Vegan – Page 2 – The Review Studio

Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto and Savoia Vino

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, 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’re looking to bring a touch of Italian elegance to your Christmas celebrations this year, then the charming tradition of Italian aperitivo is just the thing. This pre-dinner ritual not only awakens the palate and sets the stage for a delicious meal but also encourages guests to relax and socialise. At Christmas, aperitivo comes into its own, picture your friends and family gathered before dinner, sipping on sparkling cocktails whilst chatting and snacking. It’s easy, elegant and brimming with the festive buzz we all love.

But Aperitivo is more than just a drink, it’s a great gift too as it generally comes in bottles so stunning you’ll barely need to wrap them. A simple gift tag and a contrasting bow are all it takes to create a show stopping present. They’re the perfect choice for anyone who loves a bit of sophistication and let’s be honest, the brightly coloured bottles look great in a drinks cabinet or on a kitchen shelf. Pair one with some cocktail glasses, a cocktail shaker or some gourmet nibbles and you’ve got a great Christmas gift.

ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto has been created by Giuseppe Gallo and is inspired by the amazing flavours of his Amalfi Coast childhood. This aromatic liqueur delivers a perfectly balanced taste of Italy, with refreshingly bright citrus flavours from bergamot, a fruit best described as a cross between a sour orange and a lemon.

Grown, harvested, and distilled in Turin, ITALICUS features notes of ripe bergamot orange, light bitterness, and subtle floral spices. The bottle itself is a work of art with the design inspired by Italy’s architectural heritage and resembling the columns of ancient Rome. The marbled black and white stopper taking inspiration from Northern Italy’s gothic cathedrals. The aquamarine hue? It’s a clever trick of yellow liquid in blue glass, evoking the sparkling tones of the Amalfi Coast.

Drink it with Prosecco or Champagne for a ITALICUS Spritz and garnish with green olives for a touch of saltiness. Or shake things up with the ITALICUS Cup, blending tonic and grapefruit soda for a zesty twist on a classic Margarita.

RRP £31.75 available from The Whisky Exchange

Savoia is a certified vegan vino aperitivo that boasts a complex blend of 24 botanicals, including bitter orange, gentian root, pink grapefruit, and warming winter spices like cardamom and ginger. It is available in two flavours, Rosso and Orancio.

Savoia Rosso, includes a touch of Marsala wine while Savoia Orancio channels the exotic flavours of saffron and pomegranate, drawing from Marco Polo’s Silk Road adventures. Both are ideal for classic cocktails like a Negroni, Spritz, or Garibaldi, or why not try inventing a few of your own? You can find a selection of recipes on their website, casa-savoia.com.

Like the Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto the design of the Savoia bottles pays homage to Italy’s royal heritage, with nods to Turin, the first capital of unified Italy. The wooden stopper evokes the Mole Antonelliana building, and the horizontal infinity symbol represents the countless ways Savoia can be enjoyed. With an ABV of 18.6%, the Rosso’s design even marks 1861, the year of Italian unification.

RRP £20 Available from Italspirits

These bottles make great Christmas gifts, whether it’s for the cocktail enthusiast ready to shake things up on Christmas Day or for Granny looking to try something a bit different. Either way, they are sure to be a festive hit!

Christmas Beauty Round Up

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

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

The winter months can be harsh on your skin so it’s worth investing in some good skincare products to ensure you’re glowing and party-ready for the festive season. Begin with a high-quality cleanser to remove impurities and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. The COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is an excellent choice thanks to it’s gentle, yet effective formula that improves skin texture, clarifies and removes impurities whilst maintaining a balanced pH. Applied to wet skin and massaged in before rinsing it’s tea tree oil infused formula provides a refreshing, medicinal scent that helps wake you up in the morning! It lathers nicely and cleanses e without leaving skin feeling dry.

RRP £15.99 150ml

Next, apply a rich, hydrating moisturizer to combat the drying effects of colder weather, keeping your skin plump and radiant. The Embroyolisse Lait Crème Concentrate moisturiser is a lovely rich moisturiser which is suitable for all skin types. This multipurpose product doubles as a body moisturiser, face mask, primer makeup remover and even a post shave soother. Enriched with essential fatty acids and vitamins it nourishes, hydrates and protects your skin. It’s creamy non-runny consistency is easy to apply and is an excellent base for make up while keeping skin hydrated all day.

RRP £24.99 100ml

For your night time routine add a retinol cream to boost cell renewal and smooth fine lines for a youthful, refreshed complexion. COSRX The Retinol 0.3 is designed to target visible signs of ageing so will help those wrinkles and fine lines, loss elasticity, uneven skin tone and visible pores, making it a must have addition to your winter skincare line up.

RRP £32 20ml

Having looked after your skin throughout November, you’ll be ready to dazzle at every festive party. To take your look to the next level, a pair of false eyelashes are just what you need to add an extra touch of glamour. The Ardell Wispies Lashes (RRP £5) are a fantastic choice, they’re lightweight, easy to apply, and beautifully enhance your eyes with their fluttery, natural design. If you prefer a glue-free option, the Ardell Naked Press-On Lashes (RRP £14.50) are ideal. They’re quick and hassle-free, providing the same eye-enhancing effect with minimal effort. Whether you go for a dramatic or subtle look, these lashes will perfectly complement your radiant, party-ready skin.

Elemental Herbology

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, 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

Skincare gifts that combine effectiveness with a touch of indulgence are a great idea for Christmas gifts and Elemental Herbology have a fantastic selection to choose from. Inspired by the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine they blend top quality, natural ingredients with cutting end technology to give your skin exactly what it needs. These are exactly the kind of gifts I’d love to find under the tree on Christmas morning so I can indulge in a spot of pampering after the festive madness is over!!

As you know winter can be incredibly harsh on our skin, the cold air outside combined with the drying effects of central heating often leaves it feeling dry and dull. That’s why it’s so important to give your skin extra TLC in the winter months. Elemental Herbology’s face creams are beautifully rich and luxurious yet absorb quickly, so you don’t get that heavy or greasy feeling on your face. The creams are formulated with even the most sensitive skin in mind, using an ultra-hydrating complex that deeply nourishes dry, dehydrated skin to leave it looking plump and healthy.

The Cell Plumping Moisturiser has a smooth silky texture that absorbs effortlessly into the skin, providing excellent hydration without the greasiness. It feels lightweight and I’m loving the softness and slight mattifying effect that it gives. After a couple of weeks my skin feels softer, smoother and has a radiance about it that I certainly didn’t have before.

RRP £55 (50ml)

Now for the Facial Souffle Ultra Rich Cream, this is an intensely hydrating multi purpose cream that works perfectly as a day or night moisturiser and doubles as an overnight face mask. The rich, creamy texture absorbs beautifully, enveloping my skin in a cocoon of hydration. By morning, my skin feels incredibly nourished, soft and refreshed – as if I’ve had a good eight hours sleep – even when I haven’t!

RRP £55 (50ml)

The Detox Neroli & Rose Damask hand and body wash is another favourite, made with a blend of natural oils and botanicals it lathers nicely and has an incredible fragrance that lingers softly on the skin, transforming a shower into a truly sensual experience. I love how it leaves my skin feeling refreshed yet pampered, adding a touch of luxury to my daily routine. Slip this into a stocking, and it’s bound to add a touch of elegance to anyone’s bathroom!

RRP £14

And finally, the Detox Bath and Body Oil. Now, this is the one you’ll want to treat yourself to as well as gifting to others. Add a few drops to a hot bath once the Christmas festivities are over and the stress will simply melt away. It’s rich, nourishing, and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Plus, it’s got that spa-like aroma, so even if you’re only in the bath for a quick 10 minutes, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported somewhere fabulous. Not only is it a fantastic bath oil it also doubles as a body oil so you can enjoy the beautiful fragrance all day long. The blend is designed to detoxify and rejuvenate both body and mind and the ingredients are carefully selected for their unique benefits.

Rosemary: Boosts mental clarity and encourages digestive flow.
Grapefruit: Detoxifies the skin and supports healthy digestion.
Juniper Berry: Cleansing and purifying, it enhances circulation and refreshes the skin.

It’s the perfect addition to any self-care routine, giving your body a revitalizing boost during the winter months!

RRP £33

So if you’re looking for gifts that bring a bit of that “aaah” feeling, these are a great choice, perfect for mums, sisters, friends or anyone who loves a bit of pampering.

Soopa Plant-Based Dog Treats

Christmas, Pets, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

If you are plant based, then you’ll probably want your dog to be too! Soopa have brought out a range of plant-based dog treats based around fruit and vegetables which add extra nutrients to your pet’s diet and some delicious flavours too. We were sent a box of new flavours, especially for Christmas, to try out on the office pooches.

In the range this year are Dental Sticks and Healthy Bites (lovely flower shaped treats) in Gingerbread Biscuit and Pumpkin Spiced Latte flavours, and a Christmas Selection Box with Cranberry & Sweet Potato flavoured Superfood Sticks and Healthy Bites. These all sound very nutritious to me and the fact that they are plant based is intriguing! The company Soopa was started by Barbara for her dog Lily after Barbara saw the health problems of the dogs coming into her grooming business. Most of the problems she saw included obesity, diabetes and allergies which were caused or made worse by commercial foods. Barbara wanted to create a food for her dog Lily to enjoy and be healthier than other foods on the market.

All of the Soopa foods include 100% human food grade products. They’re low in calorie too with the Soopa Healthy Bites each containing just 3 calories per treat. The ingredients are not just seasonal either with some of the treats and sticks containing food which benefits too. For example, the Gingerbread Biscuit Dental Sticks contain cranberry and ginger to aid digestion, reduce inflammation and boost urinary tract health. The Pumpkin Spiced Latte Dental Sticks also aid digestion and promote a shiny, healthy coat too. Each of the treats with the same ingredients support your dog in the same way too.

I really like the idea of the Soopa Christmas Selection Box as a treat for your dog or a gift for Christmas Day and the rest of the family to open. The Cranberry & Sweet Potato (with natural flaxseed) sticks and bites are also grain free and actually smell lovely, not like meat at all, and are very Christmassy!

It’s no secret that dogs love vegetables as well as meat so you would be helping their overall diet by adding something other than chicken or beef to their daily meals. The added health benefits of natural, food grade veggie ingredients can only further support their health and give them some variety too, plus dogs will love the low calorie treats without you feeling guilt about giving them!

Soopa Dental Sticks £4.20: https://soopapets.com/collections/new-products/products/strawberry-dog-quiri-dental-sticks-copy

Christmas Selection Box £6.99: https://soopapets.com/products/cranberry-sweet-potato-christmas-selection-box?_pos=1&_sid=0d39009ed&_ss=r

NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent Calendar

advent calendar, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Home, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

All kids, whether they can eat dairy, nuts or eggs, will love the NOMO Chocolate Advent Calendar! That’s because NOMO make chocolate with none of those ingredients to create a vegan chocolate that’s also pal oil free and gluten free. What’s not to like?

The NOMO Advent Calendar is filled with 24 days’ worth of NOMO chocolate drops in Creamy Choc flavour, which to you and me is the equivalent of “milk chocolate’ except as these are dairy-free, there is no milk involved! The choc drops are each 3.3 grams in weight and have the same soft texture of the milk chocolate you buy in shops. It’s not gritty either and doesn’t leave an after taste like some Free From chocolates do. There isn’t anything in eating them that makes you think that it’s anything but milk chocolate, so you really don’t feel like you’re missing out.

I particularly like that the NOMO calendars are still giving 24 days’ worth of treats, as advent calendars should, but may manufactures have now gone to just 12 or even 10 days of Christmas treats. Hardly an advent calendar but at least with NOMO you can give this as a gift to children and still maintain the legitimate Christmas Advent Calendar theme.

The NOMO Creamy Choc Drops Advent Calendar is a great gift for adults or children, and even better, it’s really universal so even if you’re not sure if they can or can’t eat an ingredient, NOMO has you covered.

Available from shops and online for £6

NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent Calendar

advent calendar, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

You won’t miss out on Christmas advent calendars this year if you don’t or can’t eat chocolate. The NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent Calendar is dairy free, nut free, gluten free and egg free, plus their chocolate has no palm oil!

This bumper advent calendar measures nearly 40 centimetres tall and includes 24 mini NOMO chocolate bars in flavours Mint, Creamy Choc, Caramel and Orange each of 11.8 grams. On Christmas Eve, there’s also a 38 gram Caramel bar to celebrate Christmas.

All of the NOMO chocolate flavours are gluten free, egg free, nut free and most especially, dairy free. They contain sugar, rice flour and cocoa butter but no palm oil, which also lends the whole chocolate company to being Rainforest Alliance Certified.

The NOMO Ultimate Choco Advent lends itself to adults as well as children, with the variety of flavours and at just £12 for the whole 24-day calendar, it’s a great gift too!

Available from shops and online for £12 at: https://nomochoc.com/products/ultimate-advent-calendar

Clean Co Alcohol Free Gin

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

The original is still the greatest and the Clean G Alcohol Free Spirit (otherwise known as the non-alcoholic gin) is still up there as the standard for 0% gins.

The first zero alcohol spirit in the Clean Co drinks cabinet (they also have alcohol free pink gin, rum and whiskey among others), Clean G is made without the distilling that creates the alcohol, therefore giving it the gin taste but without the fumes! It also means that Clean G is lower in calories, sugar free and available to be added to cocktails just as easily as the alcohol version.

Does it taste like gin though? Without mentioning that a bottle of Clean G had been sent to me, friends commented on how the Clean Co product was just as tasty as gin and sin-free too so makes for a perfect tipple on a school night or when out at lunch with work. It’s award winning too, not just for taste but for how easily it substitutes the alcoholic version in G&Ts or mixing into cocktails. It’s made in the UK and vegan friendly too and contains less than 6 calories per double shot. All-natural flavourings and no artificial sweeteners, this is perfect for Christmas either as a gift to anyone, or for drinking and not worrying about the hangover afterwards.

If you haven’t heard of the Clean Co range of drinks, you’re certain to over Christmas and into 2025 as they gain notoriety for being so versatile and much friendlier than spirits. So many people are switching to Clean G and even pubs and restaurants are making non-alcoholic cocktails with Clean G products that it’s becoming the fashion now to drink and not be drinking alcohol.

Available in shops and online from £16:

Clean G

Capri Sun Limited Edition Halloween Packs

Autumn, Children, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Halloween, Lunchbox Fillers, Vegan

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

With Halloween just around the corner, the shops are packed with an amazing assortment of spooky-themed goodies. In addition to the classic pumpkins, there’s a fantastic range of Halloween-inspired food and drinks which are perfect for Halloween parties. Our little witches and ghouls have been sampling some of these frightfully delicious treats, and the limited edition Halloween packs from Capri Sun have been a big hit this week. Each 200ml pouch showcases a fun, spooky character, and if you’re lucky enough to find a box that contains the golden ghost, you could win £1000!

RRP: £5 for 15, £3.25 for 8 available from all major UK grocery retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons

PLAYin CHOC Christmas Collection Chocolate Toys

Children, chocolate, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gluten Free, Stocking Fillers, Toys, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Buying gifts at Christmas for other people’s children can be tricky but the PLAYin CHOC makes that much easier! A present that is both chocolate and has a self-assembly element to the toy before children can play with it, there’s the added bonus that the chocolate is plant based. It’s vegan, dairy free, nut free and gluten free, so there’s no reason any child couldn’t receive it!

The PLAYin CHOC Christmas Collection is a suite of 6 boxes which are also sold separately. Each of the boxes contains a toy to be put together, but they’re easy enough for a child. The toys included in the Christmas collection are a snowman, an elf, Father Christmas, a Gingerbread Man, a reindeer and a Christmas tree along with a fun fact card. Inside each box there are 2x 10 gram pieces of chocolate, individually wrapped. They’re made with no dairy, using coconut sugar and creamed coconut instead. The chocolate flavour is from the cocoa solids and the sweetness is from vanilla pods. It tastes just like milk chocolate and has none of the fake sweetener.

Why not add them to a Christmas Stocking this year?

PLAYin CHOC has won numerous awards including the Global Travel Retail Award 2024, the Great Taste Award 2022, Gold at the Free From Food Award 2023 and a Gold Vegan Chocolate Award 2023 and is certified Organic Soil Association.

Available from £2.25 at:

ToyChoc Box®<br>CHRiSTMAS COLLECTiON

Embryolisse Purpose Moisturiser, Calm and Sooth Facial Oil and Rubis Tweezers

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, 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’ve been sent this lovely ensemble of beauty products for Christmas and I couldn’t wait to try them for you and let you know what they’re all about! The size of these products and in combination together make them ideal for going on holiday, or for a Christmas stocking.

We start with the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser. It’s a multipurpose moisturiser but is very rich so can be used for lots of purposes. I love a rich moisturiser anyway but this can be used as make-up remover, a face mask, hand cream or as a body lotion. It doesn’t have an SPF so I would use this during the winter when my skin is dry and the heating and air conditioning are on full blast, and additionally as a hand cream. It would be brilliant in the spring and summer on holiday because it’s so versatile. I love the cool texture and it’s not greasy, plus at the sale price of £11.19 (it’s usually £13.99) it’s a steal.

Facial oils are all the rage now and I personally love them. The Calm and Sooth Facial Oil from Elemental Herbology is blended with plant extracts and essential oils to nourish your face. Just one drop is enough to cover your whole visage and you can really smell the calming flower essences which helps with the calming effect. I use the facial oils to give myself lymphatic massages, which is a huge boost to tone your skin and gives you an even colour. It’s very relaxing too and with the Calm and Sooth Facial Oil, you will be in bliss within a few hours of massage!

Finally, the staple of the beauty cabinet is a very good pair of tweezers. Rubis are famous for producing high quality tweezers and these are no exception. Sharp and slanted, they are designed for eye brows but can be used for many tasks as they’re so precise. They come in different colours but these gold ones look especially good if you’re going on holiday too! These ones are coated in yellow gold so are also antibacterial. I love using them because of how precise they are and you can get a good grip. Fabulous tweezers are the staple of any beauty regime so these are a great investment for your make up bag.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser £11.19: https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/embryolisse-lait-creme-concentre-multi-purpose-moisturiser-30ml/11118732/?switchcurrency=GBP&utm_medium=cpc&shippingcountry=GB&gclid=93cbe3f17d671c4d0db0854f59c88a68&msclkid=93cbe3f17d671c4d0db0854f59c88a68&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=LF%20%7C%7C%20UK%20%7C%7C%20EN%20%7C%7C%20PMAX%20%7C%7C%20ePMAX%20%7C%7C%20Skincare&utm_term=2331995443444706&utm_content=Skincare&affil=thgppc&gclsrc=3p.ds

Calm and Sooth Facial Oil £44: https://www.elementalherbology.com/collections/best-selling-skincare/products/calm-soothe-facial-oil

Rubis Tweezers available for £27.88 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rubis-tweezers-classic-slanted-satin/dp/B0133ME3MC/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

Happi Oat Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar

advent calendar, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Gifts for children, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

The team at Happi are made up of parents who when looking for plant based treats, realised that there wasn’t a place for fun and healthy chocolate on the supermarket shelves – so they created Happi Chocolate for just that reason! In 2020, they came up with the idea of oat milk chocolate that was not only plant based, but lower in sugar than other plant based chocolate manufacturers and sustainably sourced and packaged. Their Happi Advent Calendar is right on track with the same principles and we were sent a lovely 24 day calendar to try out!

The Happi 3 flavour Oat Milk Advent Calendar is made entirely of recyclable products, mainly cardboard and paper, and contains an individually wrapped oak milk chocolate behind each window. There are 3 flavours; plain, orange and salted caramel. The plain chocolate (and don’t worry, I’ve sampled enough of them for you!) is like any other chocolate but the aftertaste is more of the bitter chocolate rather than the sweetness you get with commercial chocolates. The orange chocolates taste of orange from the first bite and have only a slight orange after taste. The salted caramel flavours were my favourite because they had the slightly grainy texture from the salt but the caramel wasn’t too sweet and the lasting taste was that of the salt mixed with the chocolate. You wouldn’t know that they were made from oat milk and not cow’s milk.

The calendar is only fairly sturdy. It arrived at my house a bit wider than an A4 page and although the calendar and chocolate easily withstood the postal system, the cover and the printing did not. I found it a bit difficult to open the windows myself, and that’s with my long nails because there are layers of cardboard which keep the shape of the calendar overall but also protect the chocolate. Children will probably need some help but the good news is that the cardboard is easily cut if you need it to be. Behind each window is one chocolate and that’s the same for day 24.

A genuine vegan, plant based chocolate is hard to find without it losing some of its flavour but Happi have a lovely product here and it’s not just for children!

Available from £15.00

Rumi Cosmetiques Ultimate Lash Care and BrowCare+

beauty, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, 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.

Since 2020, Rumi Cosmetiques has been on a mission to produce the highest quality make-up with the intention of helping all women, but especially older women, be their very best. This meant creating a make-up range which is made for sensitive skin, vegan and cruelty free. Starting with their eye make-up, Rumi have products for all ages and all of them are confidence building to make you feel more beautiful. We were sent the Ultimate Lash Care Kit and the BrowCare+ Kit for to see how they stand up to being Christmas gifts!

The Ultimate Lash Care Kit comprises of 3 products; mascara (VolumeCare+), eye liner (LushLine+) and serum (LashCare+). If you look on the website (below) you can choose which colours suit you best and the serum size so you can mix and match as you wish. There’s also a cool option to be able to have the products on a 3-month subscription so that you don’t ever run out! We had the black eye liner and black mascara to try, which I would say are the safest and most standard colours but as time goes on and if you order more, you could get a mix of colours for different looks.

VolumeCare+ Mascara is designed to thicken eye lashes which naturally thin with age. The mascara dramatically volumizes eye lashes with deep colour and also separates each lash, leaving it waterproof too (great if you’re going on holiday!) but you will need to have proper eye make-up remover to remove it at the end of the day. The easy-to-apply LashLine+ is a pencil like eye liner which makes it easier to apply than a liner brush and easily glides onto the eye lid. In combination with the VolumeCare+ Mascara, it accentuates the eye, probably because it draws out the corner of your eye and works in tandem with the mascara to elevate the lashes. So far so good!

The LashCare+ serum is a new one on me. I don’t normally use serum on my eye lashes but seeing as I uses extra serum on my skin and a similar serum on my hair nowadays it makes sense to use one on my eye lashes. It’s applied once a day, so I’ve been putting it on before bed. It’s only been a few weeks so I can’t see the full effect but I’m hoping it works even better over time as it does with helping the mascara bond to my eye lashes. Make-up for older women has really come along!

Lastly, we were also sent the lovely BrowCare+ Serum. Again, a brow serum is not something that I have used before but with my eye brows becoming more erratic (yes, I used that word!) it makes sense to try and tame them with something that makes them fuller but also more controllable. The BrowCare+ Serum needs just one application a day (makes sense for it to be at night at the same time as the eyelashes) and nourishes the brow hairs so that they grow thicker and stronger, and tamer too! This typically takes a month or so to start showing so it’s another one of the long road ahead and perhaps a very good reason to buy more than one BrowCare+ Serum at a time.

Over time, my eye lashes and brows should start to thicken, back to (nearly) what they were in my youth!

Ultimate Lash Care Kit £67.00: https://uk.rumicosmetiques.com/products/mascara-eyeliner-lash-serum

BrowCare+ £64:

BrowCare+ Serum

Mixtons Forbidden Zest Cocktail

alcoholic drinks, Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, Halloween, Mother's Day, secret santa, 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 and opinions are our own.

Halloween is all about fun – from eerie costumes to spooky décor and tasty treats, but when it comes to hosting the ultimate Halloween party, the last thing you want is to be stuck behind the bar, shaking up cocktails all night. This is where canned cocktails come in, the perfect party hack for anyone looking to serve up a wide variety of drinks without the hassle. These pre-mixed gems are perfect for parties as there is no need for complicated recipes or endless bottles of spirits and mixers – simply chill the cans, open, and enjoy!

I’ve recently discovered Mixtons cocktails and have become quite partial to their Forbidden Zest cocktail, a delicious blend of gin, blood orange, grapefruit, and yuzu that screams Halloween in every way. With its vibrant, blood-red hue, this cocktail adds a dramatic touch to any Halloween party, perfectly complementing the eerie atmosphere of the night.

As for the taste? It’s a refreshing, citrus-based cocktail with the natural sweetness of blood orange beautifully balanced by the tangy kick of grapefruit and yuzu, creating a cocktail that’s both fruity and zingy. The gin adds a smooth and sophisticated undertone, balancing the bold citrus notes with a crisp finish. It’s the kind of drink that’s light and invigorating, perfect for sipping throughout a lively Halloween evening.

So this Halloween, skip the bar setup and stock up on Mixtons Forbidden Zest. With its fruity, zingy flavour, eye catching red hue and handy 200ml cans, it’s the perfect way to keep your party spirits high – no tricks, just treats!

Box of 6 £22.50

The Copenhagen Company Grapefruit Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

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

Candles have a magical ability to transform any room into a cosy, inviting retreat. The gentle flicker of the flame, combined with a beautiful fragrance, creates an ambience perfect for unwinding after a long day. Whether you’re curled up with a book, soaking in a bath, or listening to soothing music, candlelight helps relax both body and mind.

The Copenhagen Company have a fantastic range of candles, diffusers and room sprays with a great range of scents including classic florals like French Lavender and Peony and my all time favourite – Grapefruit. The family business was established in 1999 and draws inspiration from founder Bo’s Danish roots and love for fine fragrances. Their collection captures the essence of Hygge, offering products that bring warmth and comfort to your space, and are perfect as we head into autumn with the longer, darker nights.

The grapefruit-scented candle has refreshing top notes of grapefruit, blackcurrant, and passionfruit, with a rich base of vanilla and sandalwood. Once lit, the fragrance quickly fills the room and the beautiful scent lingers long after the candle has been extinguished – in fact I can still detect it the following morning.

The grapefruit’s zesty aroma is uplifting and energizing and perfect for brightening your mood and refreshing your space. Whether it’s your kitchen, living room, or home office, the scent brings a revitalizing touch to any room. The candle’s double wicks ensure an even burn, consistently releasing fragrance while providing extra warmth and light, enhancing the cosy atmosphere for those peaceful moments of relaxation.

The 600g candle has a burn time of 60-65 hours so my home is going to be smelling lovely in the run up to Christmas!

Not only is this candle a wonderful treat for yourself, but it also makes a thoughtful Christmas gift. The bright, citrusy scent is a refreshing change from traditional holiday aromas, making it an ideal gift for anyone looking to elevate their home with a warm yet invigorating fragrance.

RRP £17

Siprano Non-Alcoholic Wine

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Today, there are not only a lot more choices available to us for alcohol but non-alcoholic drinks are also becoming increasingly popular, and much better than they used to be.

Siprano was born out of owner Anna-Louise’s sobriety and an opportunity she found to create wines that were non-alcoholic but tasted as good as the real thing. There are a surprisingly large demographic of buyers who don’t want or can’t drink alcohol, and those, like me, who just don’t like the taste. Ultimately, the non-alcoholic market is much larger than the drinker’s market and has more longevity, so Anna-Louise has hit the nail on the head with her idea, and especially in time for Christmas.

Anna-Louise sent me a bottle of each of my favourite wines; a Riesling white wine called The Very Cautious One and a Rosé called Darling Cellars Grenache. Both are alcohol free and refreshingly, also vegan so anyone can drink these!

The Very Cautious One was our first to open. A dry wine, it is typically Riesling flavour with Australian grapes. Not a tough drink at all, it has sharp tones but a slightly fruity taste which develops with time. It feels like a wine but perhaps not the same Riesling flavour as the alcoholic version but still refreshing and easy to drink either on its own or as part of a meal. It’s light-medium bodies so you can drink more of it than you might imagine.

The DC Rosé is made with 98% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Grenache from South Africa and has distinct delicacy to it with a fruity sweetness. This is a great pairing with a pasta meal or after dinner and is very drinkable. This tastes more like its alcoholic rosé cousin and goes down well on its own or with a meal, and even a snack in the evening. Particularly good sharing with a group of friends where you can forget that it’s not alcoholic and enjoy it anyway!

Siprano has an online quiz on their website to help you choose which wine is best for you, with a subscription of 1-4 bottles per week delivered to your door. Their gift idea also works perfectly as a gift for someone to receive a bottle per month for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. Nothing stopping you having your own subscription for the next 12 months too, and with it being non-alcoholic wine, it won’t be the alcohol preventing you opening a bottle as often as you like.

www.Siprano.co.uk have a new website which they’re eager to show off, so have a look and see if the quiz, or any of their evolving products take your fancy.

The Very Cautious One White £10.60: https://siprano.co.uk/collections/white-wine-alcohol-free/products/de-bortoli-the-very-cautious-riesling-alcohol-free-white-wine

Darling Cellars Rosé wine £9.35: https://siprano.co.uk/collections/rose-wine-alcohol-free/products/darling-cellars-grenache-alcohol-free-rose-wine

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

Saabuni Illuminating Saffron Serum

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, 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 and opinions are our own.

I’m always on the hunt for skincare products that enhance my complexion, so I was thrilled to try the Illuminating Saffron Serum from Saabuni. This natural, cruelty-free facial oil features a potent blend of Saffron, Liquorice, Indian Madder, and Banyan Tree extracts, designed to visibly firm the skin and leave it glowing with youthful radiance.

Saabuni’s story is as captivating as their products. The brand was founded by Naseema, who was inspired by her grandmother’s tradition of making soaps, creams, and hair oils from flowers and spices. Drawing on the rich tradition of Ayurveda, Naseema now crafts her own skincare products using these cherished recipes, with a deep passion for natural beauty. Each product is carefully handcrafted using only the finest ingredients which truly benefit the skin.

The star of this serum, Saffron, is well-known for its brightening properties, helping you achieve a stunning summer glow without the need for excessive sun exposure. Liquorice and Indian Madder work together to firm and tighten the skin, while Banyan Tree extracts add a youthful vibrance.

The facial oil is lightweight and absorbs nicely into my skin without leaving it feeling greasy. I’ve been using it at night time as it’s an excellent alternative to heavier night creams, providing a lighter, more natural feel on the skin.

I’ve been using this serum for a month and I can genuinely say that my skin feels incredible – hydrated, softer, firmer, and noticeably more radiant. The transformation is undeniable, with a significant improvement in texture and overall glow. Gone are the days of dealing with dry skin on my face, this product has effectively addressed that concern and my menopausal skin is looking a lot better than it was a few weeks ago.

Suitable for all skin types, this oil fits seamlessly into any skincare routine, simply apply 1-2 drops on damp skin after cleansing. A little goes a long way, so the 30ml bottle should last 2-3 months.

A bottle costs £34.99, and with a current offer of buy 2 get 1 free, now is the perfect time to stock up. Whether you want to lighten up your skincare routine or achieve a radiant glow, the Ayurvedic Glow Facial Oil is a must-have that leaves your skin feeling lighter, brighter, and more youthful.

Fearne & Rosie Jam

Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Lunchbox Fillers, snacks, Vegan

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

Jam is a timeless kitchen staple that adds a fruity burst to any meal. Whether spread on toast or crumpets, eaten on a scone (jam or cream first??) or used in baking, the right jam can truly elevate your food. Over the years, I’ve sampled many jams and noticed a significant difference in quality across brands. Supermarkets offer a range of options, from budget-friendly ‘essentials’ to premium ‘finest’ selections, alongside various branded jams and after sampling a selection of jams from newcomer Fearne & Rosie I can honestly say that their jams are now a firm favourite with my family. Their fruity jams not only taste delicious but with 40% less sugar than standard jams are much healthier choice too.

Launched in November 2019 by Rachel, a passionate advocate for healthier eating, Fearne & Rosie Jam comes from the scenic hills of Yorkshire. Named after her daughters, this brand reflects Rachel’s commitment to creating products that are both wholesome and packed full of flavour. The range includes classic flavours, raspberry, strawberry, and blackcurrant as well as cherry and strawberry super berry jam and what really distinguishes Fearne & Rosie jam from other brands is its high fruit content. With around 70% fruit, these jams offer a rich, authentic taste that outshines typical jams. The natural sweetness and vibrant fruit flavours take centre stage, providing a fresher, more intense experience with every bite. The texture is slightly different to standard jams, resembling crushed fruit rather than the more solid consistency common in other jams. This makes it perfect not only for spreading but also for enhancing a variety of dishes, from breakfast to desserts.

Fearne & Rosie Jam isn’t just about great flavour, with it’s low sugar content it’s also a healthier option for families looking to reduce their sugar intake without compromising on taste. With 40% less sugar than standard jams, it’s a smarter choice for those who want to enjoy the sweet things in life while maintaining a balanced diet.

With its high fruit content and reduced sugar, it offers a delightful way to savour the natural taste of fruit while supporting a brand that genuinely cares about family well-being. Once you try it, you’ll see why Fearne & Rosie is quickly becoming a favourite in homes everywhere.

RRP £3.20

Available from Booths, Waitrose, Ocado, Morrisons, Asda and Amazon

Pom Bear Crisps

Children, Food & Drink, snacks, Vegan, Winter

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

Pom-Bear crisps have always been a favourite in our house, so our mini reviewers were thrilled to try the two new flavours—Pom-Bear Cheese and Pom-Bear BBQ. The crunchy, flavourful crisps were an instant hit, especially with their adorable teddy bear shapes.

With just 65 calories per bag, these snacks are also vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial colours and flavours, making them the perfect treat for children. With September approaching and lunchbox planning in full swing, Pom-Bear snacks are the ideal choice as they are a great lunchtime snack, offering just the right mix of taste and portion size.

Whether at home, at school, or on the go, Pom-Bear crisps are a convenient and tasty treat that kids will love.

The Cheese flavour will be available in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Co-op, and the BBQ flavour available from Asda

RRP £2.25 (pack of 6)

Hair Gain Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo, Scalp Foam and Hair Mask Review

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Sustainable, 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.

AD I’d been on the lookout for some travel sized hair products to take on holiday with me so was really pleased when Hair Gain offered to send me a selection of their hair care products. The handy sized products fit easily in my wash bag, making them the ideal companions on my recent walking and cycling holiday.

The Hair Gain Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo is a festival goer’s dream come true, with it’s ability to refresh your hair instantly it’s the perfect choice when showering isn’t an option. With its unique powder puff applicator rather than the typical aerosol, it offers a refreshing and eco-friendly way to freshen up greasy locks when you’re away from home. This method is not only better for the environment but offers a more precise application, absorbing excess oil and adding volume, leaving my hair feeling fresh and clean without the need for water. The other advantage to the powder is it doesn’t leave a chalky finish on my hair and feels less chemical-like than other dry shampoos I have used before. There’s no excuse for dull locks now, one application and my hair feels clean and full of life again.

RRP £15

The Scalp Foam is lightweight and easy to apply, providing a soothing and revitilising treatment for the scalp. It’s especially beneficial for maintaining scalp health whilst on the go, ensuring your scalp feels comfortable and balanced. The leave-in hair foam contains naturally derived ingredients which work together to nourish your scalp. It is applied to dry or towel dried hair and you simply massage it into your scalp. It doesn’t need rinsing out and by using it daily I have noticed that I am shedding less hair and my hair is starting to feels stronger. It also smells lovely too.

RRP £32

Finally the Hair Mask is a nourishing treat that deeply conditions and revitilizes hair. You apply it to towel dried hair, massage it in, leave for 5-10 minutes and then rinse out. There was enough in the 50ml tube for 5 applications on my shoulder length hair so is the perfect size for a summer holiday. I used it on a week long walking and cycling holiday where my hair was assaulted by sun and sweat every day and it really made a big difference to my dry curly hair. Using the mask a couple of times over the week meant my hair was more hydrated and manageable than it is normally. Since returning home I’ve been using it on a weekly basis and am very pleased with the condition of my hair – the mask gives a powerful dose of hydration, leaving my dry curls soft, shiny and bouncy again.

RRP £14.50 50ml

The wide toothed Hair Gain comb is the perfect tool to help distribute the Scalp Foam and Hair Mask. It can be used on wet or dry hair and it’s great for detangling my curly hair without excessive pulling or tugging. The sturdy teeth with rounded tips effortlessly glide through wet hair with less pulling which speeds up the detangling process whilst reducing breakage

RRP £11.95

I’m really impressed with these products, they are fantastic for both travel and everyday use and the handy sized products combined with their effective formulas makes them a must have for anyone looking to maintain their haircare routines whilst away from home this summer.

Clean G Pink Non Alcoholic Crisp Fruity Botanical Spirit

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

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

The sun has finally made an appearance and the forecast for the next few days is good so I’m looking forward to some lazy afternoons in the garden once I’ve finished work for the day. Whilst I would love to unwind with a cool gin and tonic, I’ve a busy week so can’t afford to wake up with a hangover,so a sophisticated non alcoholic drink like Clean G Pink from Clean Co is the perfect choice. Founded in 2019 by Spencer Matthews Clean Co has quickly made a name for itself with its stylish art deco style bottles and high quality alcohol free spirits. Clean G Pink is not only refreshing but captures the essence of a classic pink gin, offering a vibrant blend of botanicals and a hint of sweetness just minus the alcohol.

The Clean G Pink spirit has a delicate pink hue and the bouquet of aromatic botanicals, berries and pink peppercorns creates an inviting aroma that promises an enjoyable drinking experience. The taste is fruity and zesty with the juniper leading the way. The clean and crisp taste makes it incredibly refreshing and whether you pair it with a standard or flavoured tonic, lemonade or make a mocktail it is the ideal companion for unwinding and relaxing.

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

Be @ One Cosmetics Review

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

Like most middle aged women I have fallen into a rut with my make up, always using the same brands and colours so I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to try some new cosmetics from Be @ One

If you haven’t heard of Be @ One before, they are a brand new make up brand who offer an impressive array of cosmetics including BB cream, Mascara, Lip Gloss, Concealer, Lipstick, Eyeliner, Powder, Eye Pencils and Eye Shadow. The company are on a mission to change the way people think about make-up and beauty and their vegan and ethical cosmetics are the perfect choice for those who want to move away from the big brands and make a conscious choice to use cruelty free and environmentally friendly beauty products.

The Be Bold Eyeshadow Palette (RRP £19) contains five highly pigmented shades in shades of brown – Frosting, Sweet Biscuit, Butterscotch, Coffee Bean and Liquorice. Whether you are looking for a neutral every day look or full-on glamour you can easily create it with the colours in this palette. Normally with eye shadow palettes there is a colour that I never use however I know I will wear all these shades as they all look great with my dark brown eyes. The eyeshadows are easy to apply and it was easy to build up colour to get the desired effect. The eyeshadow was also easy to remove at the end of the day, one swipe of a bamboo pad with eye make up remover on and the eyeshadow simply melted away. Despite their affordable price these eye shadows certainly rival the high end brands I usually use, providing long lasting wear without creasing.

The Be Cheeky Compact Powder (RRP £19) is available in four different shades, catering to a variety of skin tones. The powder offers a smooth matte finish that helps control shine through the day. The powder feels lightweight and the vegan formula is gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Additionally it includes a SPF15 rating giving your skin extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

The Be Radiant BB Cream (RRP £19.50) is the product I love the most, available in four shades it offers a natural, radiant finish with just the right amount of coverage. I have fair skin so opted for the Light Touch shade and it evened out my skin tone and hydrated my skin without feeling heavy, even on really hot days. The BB cream is enriched with the natural goodness of argan oil and has a SPF30 rating providing essential sun protection. As a vegan product it contains skin loving ingredients that nourish and protect making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.

The Be Bright Concealer (RRP £16) is available in four shades and the creamy formula which contains argan oil, aloe vera and avocado oil is easy to blend, effectively covering blemishes and dark circles. The formula is kind to my sensitive skin and offers buildable coverage for a natural finish.

Be Fabulous Lip Gloss (RRP £13) is moisturising and isn’t sticky and gives a beautiful shine to lips. The applicator scoops up just the right amount of gloss meaning you only need one application for gorgeous shiny lips and it glides onto my lips effortlessly. There are four different shades currently available – Punk Pink, Bold Red, Pink Crush and Morello so there is a shade to suit all occasions. Naturally enriched with argan oil, aloe vera and avocado oil, it is effortless to apply and leaves lips lovely and soft.

I’m really impressed with these products, Be @ One offer the perfect blend of affordability, quality and ethics and the high quality formulations are gentle on the skin and as good for your complexion as they are for the environment. As a new small brand Be @ One are making a significant impact and I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring out next.

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/