Category: Vegan

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Marys

Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Who needs lessons in cocktail making when you can buy the cocktail mixers ready-made nowadays, and enjoy your cocktail without any of the mess!

Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary is a pre-mixed Bloody Mary cocktail but without the alcohol. If you’re a fan of just the tomato juice, apple juice and apple cider vinegar summer drink then pop this in the fridge and drink away. Hugely hydrating, Marty’s Virgin Bloody Mary has no additives, is vegan and only contains natural sugars. You can of course, add your favourite alcohol to it to make up your own cocktail (conventional Bloody Marys have vodka but you can add anything you like to this!) or you can use it to create a completely new cocktail by adding other ingredients.  The high tomato content in this 750ml bottle can also be added to cooking – Bolognese sauces will never be the same!

Marty’s Mild Virgin Bloody Mary comes in a 750ml bottle but we were also sent the spicy version in 250ml. This had more of a kick to it and I would recommend the spicy version for cocktails where the alcohol balances out the spices. Both drinks are sold alcohol free though, so you can really taste the rich tomato flavours coming through in them, the spices that add the summer flavour and best of all, there’s no pulp from the tomato that you have to wade through in order to get to the flavour!  It is best to shake up the bottle first though as the natural juice does settle.

Best of all, Marty’s has won the Great Taste award in 2023 and A in the Aurora International Taste Challenge. Whenever a food wins such prestigious awards, I always like to find new ways of using it, so my lasagne is going to taste amazing this week, and I have ideas for a new salad dressing too!

MILD Virgin Bloody Mary currently on Sale for £20.99 for 3 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-mild-3-pack

SPICY Virgin Bloody Mary currently on sale for £16.99 for 6 at: https://drinkmartys.com/shop-uk/p/martys-virgin-bloody-mary-6pack

Fox Vintage Crisps

Food & Drink, Gluten Free, 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.

National Picnic Week is here and with warm and sunny weather forecast for the weekend it’s looking like it’s going to be perfect picnic weather.

Crisps are one of my staple picnic snacks, crunchy and packed full of flavour they are great to munch on whilst chatting with friends and are the perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, salads or even a bottle of beer! If you’re looking for an extra special crisp then you really need to try some of the hand cooked Artisan Olive Oil Company crisps – made in Italy they will add a real touch of luxury to any picnic basket.

The Fox Salt and Truffle Vintage Crisps are thickly cut and have a satisfying crunch which you bite them. I’ve never tried a truffle before so I can’t tell you how close the flavour is to a real truffle but the earthy flavour combined with the saltiness of the crisp works really well and you find yourself reaching for more!  

The Fox Italian Vegetable Crisps are made from the finest root vegetables including beetroot, parsnip and carrot. Baked to perfection and lightly salted they are lovely and crispy and incredibly moreish! They’re a reasonable thickness and well-seasoned and the saltiness really enhances the flavour of the root vegetables.

With a RRP of £4.25 they are in the more pricey, premium crisps bracket however for a special treat they are certainly worth the extra money.  

LipQ Liquorice Balm

beauty, Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Plastic free, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Sustainable, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

July is Plastic Free month and the beauty industry is notorious for creating products with plastic packaging, and sometimes products which contain plastic too.  LipQ have created this beautiful Liquorice Balm which comes in its own tin and doesn’t have a scrap of plastic in sight.  Never heard of Liquorice Balm? Well, that’s because this novel idea is borne from a need to prevent cold sores.  Liquorice in highly concentrated quantities, as included in the LipQ Liquorice Balm, has been proven to protect lips from cold sore outbreaks by weakening the virus that causes them.

LipQ Liquorice Balm contains glycyrrhizic acid to fight cold sores. Even if you’ve not been prone to them though, the balm works for everyone, combining a sweet almond and beeswax oil with avocado and sunflower seed oils and the liquorice root extract gives the balm it’s distinct scent. It’s not too overpowering though so you can detect it but even if you don’t like liquorice to eat, it’s not too strong.  The balm is lovely and cooling though, and it keeps the moisture in on your lips whilst giving a shine and it really isn’t that greasy either. There’s not the sticky marks left on drinking glasses like with other balms but it does work to give you hydrated lips. The handy tine of 30 grams lasts ages too, and is much easier to carry around than other brands.

It doesn’t matter if you suffer from cold sores or not, the LipQ Lquorice Balm is a plastic-free beauty alternative for all summer long.

Available online from £9.95 at: https://www.skinshop.co.uk/lipq/liquorice-balm

Silver & Birch Exfoliating Wash from Clarol

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

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

Some smart person somewhere in Russia discovered that birch is a great detoxifier and exfoliator for skin and can help prevent acne.  Clarol have used this information to bring out a new exfoliating wash that works in 4 different ways to clean, exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. We were sent some to try this week, and I must say, the scent alone is enough to brighten your skin!

Birch bark is known to detoxify the skin but uses natural ingredients instead of salicylic acid and methyl salicylate so your skin won’t dry out.  We don’t use birch bark anywhere near enough but the botulin in it reduces inflammation and Lupeol and Erythrodiol help produce the proteins needed to speed up the healing process. If you’ve had long term acne like me, then you’ll know that healing is part of a long process.

Silver & Birch Exfoliating Wash also contains MicroSilver, which has long been known for its antibacterial features. Brilliant for acne, it doesn’t irritate the skin either so you won’t ‘make it worse before it gets better’ like some over the counter products.  The exfoliating aspect of the wash takes away dead skin and helps clear pores allowing extracts of Bladderwrack and White Nettle to calm skin and Coffee Seed opens pores, which should help the extraction of oils and bacteria too. There’s tiny amounts of pumice stone and rice bran in there too, to add to the exfoliation.

This gentle exfoliator lathers up on wet skin and when massaged in, takes away a lot of the surface grease and dead skin.  You don’t need much of it to create the lather, and after 2-3 minutes, rinse with water (I like to use warm water) and your skin is cleared plus not as dry as with other brands of exfoliant washes. It’s also paraben free, vegan and perfume free too.

Silver & Birch Exfoliating Wash from Clarol is a lovely gentle wash, perfect for summer and especially for skin that suffers from acne and especially lots of make-up and not enough time to clear it!

Available from £12.95 at: https://www.skinshop.co.uk/clarol/clarol-silver-birch-exfoliating-face-wash

Leonor Greyl Haircare Products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan

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

With Father’s Day fast approaching, we will be sharing some great gift ideas with you to help you find the perfect gift for your Dad or Father figure. French haircare brand Leonor Greyl have a great selection of haircare products and the special men in your life won’t have a hair out of place once they’ve used them!

The Gentle Volumizing Shampoo is made with 96% natural ingredients and as the name suggests will improve volume – great for those Dad’s whose hair is starting to thin. The gentle action of real lavender honey combined with rose extracts mean it is gentle enough to be used daily and it leaves hair soft and shiny. The shampoo lathers easily, creating a creamy foam which removes dirt and grime from hair, leaving it feeling lovely and clean.

RRP £24.60

The Lait Lavant A La Banane shampoois made with 97% natural ingredients and is very gentle on hair. The shampoo lathers well and the vegetal proteins and banana sap extract help improve softness and shine on fine and oily hair. This shampoo smells lovely and as it removes odour and perspiration is great for sporty Dads.

RRP £26.95

Made with 90% natural ingredients the Alcohol-free styling gel is just what Dad needs for styling his hair. The alcohol free formula with hibiscus extracts is suitable for all hair types and provides support at the roots of thin and limp hair. Use it to create an all-over slicked-back look, or simply for controlling stray hairs or a pesky cowlick. It won’t dry out the hair, and with a firm hold that doesn’t flake, it’ll keep Dad’s hair looking fab all day.

RRP £ 18

 The Baume Bois de Rose is a matte finish modelling and sculpting balm which is made with 93% natural ingredients. The styling balm can be applied to either dry or damp hair and the non greasy formula also hydrates and protects hair. It’s great for smoothing fly away hair and a little goes a long way. It holds hair in place all day without leaving it feeling sticky and it smells amazing – I will definitely be borrowing this one – don’t tell Dad!!

RRP £45.07

Love Corn

camping, Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gluten Free, 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

We love going on picnics as they’re a great way to spend quality time with friends and family away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When the sun is shining, we’ll pack up a bag with treats and head off to find a picturesque spot to sit and relax and whether we’re on the beach, by a stream or up a hill the food always seems to taste a lot nicer outdoors!

LOVE CORN recently sent us a selection of their tasty snacks to try which went down a treat on our last picnic. Made by roasting corn kernels and by adding a little oil and spices LOVE CORN is incredibly crunchy and full of flavour and very moreish! With no synthetic flavouring the plant based snack is vegan, gluten free, Kosher and Non GMO and with 50% less fat than crisps is a much healthier choice.

Sea Salt is probably my favourite, it is a great alternative to popcorn or crisps and the saltiness works really well with the corn. My sons both love something with a bit more of a kick to it so the habsnero chilli really hit the spot for them.

Eating outdoors has a certain charm, so whether it’s a family day out, catch up with friends or a romantic picnic you won’t go wrong if you include a selection of Love Corn snacks in your picnic basket. Available in 7 different flavours – Sea Salt, Salt & Vinegar, Smoked bbq, Habanero Chilli, Cheese & Onion, Sour Cream & Chive and Milk Chocolate & Sea Salt which one will you try first?

LOVE CORN is also a great addition to salads and grazing boards. Try serving some of the habanero chilli LOVE CORN on a charcuterie board or sprinkle some sea salt LOVE CORN on a green salad to liven it up a little.

Sea Salt Multipacks are available from Sainsburys and Ocado for £3.25 and the Grab & Go Boxes containing 24 x 20g bags are available from Amazon at the current price of £18.99

Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites for Father’s Day

Birthday Gifts, Children, Days Out, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Halloween, Lunchbox Fillers, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Vegan

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

Think back to the sweets you had when you were young. Were Refreshers among them? What about Drumsticks and Love Hearts?  Swizzels Sweets have a treat for Dads this Father’s Day with a bumper selection perfect for Dad; or Grandad to keep him occupied during the weekend. We were sent a huge assortment of Swizzels sweets to test before the big Father’s Day onslaught of chocolate, sweets and treats so we hope you get some inspiration from these for your Dad!

First up is the big box of Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites. At 650 grams net it’s a pot pourri of favourites including Parma Violets, Refreshers, Double Lollies, Fizzers, Fruity Pops and Love Hearts. There’s also Drumsticks and Drumstick Squashies which are the same flavour but the Squashies are obviously softer on the teeth! Each of the sweets are as you remember them as a child and in this enormous round box, you can share them out within the family too.  They’re great for dipping into when you need to get a sugar rush or to give out after dinner. Dad will love them for the memories too.

Also in the review package were variety packs with a packet of another favourite – Swizzels Luscious Lollies.  There’s 16 lollies in this 176 gram pack which include Drumsticks, Fruity Pops and Double Lollies. Yes, there are some repeats here from the box of Sweet Shop Favourites but they are delicious and you probably don’t want to be taking a whole box out with you when you picnic or go on days out so 16 in a pack is ideal. All the lollies featured in this pack are also vegan and free from artificial colours.

There’s two more similar packs of sweets with the Swizzels Curious Chews at 171 grams and Swizzels Scrumptious Sweets at 173 grams.  The Curious Chews contain Drumsticks (again), Refreshers, and then Sour Refreshers, Puds (sticky toffee pudding flavour) and Fudg-eee Fudge Chews. None of those are recognisable to me so I’m guessing they’re new in the last few decades. They are indeed very chewy! I would stick to one at a time for these if you have anywhere near loose fillings but they are very addictive and the Fudg-eee and Puds really do taste as they’re supposed to.  The Scrumptious Sweets are some of our familiar Swizzels favourites including Drumsticks, Refreshers and Fizzers which again, are universally liked.

Finally, we have the Love Hearts! Everyone knew these sweets growing up so it’s only right that Dad gets them on Father’s Day too. The messages are slightly changed from the less-politically correct ones we might have had but the sentiments are the same. Love Hearts are vegan and free from Artificial Colours and this pack weighing 127 grams has approximately 12 little packs of sweets included, each with love messages on each sweet.

If you’re looking for a fun treat for Dad for Father’s Day, Swizzels Sweets are definitely going to be a favourite for any sweet tooth Dad!

Available from Ocado and other supermarkets: https://www.ocado.com/products/swizzels-sweet-shop-favourites-tub-456465011?ds_rl=1291426&ds_rl=1290929&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0YGyBhByEiwAQmBEWjC2y6gjspdSz9BGgxRlILm2GTFhSTK2j7tZBBr6UK68eS0CDAGBNhoCUosQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Peptide Dry Shampoo, Scalp Foam and Hair Mask from Hair Gain

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

We all need a bit of help with our hair sometimes.  I love the ritual of hair masks, conditioners and then using products to fix my hair once it’s washed and styled.  Hair Gain sent us the Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo, Hair Gain Hair Mask, Hair Gain Scalp Foam and a lovely Hair Gain Comb to try out!

Starting with the Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo, it’s not an aerosol and isn’t like a mousse so it’s easier to use and will last longer too.  The dry shampoo is more of a powder, administered by a soft pad which prevents the powder from going everywhere and also helps direct it to the roots.  I was particularly happy to find that it doesn’t leave a white residue on your hair, nor does it leave a residue on your clothes. Instead, it’s clear and just takes the edge off of the oil in your hair. You can use as much or as little of it as you like so that it takes off more of the greasy shine but you get used to how much you need to use with time.

The Hair Gain Scalp Foam is a fairly new concept for women but men have been using enhancers for years. The foam is absorbed into the scalp and helps grow fuller, thicker hair. It reduces hair breakages from the roots and strengthens hair over time to prevent long term breakages.  This is a product you need to keep using and it’s probably best to use after you’ve washed your hair but before you completely style it. The formula makes your hair fuller anyway so it makes hair styling easier if you like big curls or lots of volume.  Over time, this should have more of an effect so I would go with using it every wash until it’s used up and then you’ll see how good it is!

The Hair Gain Hair Mask is probably my favourite.  It’s a luscious treatment to nourish your hair and is intently hydrating. You only need to use it in your hair for 10 minutes whilst hair is towel dry and then wash out, and once or twice a week is enough. Again, over time this works even better but with just one application you will find that it starts to work on making hair softer and fuller. In combination with the Hair Gain Scalp Foam, it creates thicker locks and less breakages.  It’s also a vegan formula but it does contain alcohol, sulphates and parabens.

The Hair Gain Comb was a nice treat to send to us along with the hair care products! I love a chunky comb so this is great for any hair type whilst you’re in the shower and trying to get the product through your hair as well as smoothing down the cuticles, especially if your hair is long and thick. It looks like plastic but it’s actually made from materials which are 100% biodegradable.

The Hair Gain product package creates an all-round treatment for your hair, from dry shampoo through to hair mask as well as the handy comb!  I’m looking forward over time to seeing the long term results on my hair and how it’s changed in thickness and strength too.

Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo for £15.00: https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/dry-shampoo

Hair Gain Scalp Foam for £25.00 (on sale): https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/hair-gain-scalp-foam?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=4203a01fe&pr_rec_pid=7706678526122&pr_ref_pid=7903145492650&pr_seq=uniform

Hair Gain Hair Mask £25.60 (on sale): https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/hair-gain-hair-mask?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=4203a01fe&pr_rec_pid=6598552125610&pr_ref_pid=7903145492650&pr_seq=uniform

Hair Gain Hair Comb £11.95: https://www.hairgainnow.com/products/hair-gain-wide-tooth-comb?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=4203a01fe&pr_rec_pid=6851814752426&pr_ref_pid=7903145492650&pr_seq=uniform

Clean G Rhubarb Non Alcoholic Gin

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

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

On a sunny afternoon there’s nothing better than sitting in the garden with a good book and a refreshing G&T but the downside is the hangover that one too many glasses bring!  Fortunately, there are some excellent non alcoholic gins available and we have been enjoying this Clean G Rhubarb from Clean Co which has all the deliciousness of a rhubarb gin but doesn’t leave you with a groggy head the next day.  

If you’re not familiar with the brand Clean Co they were founded back in 2019 by Spencer Matthews and they create premium non-alcoholic spirits which taste just like the alcoholic versions. Their drinks are in lovely art-deco style bottles that would look stylish on any drinks trolley and unless you read the label you would be forgiven for thinking they are regular spirits.  

Distilled in copper pot gin stills the Clean G Rhubarb non-alcoholic fruity gin is infused with an array of fruit and botanical flavours, creating a well-balanced, complex spirit that has the beautiful taste and fresh dryness that you expect from a premium gin. I mixed it with an unflavoured light tonic to get the full flavour, adding the recommended wedge of lemon and found it to be a really refreshing drink. I was really impressed with the taste and it was so like a traditional rhubarb gin that my friends were amazed when I told them it was actually non-alcoholic!

With less than 0.5% ABV, no sugar or additional sweeteners and only 14 calories per 50ml serving it’s the perfect choice when you want something special that isn’t alcoholic. A party taste without the hangover – what’s not to like!

A 70cl bottle costs £16 and is available from Clean Co and supermarkets.

Phil Smith Curl Control Shampoo & Conditioner

beauty, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

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


If you have just started to embrace your curly hair, it is very easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products available, all promising to create amazing curls. Finding the right products to define your curls is not only time consuming but can be expensive too, as what works for one person doesn’t always work for another. Not everyone can afford to spend a small fortune on hair products so I was really pleased to discover the Everyday Expert range from celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith which costs a very purse friendly £4.

The range, which includes Curl Control, Radiant Blonde, Coconut Shine and Weightless Volume products has been designed to provide great quality, high performance haircare at an affordable price – the question is would the Curl Control shampoo and conditioner be able to tame my unruly curls??

The Curl Control products contain Grapeseed Oil which helps redefine and hydrate curls and both products have a lovely gentle fragrance. The shampoo lathers easily, creating a creamy foam which removes dirt and grime from my hair, leaving it feeling lovely and clean.

The conditioner is rich and creamy and easy to apply to my hair, I leave it on for a couple of minutes before scrunching it into my hair to help to add extra moisture to the curls. It rinses out easily, leaving my hair tangle free.

I am really impressed with these products, after leaving to dry naturally my curls were beautifully defined and looked amazing – shiny and bouncy and no longer flat, frizzy and fluffy. I really can’t believe these products only cost £4, they are so much better than some of the expensive shampoos and conditioners I have tried and are a fraction of the cost. Those that follow the Curly Girl method will be pleased to hear that they are Curly Girl Approved too.

After using these products for a couple of weeks I can see a huge improvement in my hair, it not only feels more nourished and hydrated, but the curls are more defined and it looks much shinier than it was before.

RRP £4 available online and from Sainsburys

Überlube

beauty, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, health, Sport, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

We don’t normally review things like lubricants but when I saw that Überlube can be used for many other uses, I was intrigued! The award winning silicone personal lubricant can be used in sport and for beauty thanks to the added Vitamin E and smooth texture.

Firstly, it can be used as an alternative to moisturiser, but not to moisturise skin, more to keep the moisture in. In the literature we were sent with Überlube it describes how some users find it a great alternative to prescribed medications for dry skin, although it doesn’t work the same way as moisturiser. This could be a bonus if you’re allergic to some prescribed skin medication but might not be as effective, so it’s worth trying it on dry skin first.

I didn’t know that hair salons and photographers use silicone preps such as Überlube for getting shiny, glossy hair.  Überlube works as a relaxant to frizzy hair and smooths down stray strands. Think of the classic low bun with pulled back, wet-look hair and you will find it is achieved with silicone lubricant. It also protects hair from chlorine in the pool but it can be difficult to wash out of your hair because it’s not water based. Try a small amount first to see how easy it is to remove, or if you’re going on holiday, dare I say, try it whilst you’re staying at a hotel!

Überlube is also great for sports. As a runner, I often get chafing when running especially in the summer, so applying Überlube first can make a huge difference. As it’s not water based, it doesn’t absorb or evaporate as easily so keeps the skin free from friction. Again, as there’s no water involved it can be used for swimming or under a wetsuit and the water won’t wash it away.

Überlube is made with cruelty free products and contains no alcohols, no gluten, no glycerine, no scent and no flavourings. It’s paraben free and all vegan so everyone can use it, no matter what use!

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.superdrug.com/health/sexual-health/lube-gel-jelly-oils/uberlube-silicone-lubricant-112ml/p/mp-00057217

Chantic Home Lip Balms

Autumn, beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

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

Founded in 2020 the mission of Chantic Home is “to create impactful and premium handcrafted gifts whist upholding the highest sustainable and ethical values.” Based in Harrow they offer luxury fragrance and skincare products that are both eco friendly and reasonably priced too.  

I’ve been trying out their 100% natural lip balms this week, which are handmade and available in in four fruity fragrances –  Wild Cherry, Watermelon, Sweet Orange and Passionfruit. Packaged in handy screw top tins they are the perfect size to pop a handbag or pocket, to keep lips moisturised when out and about.

I could tell from the minute I opened the tin that these lip balms are much better quality than an off the shelf lip balm. They smell lovely and fruity and have a silky smooth texture which glides easily onto lips, The balm is quite solid in the tin but quickly warms up with the warmth of a finger and once on your lips it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and it leaves my dry lips feeling soft and hydrated.

My ideal lip balm is one that pampers and nourishes my lips, keeping them soft and hydrated no matter what the conditions are and these lip balms tick all these boxes. Whether I’m out walking, on the beach or on the top of a windy mountain a quick application of this lip balm is all I need to keep my lips in tip top condition.

Chantic Home have a lovely selection of gifts on their website and they are all very reasonably priced. If you need a gift for a loved one or just want to treat yourself then it’s definitely worth taking a look – there’s even free shipping to the UK so even more of a reason to shop with them!

RRP £4

Clean Living Biological Multipurpose Cleaner

eco friendly, Family Life, Home & Garden, Vegan

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

Whilst it may not seem like it when you look out of the window, we are now officially in Spring! It’s been too wet to do much outdoors, so I’ve been busy Spring cleaning and was very pleased to receive the Biological Multipurpose Cleaner Starter Pack from Clean Living which has been well and truly put to the test with a wide variety of cleaning jobs in my house.  

I like my house to be clean and smell fresh, but I don’t really like using products that contain harmful chemicals, so I am really pleased that Clean Living use plant based biological formulas instead of harsh chemicals in their products. The products are built using live, friendly microbes which break down dirt, remove nasty odours and also stop mould, bacteria and viruses taking hold. I’ve been trying to reduce the amount of single use plastic and Clean Living offer the perfect solution as they are actively reducing plastic waste by using refillable aluminium bottles instead of the standard plastic trigger spray bottles.  

If you are new to Clean Living products ideally you need to purchase one of the starter kits, There are 10 different sets to choose from for cleaning everything from bathrooms, to sports equipment. I have been trying the Biological Multipurpose Cleaner set which contains a 300ml reusable aluminium container, a yellow microfibre cloth and a 30ml Biological Multi-purpose Cleaner concentrate sachet.

To start you simply pour the contents of the sachet into the bottle, top it up with tap water, give it a good shake and you’re ready to go.

The spray bottle is easy to use, giving a good even spray which is easily wiped away with the microfibre cloth. I first used it to clean my bathroom and I was really impressed how easily it removed the build of soap and grime, leaving everything fresh and sparkly clean. The microfibre cloth is lovely and soft and gives a streak free finish on mirrors and my glass shower doors.

The real test of how good it is was when I used it on the cooker after one of my sons had been frying chicken – and like all teenagers didn’t think to wipe it clean straight away! A couple of sprays and a quick wipe and the greasy marks were gone, leaving my cooker looking lovely and clean again.

I am really impressed with the Clean Living starter pack, it’s a great multipurpose cleaner that effectively removes dirt from bathroom taps, kitchen worksurfaces, hobs and more.  While slightly more expensive than the everyday supermarket cleaning products they are much better for the environment and kinder to your skin too.   

RRP £12.40 and refills are £2.07

Steamcream – Japanese Citrus

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Women

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

I love citrus scented products so was really pleased to receive a tin of Japanese Citrus moisturiser from Steamcream. Founded in Japan over 15 years ago Steamcream offer a “straightforward yet effective approach to skincare.”  

Handmade in small batches the cream is made using their unique Pure STEAM process, a unique steam emulsification technique which not only makes the cream lovely and light but means it absorbed into your skin easily too.   

When you open the tin, you can’t fail to notice the beautiful citrus fragrance and it feels quite indulgent massaging it into my skin. It feels a lot thinner than my normal moisturiser, so I was quite surprised at just how much moisture it gave to my dry skin, leaving it soft and hydrated all day long. I am really impressed with this cream and started to see an improvement in my skin after about a week, it looks fresher and there is a radiance that I didn’t have before.

With key ingredients Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Sugar Squalane, Citrus Sudachi Peel Extract and essential oils Yuzu, Iyokan, Citrus Nobilis & Kabosu this is a lovely fresh, light cream and perfect for the summer months. It’s great for travelling as it can also be used as a hand cream and body moisturiser too, not only saving space in your suitcase but leaving your skin hydrated and delicately fragranced too.

All the Steamcream moisturisers come in beautiful little tins that are perfect to keep in your bag and are great for storing small bits and pieces in once empty.

RRP: £22.00

Available from Steamcream here

Clean G Rhubarb Flavoured Non-Alcoholic Gin

Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Spring, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Gin and tonics are becoming more sophisticated these days, especially with home-grown gin from the British Isles.  Not only is Clean G a non-alcoholic gin though, but it has the botanical flavours you’d expect of a rhubarb gin, plus none of the sugar.  Oh, and it’s vegan too!

Clean G Rhubarb won 95 points in the IWSC Awards 2021 and is becoming a favourite amongst those who love gin, rhubarb gin and particularly people who are not drinking alcohol. Think post-lockdown, where everyone is trying to give up alcohol, save money and still work from home.  There’s no harm in a 2pm G&T if it’s made with Clean G non-alcoholic gin but it still feels like you’re celebrating or winding down because of the flavour.

Let’s talk about the flavour.  It’s a take on a London Dry Gin, so it has the flavour of rhubarb by with a dryness that makes it more like a grown-up drink.  Added perfectly to a tonic (we were sent a set of Fever Tree tonics to try it with!) you can still add lemon or any of your favourite garnishes and the flavour of a gin and tonic is still there.  The texture of a London Dry Gin is also there, with the tangy aftertaste of the rhubarb to remind you that it’s still got spirit, if not any sugar or alcohol.

There’s no reason why you couldn’t use Clean G Rhubarb in cocktails as well.  The Clean G website has some fantastic cocktail recipes based on well known bar cocktails at: https://clean.co/blogs/clean-cocktails?spirit=clean_g_rhubarb  We particularly like the Clean Applepolitan which includes apple, cranberry and lots of ice along with the Clean G Rhubarb of course!  

Available in supermarkets and online for £16 at:

Clean G Rhubarb

Rumi Cosmetics

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, 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.

As I’ve got older I’ve changed skincare products to suit my ageing skin but I’ve never thought about changing my make up, that is until Rumi Cosmetiques got in touch and offered to send me a couple of their products to try.  The family run company was founded  back in 2020 and they “strongly believe in creating beauty products for mature women that highlight their natural beauty instead of trying to cover it”

Mascara is the one item in my make up bag that I can’t live without, I love how it darkens and defines my lashes, making my eyes stand out and now I’m getting older I actually feel quite naked without it. The VolumeCare + Mascara is a 2-in-1 mascara that not only colours your eyelashes but it also conditions and nourishes them to give the appearance of longer, thicker & healthier eyelashes that are less likely to fall out or break. I have incredibly sensitive eyes and generally can only use a couple of brands, so I was really pleased to discover this mascara didn’t irritate my eyes at all and I could wear it all day without any signs of irritation.

When applying the mascara, I noticed an instant boost in length and volume with my lashes separating really well, it was easy to apply and build the colour and it didn’t clump at all. I was really impressed with the staying power of this mascara, it stayed put all day and looked just as fresh after 14 hours as it did when I first applied it. At the end of the day it was easily removed with a cotton pad soaked in my usual eye make-up remover.

RRP £31 available in Natural Black and Dark Brown

I don’t often wear eyeliner as I struggle to get a neat line, but following the handy tips on the website I actually found the LushLine+ waterproof eye liner really easy to apply, it was soft enough to give a smooth line without dragging my skin and it gave a strong defined line to my eye make up. I especially liked the built in sharpener meaning you never have a blunt eyeliner which makes it much easier to apply. The  eyeliner is smudge proof and waterproof and like the mascara lasts all day.

RRP £24 available in Natural Black, Natural Grey and Dark Brown

The PowerBrow+ Tinted Eyebrow gel comes in three different coffee themed colours, Espresso, Mocha and Latte which will suit most colourings. I’ve noticed that as I’ve got older my brows have become a little thinner but I’ve not used make up on them before  so after watching a couple of YouTube videos for guidance I had a go at applying the product on my brows. The brush is very easy to use and glided easily over my brows. It was quite easy to fill in the sparse areas and define the shape of my brows. The brush evenly distributed the colour and I was amazed at the difference it made to my brows.  

The gel also contains active ingredients that nourish and thicken your brows with every stroke so I’m hoping with continued use I will see an improvement in them.

RRP £26 available in Espresso, Mocha and Latte

I’m really impressed with these products, I would never have considered switching my make up now I am older, but these products are fantastic and really lift my eyes, they are kind to my sensitive skin and are now an essential part of my make up bag.


got2b got CURLZ Hair Products

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

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

I have naturally curly hair which is currently quite dry and frizzy and in desperate need of some TLC so the arrival of a parcel containing a couple of Schwarzkopf got2be got CURLZ products couldn’t have come at a better time!

The got2b gotCURLZ Coil Refreshing Cream is a lightweight 2 in 1 hair styling and care cream which moisturises and revitalises curls without weighing them down. Infused with coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil and shea butter this cream works by defining and sealing single coils to shape the hair. It can be applied to towel dried hair or a small amount can be used to refresh curls in between washes.

The cream is quite thick but as it’s in a wide screw top pot it is really easy to scoop out. I used a small amount on my shoulder length hair, raking it through to make sure it was evenly distributed before scrunching it in. I then dried it with my diffuser and I have to say I am really pleased with the results – my normally dry, frizzy mop of curls was magically transformed into beautifully defined bouncy curls. As well as looking amazing there was less frizz and my curls lasted longer, meaning I didn’t need to spend as long each morning refreshing them.

The cream is also great for defining curls between washes, a small amount scrunched into the ends of my hair was all I needed to define my curls and leave them looking good until the next wash day.

RRP £7

The got2b gotCURLZ Hydrating Beach Waves Spray is great for adding a little texture to my hair and I’ve been using this between washes to revitalise my hair. Infused with coconut water and ocean minerals it not only smells amazing but leaves my hair lovely and soft with a summery tousled look.  

It can be used on both damp and dry hair although I tend to get better results when I use it on dry, day old hair as it revives my curls and gives my hair a little body. It’s easy to use, simply spray onto dry hair and tousle or if using on wet hair you can leave your hair to dry naturally or use a diffuser.

RRP £7

Both products are Curly girl method approved and are suitable for Vegans too. If you have a Boots Advantage card there is currently an offer to save £1.50 per product here

Avani Hair Growth Oil by Hair Veda 

beauty, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

Hair Veda have taken a range of natural, organic oils and created an oil blend to promote hair growth in those with moderate hair loss. 

With the antibacterial and antimicrobial oil properties, the scalp is cleaned and nourished to provide the best conditions for hair to grow.  The anti-inflammatory properties increase circulation to the scalp which in turn increases growth of new hair, and the oils themselves condition the existing hair to leave it shinier and glossier with less frizz. The Vitamin C rich oils enrich hair growth and the oils also help prevent dandruff and further hair loss.

Containing Jojoba oil, Cedarwood oil, Thyme oil, Rosemary oil, Lavender oil and Lemon oil among other natural ingredients, the combination of the oils helps the scalp grow hair again after hair loss, plus strengthens new strands and your existing strands.  To reap the full benefits of Avani Hair Growth Oil, leave it in for a few hours and let it work its magic like a hair mask and over several weeks, you’ll start to see a difference.

The instructions say to warm up the oil first to have the maximum benefit, which I did by placing it near a warm radiator.  Then, using the pipette provided, drop it into sections of the scalp and massage into your hair roots. With the remaining oil on your hands, run it through the length of your hair to give a protective, nourishing coat. After a few hours, you just have to wash out with shampoo and then you can condition and style as normal. I find though, that you don’t need to shampoo more than once, the one shampoo application is enough to clean your hair and doesn’t strip out the good work of the oil.

Results are not immediate – not for hair loss anyway.  What you will find is that after a few hours of your locks marinating in the Avani Hair Growth Oil, the smell is divine from all of the different oils in the blend, and your hair from root to tip is nourished.  Your hair is nourished over time with each application so after you shampoo and condition, there’s a slight improvement each wash.  The hair loss improves slowly with each application too, with your hair regrowth being stronger so that the strands of hair withstand the daily combing, styling and pollution of everyday life.  Over months and years, this all adds up to healthier, stronger and more luscious hair!

Available online from £29.99 at: https://www.hairveda.co.uk/product-page/Avani

Love Raw Easter Box

Children, chocolate, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

These days there is so much choice when it comes to Easter Eggs and no matter what your taste there is an egg for you. Some of my friends and family are vegan and there’s also a couple with dairy intolerances so it’s fantastic to see such a good selection of plant based chocolate this year, meaning they don’t need to miss out on this chocolately tradition.

Love Raw make the most delicious plant based chocolate and they have just launched a limited edition Easter box, although you’ll need to be quick as it’s only available from the 22nd to 24th March!

Inside the box are the following products

1 x Nutty Choc Ball Box containing 9 individually wrapped balls.

Nutty Choc Balls are a crunchy hazelnut coated in a delicious vegan cream and then covered in a crisp wafer shell and finished with Low Raw’s iconic m:lk choc and hazelnut pieces. They are absolutely scrummy and it’s probably a good job there’s only 9 in the box!!

3 x White Choc Cream Wafer Bar
Each bar contains a deliciously crispy wafer, oozing with Love Raw’s signature cre&m® filling and generously smothered with vegan white chocolate. Whether you’re vegan or not you need to try these!

3 x Milk & 3 x White Choc Peanut Buttercups
Each cup oozes smooth, creamy peanut butter and is covered in Love Raw’s iconic m:lk® and white choc. In my opinion peanuts and chocolate are a winning combination and Love Raw are definitely on to a winner with these.

RRP  £29.99 available here

Easter Eggs and Treats from NOMO

Children, chocolate, Easter, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, 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.

NOMO want to ensure that Easter this year is available to everyone, so with their mantra, “No Missing Out” they are ready for anything! The NOMO range this year incudes chocolate which is dairy-free, gluten-free and egg-free plus plant based so there’s no excuses to buy something for everyone. We were sent a yummy selection to test before the big Easter Weekend… did we find something we all liked?

The NOMO Creamy Choc Egg and Mini Bars is a conventional Easter Egg with four mini bars of NOMO chocolates in flavours Choco Orange Crunch, Caramel, Mint and Caramel Sea Salt.  All of them are usual flavours of NOMO chocolate and found in shops, but together they make a package of chocolate and eggs for Easter. The mini bars are just like the creamy chocolate (which is comparable to milk chocolate just without the dairy!) in that they all taste like you expect chocolate to taste, but without the dairy, gluten, nuts or egg and are plant-powered.  They’re also all vegan too!

Next we tried the NOMO Choco Fudge Egg & Bunny. This is probably for older children or even dairy-free adults as the chocolate is much richer, more fudge filled and has tiny fudge pieces in it. The accompanying bunny is also a treat and filled of fudge too! Like the Creamy Choc egg, this too is dairy, gluten, nut and egg free with no palm oil and yes, it’s also vegan. Can you see where the theme, “No Missing Out” comes into play? No matter what you might be intolerable to or what you can’t eat, there’s a flavour of NOMO chocolate waiting for you.

Finally, the snack of grown-ups is the individually wrapped Choc Fudge Bunny. It’s part of the aforementioned Easter Egg combination but for 90 pence you can buy these on their own and enjoy a creamy chocolate hit.  The outside chocolate is creamy choc with a filling of a rich fudge flavoured centre.  At only 30 grams they are a sweet afternoon treat, or something to add to lunch to give you the chocolate hit but without the environmental guilt or having to think about what it might contain.  Also great for friends if you want to get them something for Easter but not something they might be allergic to, or if you’re unsure if they are vegan or vegetarian!

The Choc Fudge Easter Egg and the Bunny are probably my favourite because I love richer chocolate and the fudge makes a nice change. You really can’t tell if they’re conventional chocolate or free-from chocolate because they’re so well made and have all the flavour and sweetness of High Street chocolate.

No matter who you’re buying Easter Eggs for, this year you have a lovely choice from NOMO and no matter what someone’s need, or taste in chocolate, there is no reason for anyone to miss out.

NOMO Creamy Choc Eggs and Mini Bars (154 grams) MRRP £6.50:

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/nomo-creamy-choc-egg-mini-bars-154g

NOMO Choc Fudge Bunny (30 grams) MRRP 90p:

NOMO Choc Fudge Bunny 20 x 30g

NOMO Choc Fudge Egg & Bunny (160 grams) MRRP £6.50:

NOMO Choc Fudge Egg & Bunny

Grace & Stella Mother’s Day Pamper Gifts

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, 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.

Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day as it is more commonly known, falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent, meaning the date varies each year and if you’re not careful it creeps up on you without you realising! With the increasingly busy lives that we all seem to lead now, and with many people watching the pennies, it’s good to know that there are plenty of affordable and easily accessible gift ideas that mum will love this Mother’s Day. Amazon is my go-to place for last minute gift ideas and I know my Mum will love this selection of pampering treats from beauty brand Grace & Stella.

Rainbow Bath Bomb £19.99

The rainbow clouds are the ultimate bath time treat, scented with lavender extract and packed with nourishing oils to help you relax and unwind. The simple white clouds aren’t very exciting at first glance but when dropped in a bath full of warm water they quickly explode into a riot of vibrant colours, creating a swirling rainbow that is quite mesmerizing to watch. The beautiful lavender fragrance is lovely and relaxing and when you get out of the bath your skin feels lovely and soft.

Lavender Foot Peel Mask (2 pairs) £20

Winner of the “Best Footcare Product” in the 2023 Marie Claire Sin Awards these foot masks are the ultimate treat for tired feet. After soaking your feet in warm water for 10 minutes put the foot booties on, securing with the supplied tape and then put on a pair of socks, which helps speed up the peeling process. They need to be left on for an hour – so the perfect opportunity to grab yourself a cup of tea and a good book and relax whilst the magical ingredients do their stuff. After an hour you remove the bootie and then wash your feet with soap and water. My feet felt incredibly soft afterwards and I found the lavender scent was very relaxing. The peeling starts in 5-7 days and it is recommended that you soak your feet for 10 minutes everyday to help loosed the skin. I found it quite satisfying peeling the dead skin off and I was really impressed with how soft it has left my feet. While the peeling process might not be for everyone, I would say that the end result is definitely worth it.

Eye Mask (24 pairs) £17.50

Eye masks are a popular choice to help reduce under eye puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. These eye masks are simple to use, adhere nicely to the skin and stay put for the 15-20 minutes recommended use. The unscented eye masks are ideal for a boost when you haven’t had enough sleep and need to look bright and alert or you can incorporate them into a pamper session and sit back whilst they do their magic. I found they have really reduced puffiness, especially after a late night and after using them I look a lot fresher.

Face Mask £20.95

The Dead Sea Mud Mask is infused with Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Aloe Vera Juice and draws impurities like dirt and oil out of your clogged pores to give a clearer  complexion. Applying the mask was nice and simple as the mud spreads easily and then you then leave it to dry for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.  It took a few minutes to remove but my skin felt lovely afterwards and I was I was really impressed with how fresh and clear my complexion looked.

Lavender Body Lotion £14.95

Containing a whopping 470ml this body lotion contains Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera and Rosehip Oil that moisturizes, nourishes and soothes skin. This body lotion smells amazing, the lavender fragrance is calming and relaxing, yet not overpowering and it lingers nicely on your skin, creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere long after it has been applied. The lotion is smooth and creamy and absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue. My skin felt instantly hydrated and is a great choice for everyday use.

I’m really impressed with the Grace & Stella products  and I am sure lots of mums would be delighted to receive a selection of pampering products this Mothers Day.

Available from Amazon

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.

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

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!!


⁠

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/