stops them from blunting. They are both sharp to a point but also sharp bladed so you can get the right angle against your skin. I love these for not only travelling (because of how well packaged they are) but for shaping eye brows with the right angle on the blades.

For anyone who wants to update their make-up kit or wants to give them as part of a bigger beauty hamper or gift, the Rubis Classic Slant Tweezers are a must!

Available from £27.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rubis-tweezers-classic-slanted-satin/dp/B004NNXSN6/ref=sr_1_7?crid=WPXC0BMQADRH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.39ZvDIUrai-G8HPYwmq69kikaMs1bZU2czq4ySto4AlkQplv5t83cK92fOkIC5p7bCs-oildpwdpBV_jvVlwg-OyfDb4jeK6gARhY6Y8rMOGTXS4sDVhWtuI93Dm67wW-yAQOXiQS6TUfGbWb0rTfVF7nkKprnBR2we1-Lqq-jhGPqM0TxKtZ14tpeifh8PhAOjGVRvjuys5VhHnpaYNTdUXCtFWTAIVuBAw0Iay6RvtpbJjiGkHwlU_IxJDW7kGcd5NMoP3EY5riatxasUYvbYwjitTZSvKVCWaXIeGhyA.t_V9Ty7mOGoEmWhX64FrZBS_cyxzxKMnb3C5mmYb9J8&dib_tag=se&keywords=rubis%2Btweezers&qid=1721639198&sprefix=rubis%2Btweezers%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-7&th=1

WONDERBALM

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

WONDERBALM

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I had never heard of WONDERBALM before, but this pillar of the Korean beauty industry seems to do it all when it comes to beauty and healthcare, so I was intrigued to find out how well it works and what it can do!

This vegan ‘wonder cure’ is made of olive oil with shea butter, candellia wax, orange peel oil and vegetable oil with added antioxidants and vitamins. The name WONDERBALM presumably came about because this elixir can do almost anything – it can be uses as a moisturiser, salve for first aid on the skin, burns and scrapes and for keeping lips and dry skin soft and protected. It’s also useful as a hand cream and cuticle softener, conditioning hair mask, make up remover (or make up primer) and for after tattoo skin care.

The combination of the wax and the oil. Gives an ultra rich texture. I had to work it into my (dry) hands but what hit me was the lovely orange peel aroma that you don’t get with other products on the market. Just a small amount of WONDERBALM was enough to keep my hands hydrated. With hair mask ( or conditioner) I used it when my hair was still damp, and sparingly too. You don’t need a lot because it’s so dense but the warmth of your hands turns it softer and I was able to work it into the dryer ends of my hair to give more volume. Over time you can work out how much you need for your hair length and texture, but this is a nice (and fragrant!) way of using the product.

With so many uses, this is a great gift for Mum at Mother’s Day and I can’t help but think that WONDERBALM is a great product to take on holiday for not just the beauty aspect, but as a moisturiser, hair conditioner and all round super product.

Currently on sale for £24.95 at: https://beauty-scent.co.uk/products/beautypro-wonderbalm-50ml?variant=54845146956149&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bs-brand-elemis-pmax&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAoRYz_lhpnX8Pxs99rMRF7ByxNIdB&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNi-zL_N5QpbirDR58XmY8pGo1UPRYhaijK3BnG0xcg6wLUrNW-5lQRoClFIQAvD_BwE

Plastic Free FreshWipes

beauty, camping, Children, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Home, Plastic free

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The company FreshWipes have a range of products available all of which are made of plastic free, biodegradable materials. We were sent a selection of them to try, and were surprised at their versatility. We received Body Wipes (one scented, one unscented), Mini Pet Wipes and Intimate Wipes, all part of the FreshWipes range.

FreshWipes Body Wipes are where the company started in 2020 with their creation of a wipe which was the adult version of baby wipes. Their antibacterial properties make them easy to use for most personal uses, and these are especially good for people who are bed bound or can’t shower easily. Although this is a massive part of their market, these wipes are great for travelling, camping and even having at work if you need to. Mostly though, they’re a good all-round wipe which anyone can use and the fact that they are biodegradable as well means you can dispose of them anywhere and without guilt! There are 12 wipes in each of these packs, and each measure 20 centimetres by 30 centimetres. I think I prefer the Ocean Fresh scented packs, but both are just as pleasant.

The FreshWipes Intimate Wipes are pH balanced and unscented. They’re antibacterial too, and smaller at 20 centimetres by 15 centimetres. These are in a much smaller pack that would fit in a handbag or hospital bag. They’re designed to not only clean with antibacterial agent but to eliminate odour too.

Lastly, the very ingenious FreshWipes Mini Pet Wipes are for all animals. Antibacterial, biodegradable and approved pet safe, these are also mini wipes because they measure 18 centimetres by 20 centimetres in size. These wipes are for all over use, not just for muddy paws! They’re approved for human use too so you can take these out with you on walks or if you’re visiting someone, but I should imagine these are great in a pet emergency. They’re made from plant-based viscose fibres but can’t be flushed, just put them in the bin or a compost.

All of the wipes in the FreshWipes range are available online and in boxes as well as packs at: https://www.freshwipes.co.uk/collections/body-wipes They’re such a handy idea, and work really well that I can’t believe someone hasn’t come up with this idea before!

Nourished Collagen Gummies for Hair, Skin & Nails

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Fitness, health, Plastic free, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

As we go into 2025 with New Years’ Resolutions (that we’ll never keep!) there are some changes we can make which give long term benefits. Collagen is a relatively new idea which has become more popular in the last few years, making it more accessible too. Nourished have a range of collagen gummies which contain collagen and benefit different areas of health. We were. Sent the Nourished Collagen + Hair, Skin and Nails to try out for a few weeks.

Nourished’s Gummie Stacks are individually wrapped gummies (much like jelly sweets) which contain both collagen and nutrients to support different areas of health. Collagen is needed in our bodies to support muscle building and which is more well known, that collagen is needed for hair, skin and nails. As someone whose hair is getting frailer as I get older, I was interested to find out how the collagen would affect my hair mostly. The apple flavoured gummy stacks also contain Glucosamine (for joints), Elastin (for tissue and organ elasticity), Hyaluronic Acid (to retain moisture in hair, eyes and skin) and vitamins such as Vitamin C and Zinc. The layers of different supplements are evident in the individual gummies.

The overall taste is that of sweet apple and it’s not offensive at all. Think of a Haribo, but without the sharpness of sugar and less chewy, as these gummies are sugar free. You only take one gummy a day then continue, which may take a few weeks or months to show a difference. I’ve been taking them for 3+ weeks now, mainly to improve my hair over time but I can see that my skin is less dry already and has more suppleness to it, and is less affected by the harsh cold weather and central heating. Over time, I hope that the effects are more prominent and ongoing!

I really like how easy it is to take these Nourished Gummies because they are in their own little packaging which means you can take them to work with you, in your handbag or even on holiday and not have to worry about finding a drink or if you find taking tablets and capsules a problem. They taste great too, which is always a bonus!

28 servings are £39.99 at: https://get-nourished.com/products/collagen-hair-skin-nails

Jamu Wild Waters

camping, Children, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, health, Plastic free

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

As we approach Dry January, Jamu Wild Waters makes an excellent alternative to alcohol whilst being more exciting than just plain water or sparkling water in a can. With 100% natural ingredients, each can contains zero sugar, no artificial sweeteners and is very low calorie at 18-20 calories each, depending on the flavour. Even better news, there’s 5 grams of prebiotic plant fibre per can and added Vitamin C and Zinc for immune support.

The belief of Jamu Wild Water is to make healthy living, and especially fizzy drinks, which are also good for the environment. That’s why they don’t use plastic in their products, instead favouring the aluminium cans which are recyclable and cardboard that contains up to 70% recycled products. Made in the UK, there’s a lower carbon footprint when Jamu Wild Water isn’t shipped across the sea and the waste products are easily recycled in the UK too.

Jamu Wild Waters comes in three flavours; Sparkling Blood Orange, Sparkling Lemon and Sparkling Raspberry. The prebiotic factor doesn’t affect the taste, with the sparkling water being bright and each flavour being distinctly different. You can taste the lemon botanical amongst the bubbles, and the Blood Orange flavour is very citrussy! My favourite though is the Raspberry flavour, with a slightly sweet, fruity taste and the carbonated bubbles add a lightness that makes you think that you’re drinking something alcoholic. There’s no reason why you couldn’t create a non-alcoholic cocktail using Jamu, or likewise add it to children’s lunchboxes. I can’t speak of the long-term effect of Jamu Wild Waters’ prebiotics but it can’t be a bad addition to the larder!

Pack of 12 available from £23.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jamu-Wild-Water-Multipack-botanicals/dp/B0BGSX8LMH/ref=asc_df_B0BGSX8LMH?mcid=7c82553edbee3487b05c93e309fe20c5&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697294449551&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14122214736523997506&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045873&hvtargid=pla-2387769947272&psc=1&gad_source=1

Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion with Heat

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Tech

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

This is the gift you didn’t know you wanted! Carmen’s Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion (with heat) is a classic gift that will charm your loved ones at first, but then you don’t know what you did without it.

The Carmen Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion can be used on any seat, although I found it easier to put on my armchair. It just needs an electrical socket nearby to power it. There’s an attachment that comes with it to be able to use it in the car. More about that later though!

All you have to do is fix up the power socket to the connector and then find the control which is kept in a Velcro pocket. Turn on the Power (PWR button at the top; blue in colour) and the cushion is set to Auto. If you look at the control, you can see that the Intensity light (INT) is lit already and it will probably start on the first function which is Pulsate. This is where I started to play with all the buttons! There are 5 modes in all; pulsate, tapping, rolling auto and kneading. To change modes, you just press the Mode button and go through the list until you find the one you like, or need! The diagram shows the areas of the body which are being worked on, and the buttons to the right allow you to switch on or off each area. You can have all areas working together (upper back, lower back, hips and thighs) or isolate one area on its own. Finding the combinations and which mode is right for you is part of the fun!

The Carmen Vibrating Massage Seat Cushion has other functions too. The INT button (for intensity) gives four different levels of vibration so that you can adjust it if you are particularly sensitive or have high inflammation. There’s also a HEAT button which as it suggests, adds heat with the vibration. This is great if you need the cushion for certain types of pan management. At the bottom of the controls, there’s also a timer. You can set the cushion to 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour and it will switch itself off after each time, allowing you to go to sleep, or to relax and not have to worry about how long you’ve been there!

The attachment for the car is genius if you get backache in the car, have to travel a long way or have a relative who isn’t great with sitting for long amounts of time especially in the cold. The cushion can be amended to a very low level of vibration in just one area and you just turn the heat on, or you can have any of the vibrating functions and include heat as well. Perfect if you have an injury and find it difficult to drive long distances, or if you just need to have your circulation improved as you drive, especially in winter. It attaches to the cigarette lighter in the car, or if you don’t have a cigarette lighter, you’d have to find an adapter.

I tried it at home and was pleasantly surprised with how powerful it can be, and the versatility of it. It can be used for injuries, inflammation or relaxing and in winter, as an added way to keep warm too!

With a 1 year guarantee and an option for another 2 years.

Available from £29.99 at:

https://carmen-products.co.uk/massagers/massage-vibration-seat-cushion

Tolpa Dermo Face Skincare

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream

Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream

Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream

Boots are now stocking a new skincare range called Topla, aimed at improving the condition of skin with conditions such as acne, rosacea and dehydration. Hailed from Poland, the new range combines minimalist skin treatments in a new collection termed ‘Skinimalism’ which has been recognised by dermatologists as a new approach to tackle skin conditions by reducing the number of products used.

In order to treat acne, rosacea and dehydration, all of which can affect anyone and are conditions that are very noticeable, Tolpa have created just 10 products. There’s no need for lengthy skin routines, just these 10 are all you need for cleansing, day cream, night cream and eye cream. We were sent two products from the Rosacal range (for rosacea) and the Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream.

The Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream works best on sensitive skin, and helps strengthen the capillaries over time, where the red capillaries at the surface is the noticeable sign of rosacea. It also helps to moisturise the skin and calm down any allergies or redness. This is a very light cream, worn in the day and also has a SFP 10.

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream is a night cream, which also reduces redness of rosacea and strengthens the skin, helping to even out the colour which might be affected by the rosacea capillaries. This cream is heavier, which is what you’d expect at night and also has a freshness to it that makes it soothing to put on.

The Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream massively increases the hydration of skin and can moisturise for up to 24 hours. It’s a day cream but it’s incredibly rich, and takes a while to rub in but does leave skin feeling soft and hydrated. It works particularly well when you apply it straight out of the shower and skin is still damp. I like this as a day cream because it’s so nourishing and rich, and it improves the texture of my skin before I put on make-up, which always helps!

I have been using these Skinimalism creams now for a few days so the long term effects won’t be seen and I’m not a sufferer of rosacea although I do have acne. I’m loving how rich the creams are and how easily they are absorbed and the fact that they are not complicated or over engineered but instead are a pleasure to wear!

Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-rosacal-strengthening-regenerating-cream-night-40ml-10342619

Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-rosacal-strengthening-soothing-spf-10-cream-day-40ml-10342618

Lipidrio Nourishing Regenerating Cream available at Boots for £12.99: https://www.boots.com/tolpa-dermo-face-lipidrio-nourishing-regenerating-cream-day-40ml-10342620

Carmen Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, REUSABLE, secret santa, Winter

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

One present that’s good for Christmas this year is a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, ready to stave off the cold as well as relax your loved ones over the winter months. Carmen have a Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, which doesn’t use water at all and keeps warm for up to 5 hours!

With cost of energy being high and the mantra we all have to, “heat the person not the room,” then it’s advantageous to heat up this hot water bottle and keep toasty. The appliance comes with a charging cable which heats up the water inside, which is completely sealed and therefore can’t leak if you drop it. It doesn’t need refilling either so you won’t scold yourself on the hot water tap.

There’s a plug on the hot water bottle that you use the provided cable to plug in and charge. It takes around 15 minutes for a full charge but if you charge it for less time, there’s still heat from it. The bottle is covered in a fleecy grey cover with a pocket for your hands, so you can sit with it on your lap, or safely use it in bed. It keeps the heat for about 5 hours, or through the night if you’re keeping it under the duvet! It can’t over heat because there’s a thermostat which cuts off as soon as it’s hot enough.

This is a great gift, especially as it’s so safe for anyone to use so children, the elderly or anyone who’s not I the best health can get warm quickly. I also like that it can be charged whilst you’re at work and might be cold, or to charge at work and take in the car on the journey home. Lots of work offices don’t have boiling water any longer so it would be impossible to fill a conventional hot water bottle, but this is a great idea!

Available at £14.99: https://carmen-products.co.uk/hot-water-bottles/spa-rechargeable-hot-water-bottle

Brush-Baby Wild Ones Electric Toothbrush and Bobbie Bunny Teether

Baby, Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, health, Toys

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

It’s baby’s first Christmas. Everyone will be buying little romper suits, cuddly toys and anything noisy that keeps them entertained but have you thought about buying something that’s both cute AND practical?

Brush-Baby have a range of products for babies which specifically help little teeth and gums, from when milk teeth first show through to helping established teeth keep clean and grow. We were sent these gorgeous Bobbie Bunny Teether, Wild Ones Electric Toothbrush and some very handy Brush0Baby Teething Toothpaste.

The Bobbie Bunny Teether is literally a bunny-shaped toy designed to fit your baby’s hand perfectly and aid teething. The textured areas help massage sore gums and give babies somewhere to bite down on and the lightweight body is shaped so that their little fingers can grip onto it. The feet are made to be even more durable so that later in teething when the molars are coming through, they can bite down on them. The textured tail also helps develop tongue control and the overall Bobbie Bunny character acts as a toy and focus for children to engage with.

Once teeth come through, there’s the Wild Ones Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. We were sent the very cute Koala toothbrush which comes with 3 brush heads which are smaller than adults’ and softer. Each brushing session is timed to 2 minutes with a signal at every 30 seconds to give an equal amount of brushing time for the whole mouth. The toothbrush comes with a USB charging cable and doesn’t take long to fully charge, or as with lots of bathrooms now, there is a charging point for USBs in bathrooms for toothbrushes. The brush is very cute, and as well as koalas there are other animals online such as an elephant, monkey, bear, penguin and others.

Finally, Brush-Baby also have Teething Toothpastes. This comes in applemint flavour so it’s more appealing for babies to use, and has less fluoride than adult toothpastes. The added Zyltiol helps reduce sugar acids in the mouth and camomile is a natural anti-inflammatory for teething gums that will be sore. It’s safer to swallow some of this toothpaste than an adult version, so everyone can be happy that they’re doing the right thing from day 1.

Brush-Baby have a whole range of products including toothbrushes, teething wipes, and toothpastes for all children’s ages up to 10 years old. See all the products here: https://brushbaby.com

Babies will love the characters, textures and tastes in the Brush-Baby range and you’ll know that you’re doing something practical for their health this Christmas.

Bobbie Bunny Teether £16.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/bobbie-bunny-baby-teether/products/bobbie-bunny-baby-teether-cappuccino-twist-bounce-teething-toy

Wild Ones Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush £29.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/wildones/products/wildones-koala-rechargeable-toothbrush

Brush-Baby Teething Toothpaste £3.99: https://brushbaby.com/collections/toothpastes/products/teething-toothpaste

Clean Living Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser Starter Kit

Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Home, Sustainable

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

We have all heard about how plastic products are bad for the environment but it is only just becoming common knowledge that a lot of the cleaning products we use in the home are toxic to both humans and animals. Clean Living was started in 2018 as a company who explored cleaning products which were kinder within the home, and a convenient side quest has been the lack of plastic their products use, thereby helping the environment too.

We were sent the Clean Living Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser Starter Kit. Comprising of:

1 x 300ml reusable aluminium container
1 x Living Areas Glass Microfibre Cloth
1 x 30ml Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser concentrate sachets

The premise of the kit is to give you one aluminium container full of kitchen cleaner product, diluted down to product 300ml, then once this containerful is finished, you purchase another sachet as part of their range or subscription and save on plastic products.

The Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser formula is for heavy duty kitchen work, both cutting through grease and cleaning usual kitchen mess. It’s odourless too, and a clear liquid which leaves no mess behind. The Starter Kit contains a microfibre cloth too, so there’s no excuse!

To create the full aluminium containerful, all you have to do is empty the sachet into the aluminium container and fill up with water. The sachet is a bit difficult to empty without going everywhere but you just fill up the rest of the volume with tap water. The solution kills 99% of bacteria using friendly bacteria and lasts longer than harsh chemicals.

I’ve been using the Clean Living Kitchen Cleaner and Degreaser for a few days and it does indeed cut through the grease, plus keeps surfaces clean and shiny. I know I’m doing my bit for the planet as well as keeping my household safe from toxic chemicals too.

Available from £12.40 at:

Eco Friendly Kitchen Cleaner & Degreaser Starter Kit

Amonax Ab Roller Home Workout Set

Birthday Gifts, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Women

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

Not that we’re thinking ahead to New Year, but there are definite pros to getting exercise equipment before Christmas! The Amonax Ab Roller Workout Set is designed to help cardio and ab fitness from home with the help of an Ab Roller, skipping rope and press-up handles. We were sent the set to try as a gift idea for Christmas, but I think I’ll be using this for a long while afterwards!

The skipping rope is 3.1 metres and long enough for an adult to use. If you find it’s too long though, you can always adjust it by cutting, as explained in the instructions. It’s good quality, with foam handles and the rope is non-tangle, unlike the string we had on the skipping ropes we used as a child. Skipping ropes are brilliant for on-the-spot cardio workouts and can be used by adults and children alike. Brilliant for travelling if you don’t know if there will be a gym or not, or for keeping children entertained, it is a really good addition to a home gym and gets the heart beat going really quickly!

The push-up bars are made of steel but with foam grips for comfort. They’re set at a 15 degree angle too, so that you hold on ‘up hill’ and it makes for an easier grip. Push-up bars are great for body strength work but also for working on the abs in push ups, planks etc and especially shoulder work. The non-slip mat that comes with them is also useful if you don’t have a suitable floor surface to work on.

Finally, the star of the show is the Ab Roller. This nifty contraption can be either one or both wheels and each wheel can be placed a different width apart depending on your level of difficulty. If you’ve never used them before, then have a look at some You Tube videos, the basic concept is that you kneel, with your weight on the wheel out in front of you with straight arms and roll the Ab Roller away from you and crucially, you wheel it back again towards you. This engages the abdominal muscles in a way in which your back is still supported but it works the muscles beautifully. It’s an upper and lower ab workout but be warned, you will definitely feel it the next day! This is the exercise that will get you a more sculpted torso, but it will take a while and a lot of repetitions!

The Amonax kit is called the Ab Roller Home Workout Set but it can be used for more than just the abs which is why it’s so versatile. The cardio and strength elements (skipping rope and pus-up bars) can be used along with the Ab Roller to give a really good overall workout and I especially like that this kit is quite small, can be taken apart and is very light. If you’re tight for space, travelling or just want to use one element of the set at a time then it’s really easy to adapt the apparatus to the workout you want. It’s a really good beginners set as well if someone isn’t sure about going to the gym yet and the Ab Roller on its own is a brilliant piece which even top athletes use.

For the price of £20.99 too, this is an excellent idea as a gift for anyone!

Available from £20.99 at: Ab Roller Home Workout Set

BeautyPro T-Bar Device

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

I love a new gadget and this T-Bar Device from BeautyPro is right up my street. It’s a simple concept – a wand in the shape of a ‘T’ which vibrates at sonic speed and helps your skin absorb products, tones and aids lymphatic drainage.

The AA battery powered device vibrates at 6000 pulsations per minute. This speed helps stimulate the skin for a better, repairing blood flow but also stimulates toxins to move from the surface of the skin as a lymphatic drain. Puffiness reduces when the fluid under the skin drains away and is dealt with at the lymph nodes on you face (there are several places you can find lymph nodes) and flushes out toxins to leave skin clearer. The increased blood flow also helps new cells form and breaths new oxygen into the skin and muscles.

The vibrations also help with absorbing the nutrients from facials and topical face creams. The pulsations help work the products into the skin, giving a better overall effect. Skin and muscle are also said to be firmer and more contoured too.

It’s really easy to use; just add an AA battery (not provided) and twist the base of the handle. You can both hear and see the T-bar vibrating. Hold the device against your face and you can feel the vibrations working the top layers of your skin. It’s recommended your skin is wet, or even better has some kind of serum or product on so that the vibrations can work their magic. It tickles at first but you get used to it especially around the nose and ears! The cold metal of the T-bar helps sooth the skin too. Use upward strokes to move the fluid from your skin around and down to the lymphatic areas for drainage.

It took me a day or so (morning and night) to get used to the sensation but whilst you’re adding the serum or product to your skin daily anyway, the added T-Bar Device gives you that little lift to either work the product in more or to start contouring the skin. I have been using it for a few days now and I like the drainage effect with my skin being less puffy, but over time I should start to see more of an effect on the smoothness of my skin and shape the T-bar creates.

Available from £39 at:

https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/beautypro-t-bar-device/14848110/?affil=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=531573&awc=2082_1723734984_a27637985a5df416098f7b48b5a56a5e&utm_term=CSS&utm_campaign=AffiliateWin&switchcurrency=GBP&sv1=affiliate&shippingcountry=GB&utm_source=AWin_531573&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fshopforward.nl%2F

Malibu Sun Lotion and High Protection Sun Care

beauty, Children, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Stocking Fillers, Summer

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

It may be that the cooler months of the year are upon us, but many are still going to sunnier places and everyone, regardless of the season, needs to look after their skin with SPF. Malibu Sun has a range of products, not just sun lotion, which can protect your skin from harmful rays. We were sent the Malibu Kids 50 SPF Lotion, Malibu 50 SPF lotion, Malibu SPF 30 Clear Hair and Scalp Protector, Malibu 50 SPF Roll-On Lotion and Malibu 30 SPF Lipcare Vanilla flavour.

The Malibu Kids 50 SPF Lotion comes in a handy spray with 300ml net and is UVA and UVB protective. The spray makes it super easy to ‘zap’ kids who don’t want to be covered in lotion and it’s a lighter spray than what you find in the bigger bottles. It’s water resistant too so great for the beach or pool and contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera to be kinder to skin. The Malibu Kids 50 SPF Roll-On Lotion is just as light and has as high a protection factor as the spray but for when it’s windy or you have a smaller child or baby and you want to ensure coverage, the roll-on lotion might help. It’s also UVA and UVB protective, and water resistant. I love the spray for the whole family for when we go out but the roll-on is great for keeping in your beach bag and topping up the lotion or for days when you think you don’t need it, but it turns out you do!

There’s the classic family Malibu 50 SPF Lotion too, which is what I would take on an adult only holiday. I don’t need a fancy spray as an adult, and I find it quite reassuring having the old-fashioned 100ml bottle with me when I go on holiday! That size doesn’t last long by the way, so it’s enough for a week for two people if you’re out by the pool daily. It has a light fragrance to it too, which again is reassuring and like the others is UVA/UVB protective. I love having the SPF 50 factor on so that I know I’m getting a proper coverage and won’t burn easily too.

Lastly, there are some ‘treats’ from Malibu too. For the times when you sit by the pool or on the beach and, “I wish I had thought of that…” here are two products you won’t want to forget next holiday. The Malibu SPF 30 Hair and Scalp Protector and the Malibu SPF 30 Lipcare. When your scalp starts to burn and you don’t want to make your hair greasy from the sun lotion, Malibu have the solution. Same goes with your highlights that you don’t want to get bleached; the Hair and Scalp Protector maintains a barrier with the sun so that you don’t have to worry about your hair drying out, scalp burning and peeling or your colour dissipating. I was really grateful for the Malibu Lipcare as well because on the days when we were out but not by the beach, my lips were getting dry from the sun but with eating and drinking, lotion wasn’t doing it. The vanilla flavour helped remind me when I needed to reapply the Lipcare too! Malibu Lipcare and the Hair and Scalp Protector are both UVA and UVB protective and water resistant.

Did they work as sun protection products though? Well no one got burned! We had nice tans but more importantly there was no long term damage, the lotions stayed on and everyone was happy in the sun. The Malibu Sun Protection range would be a fabulous gift for a family at Christmas, or a stocking filler for that trip of a lifetime next year. Who’s coming with me?

(Some products aren’t available online)

Malibu SPF 50 Lotion £4.99:

https://www.malibusun.com/spf50-lotion-protection-49-p.asp

Malibu SPF 30 Lipcare £1.99:

https://www.malibusun.com/spf30-vanilla-lip-care-241-p.asp

Vegamour GRO+ Advanced System Haircare

beauty, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Subscription Boxes, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

The Vegamour GRO+ Advance System is a haircare group of products by Vegamour which promote hair growth in the long term, and give you thicker, more manageable hair. We were sent a set of the GRO+ Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner and the GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum to try out.

When haircare companies send us products to test, it normally takes a few weeks or even months for us to see a difference, but with the GRO+ Advanced System Shampoo and Conditioner, I saw results immediately. I mean, as soon as my hair was dry I noticed that it was fuller and thicker, so there must be some magic here or else it really does work!

The shampoo and conditioner work exactly the same way as any other product, and on their own especially over time they build up the hair to create fuller locks. I’ve used the products in combination 3 times now and not only on the first use but on the subsequent uses I’ve seen how it builds up my hair. Over time it should help with regrowth too. My hair wasn’t heavy though, as if there was a lot of product in it and I had to think back the first time I used GRO+ to make sure I hadn’t used any kind of mousse or finishing creams to give it the fuller look. I hadn’t, but the shampoo and conditioner on their own has give the fuller body that post-drying leave in conditioners or treatments usually do. I noticed that when my hair just had the GRO+ shampoo and conditioner used on it and no other styling products, my hair wasn’t greasy and didn’t get dirty as quickly either so there was no build-up of products to deal with.

With this instant affect in mind, I used the GRO+ Serum to see if that would work. The serum is a really light, almost watery consistency which is easy to apply. You just add drops to your scalp, anywhere your hair might be thinning, and then massage in. It is best applied daily (although I didn’t apply daily to start with) and can be used on wet or dry hair. Over time, the serum encourages hair follicles to grow and created thicker hair. I haven’t been trying it for the recommended 120 days yet but based on the success of the GRO+ Shampoo & Conditioner I’m very hopeful! The serum isn’t sticky at all and it actually conditions the root of the hair too so it gives a bit of nourishment. It’s vegan and has no silicones either so washes out easily.

I’m really impressed with the GRO+ Advanced range that I’ve seen so far, and although it’s pricy, it’s still cheaper than the medicated alternatives and the worry of losing or thinning hair which we know exasperates the problem! Even if your hair isn’t thinning, this is a great preventative measure and everyone loves a fuller look to their hair. I’m going to keep using this for as long as possible to see the results and hopefully completely transform my hair. Even better, it’s made with a vegan formula so anyone can use it.

GRO+ Advanced Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner at £93: https://uk.vegamour.com/products/gro-advanced-balancing-shampoo-conditioner-kit

GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum pack of 3 £198: https://uk.vegamour.com/products/gro-advanced-hair-serum-3-pack

ZZ Wipes

beauty, camping, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Him, health, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Summer

Disclaimer: We received the wipes for the purpose of this review but all words and opinions are our own.

If you’re seeking a practical and refreshing solution for staying clean while on the move, ZZWipes individually wrapped mint-scented wipes are a true game-changer. Perfect for camping, travelling, or a quick refresh after a kick around with friends, these wipes are an essential companion to keep you feeling fresh and confident all day long.

The individually wrapped packs are small, discreet, and can be easily slipped into a pocket or wallet, making them incredibly convenient to carry around with you. They are especially handy when space is limited, I can already see them being indispensable on my next backpacking and cycling trips.

The wipes have a minty, refreshing fragrance that leaves you feeling revitalised and clean. The scent is subtle yet effective, providing that extra boost of freshness exactly when you need it. The alcohol free wipes are also designed to be gentle on the skin, which is great news for those with sensitive skin. While they obviously don’t replace a shower or bath, they’re an excellent alternative when you don’t have access to one and I was pleasantly surprised by just how effective they are, leaving me feeling fresh and clean after using a single wipe.

The wipes are reasonably thick, strong, and durable enough to wipe away sweat and grime without tearing. I was impressed by how long they stayed damp, and found a single wipe was sufficient for a quick refresh after exercise or a few hours on a train. My skin dried quickly afterward with no sticky residue, and the minty fragrance was quite invigorating.

These wipes are a must-have for any man who values convenience, cleanliness, and a touch of minty freshness on the go. Whether you’re roughing it in the wilderness or navigating the urban jungle, make sure you have some ZZWipes in your pocket!

A pack of 30 wipes costs £10 and is available from ZZ Wipes

Fruit Snacks from Whitworths

Autumn, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, 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.

It’s back to school in a few weeks and the dreaded lunchbox needs filling! Whitworths has some lovely snack ideas of dried fruits, perfect for the lunchbox, after school or for yourself at any time!

The Whitworths Sunny Raisins come in a pack of 6, each of 42.5 grams. One pack counts towards your child’s 5-a-day quota for fruit and vegetables so this is a brilliant way of getting nutrition into them especially as raisins are so tasty which is always the challenge with children’s food. These Whitworths raisins aren’t dried up at all, but have a very sweet taste and juicy too. One pack is enough for me to have with a sandwich at lunchtime and makes it feel like I’ve had something sweet instead of a chocolate bar or cake!

Whitworths also have the Sunny Snacks of Fruit Mix-Ups; Strawberries & Sultanas and Apricots & Mango. The packs are smaller at 18 grams each so don’t fill you up as much but they do give a hit of dried fruit. The Apricots & Mango have no added sugar, but both are very sweet without anything added. The tiny pieces make these good for cooking too if you’re adding dried fruit to a cake mix or for tiny hands to decorate cupcakes with you in the kitchen. These are great snacks for a lunchbox or taking on days out as they’re easily transported too and it doesn’t matter if they get hot.

The second sunny Fruit Mix-Ups flavour is Strawberries & Sultanas. These are no added sugar too and have loads of flavour. The dried strawberries are particularly tasty as you get the burst of strawberry flavour as you bite into them, then the texture of all the seeds! These are great for toddlers and smaller children who don’t like fruit as they’re super sweet but without the sugar.

It’s never been easier to get more healthy options into children’s diets with snacks like Whitworths’ Sunny Fruit Mix-Ups and Sunny Raisins, but always a good idea to test them yourself before they go back to school…

Fruit Mix-Ups £1.25 for 4: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/308099031

Raisins £2.40 for 6: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/258141777

Method Body Wash

beauty, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

Method, which is usually known as a cleaning brand, have entered the body care arena this summer with some very cool body wash in flavours, Pure Peace, Energy Boost and Simply Nourish. Not only are these new to the market and available in Sainsbury’s, but they’re loved by the Kardashians too!

We were sent these three different scents, all at a generous size of 18 fl oz (532ml) to try out during the summer. Never ones to shy away from a good beauty product, we got to work trying them and weren’t disappointed.

Starting with Pure Peace, this body wash contains peony, rose water and pink sea salt all of which give it this blush colour; cheerful in itself. The Method bottles are particularly useful as the ingredients are part of the wording on the packaging. All of the Method body products are plant based too, so there’s more natural ingredients than most other beauty washes. The fragrance is delicate, rose-like and very fresh so you can use it as a body wash or even in the bath to make bubbles!

The second scent is called Energy Boost which contains citrus, ginger and sea buckthorn. This fragrance is great when you’ve had a big night out and need to get awake in the morning, like a shot of pure energy to wake you up. The citrus really comes through in this wash, and livens up a shower to get you ready to go. The final variety is Simply Nourish. Containing coconut, rice milk and shea butter you can guess that this body wash is for feeding your skin and making you feel silky soft. Again, it can be used in the bath or to lathe up in the shower with the coconut aroma giving relaxing vibes as well as nurturing. This fragrance reminds me of tropical holidays with the rich rice milk scent and coconut and the shea butter leaves your skin soft like a hotel spa.

In combination, all three look fabulous on the bath side and you can pick and choose which one you prefer depending on your mood, or how hard your day’s been.

Available from Sainsbury’s for £6.50 at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/SearchResults/method%20body%20wash

Cetraben Day and Night Facial Cream

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

The misery of eczema prone skin is known to many, and is often a lifelong battle. Cetraben have launched a new Day Cream and Night Cream which are dermatologically tested to replenish moisture in the skin, and help prevent skin from drying out. We were sent some of both to try, which is not just for eczema prone skin but for anyone who has dry, itchy skin and looking for that extra relief.

The Cetraben Moisturising Facial Day Cream is a lightweight cream which can be used on the skin to cool the face daily. It can be applied as a preventative measure to keep skin hydrated during the day, or onto flaky, itchy skin which needs a hydrating boost. Containing coconut oil and oat oil, Cetraben Moisturising Facial Day Cream also contains squalane and glycerine. Working together, these ingredients soften skin and sooth dry skin.

Working in conjunction with Cetraben’s Facial Day Cream, their Nourishing Facial Night Cream also boosts hydration but includes jojoba seed oil, castor oil and shea butter as well as squalene and glycerine. This power pack of ingredients boosts hydration whilst you sleep and your skin regenerates, and locks in the moisture to help alleviate dry skin and allowing your skin to heal overnight. Continued use will help eczema skin with its rich but lightweight formula.

Each of the Cetraben Face and Night Creams absorb easily into the skin, but you can tell that the Night Cream is heavier with the inclusion of jojoba seed oil, castor oil and shea butter to give a richer, deeper effect at night. Both are lovely to the touch though and provide a great deal of hydration to the skin. I didn’t find I had to reapply the Cetraban Facial Day Cream a second time during the day either, I only needed one application during the morning and the Cetraben Facial Night Cream at night.

These Cetraben Day and Night Creams make great gifts or lovely treats for yourself, especially if your skin is dry and needs that extra moisture replenish.

Immature Garden – Home Grown Microgreens

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, health, Home, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

What a great gift! The team at Immature Garden sent us one of their Large Microgreen Growing Kits to show us how indoor planting of microgreens is not only easy, but a great present for anyone. We had no idea what was in the kit when it arrived, so what you’re seeing is a succession of photos as we unpacked what was inside. Read on to see how it works…

Anita and Arnold founded Immature Garden in 2019 when they couldn’t find a sustainable, easy way to grow microgreens at home. Fast forward to today and they do indeed have a lovely business growing microgreens, selling the kit and everything that goes with it. What are microgreens though? Vegetables which you would normally go and buy in the shops at maturity are just as nutritious, if not more, when they are seedlings and before the vegetables or fruits start to grow. You see microgreens on lots of restaurant dishes and if you are serious about increasing your ‘5 a day’ to increase your nutrition intake, microgreens are the way to go. They’re also excellent for growing indoors and during the colder months where you can just cut them down and use them as you need them.

We were sent the Large Microgreen Grow Kit which has more than enough of everything for you to be able to grow microgreens for yourself. Within the box, there are 3 coconut shell and 6 packets of coco soil. Hidden within the box (and this is great for kids as you have to pull the box apart to find what’s hidden at the bottom!) contains three different types of microgreen seeds; radish, kale and clover. The box comes with instructions or there is a video online but if you’re a gardener or have grown microgreens before, you’ll know how easy it is to put together.

The soil provided is just the right amount for each of the coconut bowls. Empty one packet into a bowl, keeping the plastic bag to one side. Fish out one of the packets of seeds – a whole packet covers the soil of one bowl as long as you spread the seeds out evenly and this is important to stop them from becoming mouldy. Water them sparingly just so that the soil and seeds are wet. Using the plastic bag the soil came in, enclose the bowls and seal up the bag so that there is enough heat generated for the seeds to germinate. Once they have started to sprout, you can take them out of the bag and keep them indoors until they grow to a reasonable height. The seeds will keep growing unless you cut them and use them, but with the multiple packs you can keep the Immature Garden going for several months – and order more seeds from the website too.

This is a fabulous gift for anyone who is interested in either cooking or gardening, and families with children will love it too as they learn about growing seeds as well as being hands-on. I recommend starting the kit outdoors so that the soil doesn’t go everywhere, which is what I did, then you can move the bowls in the bags indoors. The kit can be started any time of year not just in summer so as a gift it would be great for Christmas, and in the winter is when we need more nutritious food that can’t be found in shops as easily. It’s also great fun watching them grow and make beautiful centre pieces for dining tables and decoration on shelves!

Check back to see my photos as the kale, clover and radishes sprout and grow – I can’t wait!

Large kit £33.80: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Large-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

Starter kit: £17.75: https://www.immaturegarden.co.uk/product-page/Starter-Microgreen-Grow-Kit

UPDATE: We have some germinated seeds already! Don’t they look fab!

Higgidy Snacks for Summer

camping, Children, Days Out, Family Life, health, Home, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Snacking is not just for picnics anymore, the working from home culture means that more of us are not only eating from home but treating ourselves when we grab a bite between meetings or for the school run. Higgidy have an increasing range of snacking foods which appeal to all tastes and ages thanks to their variety of vegetarian baked goods, as well as sausage rolls, quiches and muffins. We were gifted a lovely range (available in all big stores) to sample whilst watching the tennis, football and of course, sheltering from the rain this summer.

Starting with the Higgidy Beechwood Smoked Bacon & Mature Cheddar Quiche, this is a great lunch, snack or even dinner for the family thanks to the protein from the bacon and cheese! The combination of the thick-cut bacon with the rich, mature cheddar lends it perfectly to a more substantial snack or as part of a bigger meal. It’s great for picnics, or for taking as a gift to a summer gathering where you can choose your portion size. The quiche is yummy too with béchamel sauce in the mixture.

If a large quiche is too much to handle then the Higgidy Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche (also with béchamel sauce) might hit the spot. At 155 grams it’s more of a single serving for either lunch or a snack and can be warmed up or eaten cold. I had this for lunch one day with some deli favourites, which work beautifully with the poppy seeds in the pastry of the quiche crust. There are other quiches in the Higgidy range but I think the Smoked Salmon & Spinach Quiche is probably my favourite.

Onto the sharing snacks, and Higgidy do a lovely range of mini muffins, like these Mature Cheddar & Spinach with a pinch of cayenne. These muffins are slightly lighter than quiches but have the same dough-like consistency of muffins, just more protein heavy. The Mature Cheddar & Spinach Mini Muffins are bite-sized and can be heated or eaten straight from the sharing box but with the spinach included, and the cayenne for extra taste, these are healthier than their flour-made sweeter counterparts. They’re great to add to lunchboxes or to have as a sharing snack when watching a movie too!

The Higgidy range of rolls includes these Great British Pork Sausage Rolls and vegetarian Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls. These packs of 6 mini rolls each have tasty fillings fit for any picnic and add something different that you can’t normally buy in the shops. The Great British Pork Rolls have the meaty centres where the Porcini Mushroom & Spinach have the mixture of mushroom and greens to give a slightly different edge to a British classic and which everyone can enjoy as they’re plant based.

Speaking of plant based, Higgidy also have a range of other vegan snacks which are widely available. These are the Higgidy Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls and Higgidy Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices. If you haven’t tried the Little Lattice sharing range, these are filled pastry treats especially for sharing and have a pretty lattice pastry design on top so your picnics will look great too. I like these as after school savoury treats or to add to a salad or soup at lunchtime. The katsu curry taste is very different to other snacks on the market and the sweet potato makes a change as it’s not as dry as other fillings and has that sweeter taste too. The Cheddar Cheese & Caramelized Onion Rolls are similar to their counterparts but the cheese is on top too, giving a crunch coating to add a little texture. The sweet onion filling makes a great accompaniment to any meal or picnic.

There are more items in the extensive range at Higgidy but I think you get the idea of what yummy things they have out there for you to try. It doesn’t matter that the weather isn’t great, you can still enjoy good company and snack on the go with Higgidy’s fabulous range!

Available in most big supermarkets, smaller supermarkets may have a limited range. See online for details of ingredients: https://www.higgidy.co.uk/our-food/

Altruist Sunscreen

beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, Days Out, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

It is finally time to start summer and to do it right, Altruist have a range of sunscreens for the whole family. We were sent some to sample and in true British Summer spirit, it was a few weeks before we could go out and try it!

Altruist sunscreen were developed by Dermatologist Dr Andrew Birnie to be a high quality sunscreen but at an affordable price. The reduction of marketing costs and a slim profit margin were the key to Altruist being not just effective but safe and affordable to everyone.

The range includes sunscreens at SPF 30 and SPF 50 in different bottles (with an increasing amount of bottles being produced with recycled materials) and SPF 30 and SPF 50 Face Fluids, all of which we were sent to try. We were also gifted the Altruist 50 SPF Face Primer to accompany the Face Fluids.

Starting with the Altruist Sunscreens, we tried the SPF 30 and SPF 50 varieties, each graded as 5-star UVA protection. That’s not all, as all of the varieties are vegan, coral friendly and cruelty free. That means the chemicals used in the Altruist Sunscreens won’t affect sea coral if they get into the ocean and they’re not tested on animals either. It’s telling that the Altruist Sunscreens start at SPF 30 and nothing less, as SPF 30 is a good starting point for sun protection no matter which climate you’re wearing it in. SPF 50 is what is sold in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to give the maximum protection against the sun. The Altruist SPF 30 and SPF 50 are easy to absorb and go a long way. I can’t say we’ve been able to test their sun blocking ability in this British Summer so far though!

The Altruist Face Fluids at SPF 30 and SPF 50 work in a similar way to the sunscreens but are lighter for the face. They are also 5-star UVA and UVB blockers which exceed EU standards, but are moisturising antioxidants too, which are beneficial for the face. Both Face Fluids also contain Vitamin E to prevent cellular damage and are designed for sensitive skin. Additionally, they are all fragrance free, paraben free, hypoallergenic and water resistant!

Finally, the Altruist Primer SPF 50 is worn under make up (foundation, moisture tint etc) to give extra SPF protection. Just as light as the Face Fluids, it can also be worn under the sunscreens if you need extra heavy sun protection or your skin needs moisturising. If you’re not just sunbathing but going out socially in the sun, Altruist Primer SPF 50 is much lighter than sunscreen and allows you to wear whatever make up you prefer, with no residue or stickiness. It’s also water resistant so you can be around the pool or at the beach and not have to re-apply too often. It’s lovely and light too, so if you’re in the garden it can also be used for short periods of time.

Lots of lovely options for everyone this summer at the Altruist website, and even better, they start at £5.25!

Altruist Sunscreen and Sun Products are available online at: https://altruistsun.com/shop/

Kitchen Therapy- book by Charlotte Hastings

Birthday Gifts, Books, Family Life, Food & Drink, health, Home

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

There are self help books, cookery books and creativity ideas but Kitchen Therapy combines all of them to bring to you a new way of cooking – the way of conscious cooking.

Charlotte Hastings has a background in anthropology, has been head of Drama at a school for children with autism, ADHD and dyslexia and is a psychodynamic therapist. Until recently, these would all have looked like completely unrelated careers with no link to mental health and well-being but the premise of the book is that good health and good mental health come from looking after yourself from the food you eat and the way you prepare it.

The book starts with Kitchen Therapy. This is the practice of using good food, preparing it and even growing it in a way in which is more nutritious and works on your health from the inside out. Science have long believed that it’s not good enough to just eat your greens and have 3 meals a day, but the practice of growing food is good for your mental health, the process of gathering ingredients and preparing a meal is good for your soul. The creativity it brings to your life is just as nourishing as the food, which if you look at the spectrum of the foods available to us today, is the broadest and healthiest it has ever been, if you just look for it.

The book is not for the casual reader but more someone who is engrossed in either food or self-help or both. There are ‘Time to Reflect’ sessions which Hastings asks thoughtful questions about lifestyle and food. The book continues with a section of recipes called The Cards which again goes into depth about foods such as chocolate and tea and then different foodstuffs and meals.

The book is quite long and takes some time to get through with the amount of new information and references it makes. There is a ton of new material in there which if you are not familiar with a more holistic lifestyle will take a long while to get used to. It’s best read in total and then used as a reference book as the concepts make the recipes cards and some of the food choices more understandable. It’s totally different to a cookbook though, and it’s not self-help but it is hugely explanatory and life changing for anyone who isn’t used to the connection of food and their quality of life, as well as health.

Available from £14.99 online: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Therapy-Charlotte-Hastings/dp/1911383906/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11YY8DZA5VN0N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZUdca1dSTAyIE7g_2G3abtb5_qCi1N6A-6RBalhfgho.ZjdloNmqTB0WsRV-n3rFmBjr_L7Q0TqpzqlKe1xtfsE&dib_tag=se&keywords=kitchen+therapy+charlotte+hastings&qid=1720190646&sprefix=kitchen+thereapy%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

Organii SPF Sun Cream

Baby, beauty, camping, Children, cruelty-free, health, Summer, Vegan

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

Whilst we haven’t seen much sunshine in the UK in recent weeks, it is still important to use sunscreen. Even on a cloudy day you are still exposed to damaging UVA & UVB rays, so it is very important to use SPF all year round.

My family spend a lot of time outdoors, usually walking and cycling, so I always make sure they apply suncream before they leave the house, to protect their skin from the powerful rays of the sun. As my son has eczema, I always look for suncream products that are suitable for sensitive skin, so I was really pleased to receive a selection of Organii sun care products which are organic, natural, vegan and cruelty free and suitable for the whole family

Given the atrocious weather we’ve all been having this year I feared that testing this sunscreen may prove a little difficult. However, I popped them in my bag on a recent trip to Dorset and I’m really glad I did as the weather was much better than forecasted and we enjoyed a couple of glorious days of sunshine which gave us the opportunity to really put them to the test.

The SPF15 Face Everyday Anti-Ageing Face Cream is an anti-ageing moisturiser designed for year round daily use. It is suitable for all skin types and ideal for sensitive skin. When I squeezed it out of the tube, it was quite thick and white and I was expecting my face to resemble a ghost after the first application! I was therefore amazed when I realised just how easily it absorbs, the trick is to not use too much though! The sun cream has a gentle fragrance which is quite pleasant and it leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft as well as protecting it from the sun.

RRP £16.95

The SPF30 Medium Protection Sun Lotion is enriched with organic aloe vera, green tea leaf extract and coconut oil and offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection to help prevent sunburn. I did find the cream a little heavy – more like a SPF50 cream and even when I had rubbed it in it left my skin looking white, but this does mean that you know where you have applied it! I applied it in the morning before a full day hiking, reapplied it on my neck and shoulders (which are prone to burning) mid-way through the day and despite the heat my skin didn’t burn or turn red at all.

RRP £19.95

The organic SPF50, fragrance free, mineral Sun Milk protects against UVA and UVB rays, and is uniquely formulated to protect and care for your skin. The lotion is slightly sticky when you first put it on and like the SPF30 lotion it does make your skin look white. My husband tried this cream as his skin is quite fair and prone to burning and he spent a whole day in the sun without going red so he was really pleased with the protection it gives. With this SPF50 cream you can feel confident that skin is well protected and it is perfect for keeping little ones safe in the sun.

RRP £27.95

With its UVA, UVB, and water resistant properties, Organii sun creams offer great all-round protection, whether you are playing on the beach, walking, sailing or just out and about in the sun.