Luxury Mother's Day Gift Idea: Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist & Rose Cleansing Balm review

Need a last-minute gift for Mother's Day? Elemis is always a surefire winner with their Pro-Collagen Rose collection being a bestselling range for many years. Maybe your mum already has some in her bathroom cabinet and would appreciate a top-up?

Elemis feels like one of those luxury British brands that have been around forever as it's become such a well-loved part of the beauty community, particularly with older women. Launched back in 1990 by Noella Gabriel, Elemis has gone from strength to strength, and was one of the first true 'skin wellness' brands, marrying together a love of nature, science, and aromatherapy. 

I've tried quite a few products from Elemis over the years and particularly love their body care range, as well as their bestselling Pro-Collagen Rose collection, which my skin is enjoying now it's nearer 40, than 30!

Here are two products that I'd highly recommend picking up; the Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist and the Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm. These would be perfect to add to a DIY pamper basket for your mum, along with a lovely candle, flowers, and some of her favourite foodie treats.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist* (50ml, £46)

A mist doesn't sound very exciting but this is no ordinary mist. Oh no! This is a super hydrating serum-in-a-mist which is actually pretty interesting concept wise and works beautifully for more mature, dull and dehydrated skin types. Dubbed as a 'high-performance anti-wrinkle serum-in-a-mist', this clever multi-purpose skincare gem has an incredibly soothing effect on the skin, leaving it smooth, softened, and hydrated for 24 hours.

Hero ingredients in this innovative formula are Padina Pavonica (a clinically proven seaweed extract that boosts collagen production), Microalgae extracts (to freshen and hydrate), and Organic Rose Hydrolat (famed for its natural moisturising properties). Use it after cleansing, and it also doubles up as a fantastic makeup setting spray.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm* (prices start from £13 for 20g)

Based on its famous big sister, the original Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (one of which is sold every 13 seconds in the UK!), this Rose version has become equally as popular thanks to its delicate fresh floral fragrance. Infused with Rose and Mimosa waxes with Elderberry, Starflower, and Elemis' trademarked blend of Optimega Oils, this mineral oil-free balm is just so beautiful and luxurious to use. The texture is rich and effortlessly massages into the skin to remove all traces of dirt and impurities - you can see why it's used in the Elemis spas from the minute that you try it.

Super nourishing for the delicate skin barrier, the balm emulsifies into a hydrating milk when water is added, leaving skin soft, clean, and properly feeling pampered and nourished. A tiny amount goes a long way as expected and it can also be used to remove makeup, as well as a weekly hydrating facial mask for dry skin.

Shop the full range at uk.elemis.com

What are your favourite Elemis products?

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Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2023 featuring Avīela, Skin & Tonic, Nourish London & Charlarts Crafts

Valentine's Day is fast approaching so now's the time to make those last-minute online orders, and perhaps send a subtle hint to someone special *wink wink*. For this gift edit, I've focused on just British brands and small businesses to make your V-Day purchases more ethical and supportive this year. 

For Those Who Love A Massage: Avīela Pure Shea Butter* (180ml, £30, link)

Treat your loved one to a massage this Valentine's Day with Avīela Pure Shea Butter. As the name suggests, this thick and luxurious body butter is made simply with 100% pure unrefined shea butter of the highest grade, with no additional ingredients. Made in the UK, this Shea Butter is cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny approved) and certified by the Vegan Society, with a beautiful light and airy texture that sinks straight in once warmed in the palms of your hands.

Shea Butter is something of a hero ingredient for the skin as it's incredibly rich in natural fatty acids and has high levels of Vitamins A and E so it offers some serious hydration for dry skin. In addition to being used all over the body, you can also add a tiny amount as a leave-in conditioner to dry and damaged hair to restore moisture and shine. For those on a budget, or if you're putting together a beauty box/hamper package, a smaller 15ml jar is available for £14.    

For Those Who Love A Relaxing Bath: Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak* (100g, £18, link)

Whether your partner enjoys a bath solo or with you, give the gift of relaxation with one of my favourite products from British brand, Skin & Tonic. Their Slow Down Bath Soak is a bestseller thanks to a sublime infusion of Epsom Salts, CBD Oil, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils.

This powerful, all-natural concoction of minerals and oils helps to restore the body and mind, so that you can properly unwind and destress after a long week; it's a brilliant self-care treat. Just two handfuls is all that's needed to be added to a hot bath.

For Those Who Love A Luxury Pampering Treat: Nourish London Bergamot & Cardamom Smoothing Body Cream* (100ml, £19, link)

You can't go wrong with a luxury body cream if your recipient loves their pampering products, and it can often be a safer bet than opting for skincare (which can be tricky to buy for someone else, especially if you don't know them that well). Instead, one of the new Body Creams from Nourish London is sure to please and I've been smitten with their Bergamot & Cardamon Smoothing Body Cream ever since it landed on my desk.

Suitable for all skin types, this cruelty-free, organic, and vegan-friendly Body Cream is ultra-rich so it's perfect for dry winter skin. It features nourishing Cocoa Butter, regenerating Aloe Vera and antioxidant-rich Brown Algae extract to leave the skin feeling velvety soft. I also absolutely adore the scent which is wonderfully fresh and very spa-like.

For Those Who Love A Good Smelling Home: Charlarts Crafts Valentines Wax Melt Gift Set* (£33.99, link)

Know someone who are house-proud and loves a good-smelling home? Soy wax melts are a fantastic gift that keeps on giving for months to come, especially with a large box like the one above from Charlarts Crafts! Specialising in a wide range of handmade wax melts, jewellery, and accessories, Charlarts Crafts' Valentines Wax Melt Gift Set consists of four packs of soy wax melts in a tempting range of scents. There are the Budding Roses melts which smell beautiful, and the Chocolate Milk scented heart melts which look so realistic, I did think they were chocolate at first!

My faves though are the Sex Bomb heart melts (I love this fragrance) and the Hot Night love token shaped melts. Also included are some yummy sweets and chocs, and the whole box is beautifully presented and wrapped up ready to gift.

Have you started your Valentine's Day gift shopping yet?

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Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Engravers Guild of London Personalised Gin Glasses review

To round off Christmas Gift Guide week, I have a special feature on Engravers Guild whose last orders for Christmas delivery can be made on 18th December. This one is perfect for all you last-minute online shoppers who are still looking for that unique gift!

Engravers Guild of London can add a sophisticated personalised message to a wide range of high-quality items so that you can create your own bespoke gift. From hip flasks, photo frames, and personalised gin glasses to perfumes, handbags, and jewellery, you'll find something for everyone thanks to their extensive online shop. Quality is at the forefront of what they do, and you'll find gifts at various price points from under £40 to over £200 to suit everyone's budgets this Christmas.

I was delighted to have the opportunity to receive one of their personalised gin glasses to share with you all so that you can see what they specialise in. The Dartington El Classico Gin Glass is a large balloon gin glass that's made by Dartington Crystal. It has a fashionable on-trend thin stem, but it's not too thin if you catch my drift so it looks elegant but I don't live in fear of breaking it!

The complimentary engraving offers up to four lines of text (max 22 characters per line) and you can choose between three fonts. If you want something different, you also have the option to get in touch directly with the Engravers Guild of London for an entirely bespoke engraving and they will reply in less than 90 minutes during working hours.

Purchase yours from engraversguild.co.uk

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Christmas Gift Guide 2022: FOSS Candles - Icelandic Christmas & Icelandic Café Gift Sets review #ShopSmall

 

What's that you say, a second candle feature in this year's gift guide?! Well, who can blame me - candles just scream Christmas and I wanted to throw a special spotlight on this small company called FOSS Candles.

FOSS is an interesting indie brand as it's been created by a half-British, half-Icelandic couple from Lancaster. Their natural, vegan-friendly, soy wax candles are handmade in their studio and inspired by the nature and beauty of Iceland. In fact, 'foss' means waterfall in Icelandic, and these beautifully scented candles will transport you to the wild wonders of the land of ice and fire. 

I have truly fallen in love with FOSS as I adore Iceland - it really doesn't get any more Christmassy does it?! They have lots of scents to choose from, however, these two gift sets below are just perfect for the festive season.

FOSS Icelandic Christmas Gift Set (£18.95)

Comprising of three 60ml mini candles, FOSS' Icelandic Christmas Gift showcases their most popular seasonal scents so that you can fill your home with the most Christmassy vibes possible. Each candle has a burn time of around 10 hours so it's a good value-for-money option too.

Jólagõgg is the name for Icelandic mulled wine and this candle is bursting full of juicy Berries, uplifting Orange, and warming Festive Spices. It's a proper hug-in-a-mug type of fragrance to keep you cozy on a cold winter's night. 

Jólataré means Christmas Tree in Icelandic so you can expect notes of the freshest Pine and Nordic Spruce. If you love revitalizing outdoorsy scents, this is the one for you.

Jól is the name for Christmas in Icelandic and this candle is basically that! It's the most traditional festive scent of Christmas Spices with an exquisite blend of Orange, Cinnamon, Ginger, Clove & Nutmeg.

FOSS Icelandic Café Gift Set (£22.95)

Coffee culture is a big part of the Icelandic lifestyle and Reykjavik is home to some of the cosiest cafés and bakeries that you'll ever find. Naturally, I was drawn to the Icelandic Café Gift Set as I love sweet & coffee scents, and of course, it didn't disappoint!

This duo has larger 120ml candles which boast a burn time of 24 hours each. Bakarí is a delicious fragrance of sweet Honey blended with Cinnamon and spiced Vanilla - it smells just like cinnamon rolls which you'll find freshly baked in abundance in Icelandic bakeries. Kaffi is a classic Coffee & Vanilla scent that's instantly comforting - it's hard to pick a favourite here!

FOSS Lava Melt Samples (£1 each)

I was pleased to see that FOSS offer some of their bestselling candle scents as soy wax melts as well and they have a handy try-before-you-buy sample range. For just £1, you can pick up one 5g soy wax melt which has a burn time of around 6-8 hours. It was difficult to not want to fill my basket with one of every scent, however, I opted for just five in the end, including one Jól melt for a friend.

The other four are Valhalla (smoky Whiskey, Orange and spicy Black Pepper), Norðurljós (the Icelandic word for Northern Lights - Lavender, Eucalyptus and Pomelo), Blóm (Wild Fig, Cassis & Tomato Leaf), and Víðsýni (Icelandic for panoramic vista - an interesting blend of Coconut Leaf, Orange, Ginger, and White Tea).

Shop the full range at fosscandles.com

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Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Liz Earle Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit review (exclusive to Boots)

 

Looking for a luxury & cruelty-free skincare gift that delivers some serious savings? Liz Earle's Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit is a bargain at just £34 (worth £85!), and with a saving of £51, you might want to treat yourself to one at the same time as doing your Christmas shopping. We won't tell anyone...

Exclusive to Boots, this six-piece gift set is one of the best value-for-money offerings that I've seen this year from a major retailer. Not only does it contain nearly everything that you need for a full skincare routine (it's only missing a moisturiser), but if you're a Liz Earle devotee, then you can save yourself some cash by purchasing this set and stocking up on your skincare faves.

So what's inside the Liz Earle Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit? Here's a handy overview.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser & 2 Pure Cotton Cloths (full size)

The original hot cloth cleanser and still regarded as one of the best multi-purpose cleansers on the market, Cleanse & Polish is a thick and creamy number that removes all traces of daily dirt, impurities, and makeup including waterproof formulas and long-wearing foundations. I've used it on and off for many years and always like to have one in my skincare stash. 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic (full size) 

A brilliant alcohol-free toner, Instant Skin Tonic has a lovely gentle formula with extracts of Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Cucumber, Calendula and Vitamin E. It helps to soothe, hydrate, and brighten, so it's perfect for the colder winter months to keep your skin looking healthy and happy.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator (travel size)

Use once or twice a week for smoother skin, the Gentle Face Exfoliator does what it says on the tube. I really like this for helping to unclog stubborn blackheads on my nose.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion (travel size)

Typically, I personally only tend to use Eyebright during the summer when I have hay fever as it works so well at soothing my irritated eyes. However, it's also very useful for daily use to relieve tired eyes, particularly in the mornings if you have puffy eyes that need some TLC.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Clay Mask (full size)

Completing this edit is a full-size Deep Cleansing Clay Mask which is fantastic for oily and combination skin types like mine (but not suitable for sensitive skin). Featuring natural ingredients such as Manuka Honey, Green Clay, Propolis, and Aloe Vera, this thick clay mask draws out impurities within minutes, leaving your complexion looking clearer after just one use.

As an extra bonus, there's a voucher where you can get 750 Advantage Card Points when you spend £40 on Liz Earle at Boots. This is the equivalent of £7.50!

Liz Earle Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit retails for £34 and is exclusive to Boots whilst stocks last

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Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Gift Wild Organic Cotton Wash & Shopping Bags review #ShopSmall

 

Shop small this Christmas with Gift Wild; an independent family and friends-run business which creates wonderful, unique eco-friendly cards and gifts that help to support conservation projects.

With 10% of all sales donated to conservation charities, Gift Wild is a feel-good business to make your ethical and sustainable purchases from this year. Whether you're looking for Art Prints, Cards, Cushions, Bags, or Notebooks, these nature-inspired gifts are a thoughtful gift for the receipent and the environment. Orders are sent without any plastic packaging to further help the planet which is always brilliant to see.    

I was delighted when Katy, the founder of Gift Wild, got in touch to ask if I'd be interested in including some of her products in my Christmas Gift Guide and she very kindly let me choose the two following gifts to feature.

Gift Wild Narwhal Washbag* (£17.99, link)

I always feel that toiletry and washbags are well received by fellow beauty and travel lovers, the latter of which sparks a little adventure as you can wonder where the receipent may take your gift on their next travels! Gift Wild have a lovely range of eco-friendly washbags which are made from organic, sustainably sourced and fair trade cotton. An intricate Narwhal illustration (original artwork by Penny Smallshire) adorns the front of the bag, whilst a gold-coloured zip finishes it off beautifully. Inside, the bag is kept simple and plain, with plenty of room for all of the essentials. 

Gift Wild Swift Bird Shopping Bag* (£19.99)

One of the most practical gifts is a good old shopping bag and you can never have too many of these to make sure that you're never tempted to pick up a plastic bag ever again! As seen in BBC Wildlife, this beautiful Swift Bird Shopping Bag features a large art print of two swifts by Penny Smallshire and would make a brilliant gift for an avid bird watcher; in fact 10% of the sale goes straight to the RSPB. This bag is an oversized A4 size with a thick, sturdy handle, so there's lots of space for your groceries, books or bird watching kit.

Like the washbag above, Gift Wild's Shopping Bags are made from the same organic, sustainably sourced and fairtrade cotton so they are excellent quality and are a far better option for the environment. 

Sign up to Gift Wild to get 20% off your first order and there's free shipping when you spend over £30. Shop the full range of gifts at giftwild.co.uk

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Christmas Gift Guide 2022: NEOM The Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio review

 

Candles are an instant way to bring new festive scents, light, and joy into someone's home, so it's no surprise to see them at the top of many people's Christmas wishlists! Treat a loved one to this gorgeous Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio from NEOM Organics for a luxury gift option this year.

NEOM always outdo themselves when it comes to their festive ranges, and its 2022 Christmas candles collection boasts a brand new fragrance, plus two returning fan favourites that are guaranteed to delight old and new customers!

You can purchase their Christmas candles in three different sizes so you'll find one to suit your gifting budget with prices starting from £18. For those who are looking for an extra special luxury treat, you can't go wrong with The Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio. Not only is this gift beautifully presented, but inside you'll find three travel-size 75g candles so that your recipient can experience the full range of exclusive NEOM Christmas scents.

Made from 100% natural ingredients, these hand-poured candles feature a clean-burning vegetable-based wax blend and 100% natural fragrance for the utmost purity in home fragrance.

Let's unbox this beauty, shall we?

Christmas Wish (75g)

Bursting with the fragrance of 13 pure essential oils, Christmas Wish is a wonderfully comforting scent with strong notes of fruity Mandarin, sweet Tonka Bean, and spicy Cinnamon. Designed to help you relax and unwind, it brings a moment of calm and peace to the often stressful festive season - which I'm guessing is everyone's Christmas wish!

Perfect Peace (75g)

Perfect Peace is what I would describe as a very classic and traditional Christmas-scented candle. With a sparkling and uplifting blend of 25 pure essential oils, it's a complex fragrance that includes refreshing Pine, aromatic Myrrh, and zesty Lime Peel. Breathe in this gorgeous scent and let all your troubles melt away.

Cosy Nights (75g)

My personal favourite from this trio is Cosy Nights and this truly is the ultimate 'snuggly' feeling candle to light when it's cold and dark outside and you want to create that ideal hygge-esque atmosphere at home. With a range of sophisticated pure essential oils which include Sandalwood, Frankincense and Nutmeg, it's sure to be a real crowd-pleaser when you have guests over.

NEOM The Winter Wellbeing Wonders Candle Trio (£45) is available from neomorganics.com

Have you bought any candle gifts this year?

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The Perfect Gift for New Plant Mamas: Plant Puzzle Jungle Terrarium review - Step By Step Guide

 

Whether you're a plant-obsessed newbie or already have a growing number of plants taking over your home, this Plant Puzzle Jungle Terrarium is the perfect gift!

My Instagram feed has been full of quirky and beautiful terrariums, recently and these self-containing eco-systems have been capturing the imagination of many - in fact, terrariums have been cropping up in several bestseller gift guides lately. 

I decided to give myself an early Christmas present and purchased this Plant Puzzle Jungle Terrarium in the Bloombox Club Black Friday sale last month. Not only was it a much more affordable option than several other DIY terrariums that I was looking at, but it came with a light which I thought looked pretty cool.

Upon opening the box, I found a very handy and easy-to-follow instruction guide so this is ideal for beginners and kids alike. 

The Plant Puzzle Jungle Terrarium came with the following items:-

• A large recycled Glass Terrarium with lid and light
• Three different Baby Plants
• White Stone Gravel
• Active Charcoal
• Soil

Putting it together couldn't be easier, but here's a quick step-by-step guide to show you what I did.

Step One: Add The White Stone Gravel

As closed terrariums are classed as self-containing eco-systems, it's important that your very first layer is a decent quantity of stone gravel. This acts as a drainage layer to help the terrarium maintain the right level of humidity and to stop the roots of the plants inside from rotting.

Step Two: Add Active Charcoal

Equally important is a layer of active charcoal which helps to stop mold from forming in your terrarium. Nobody likes mold! This is added on top of the stone gravel.

Step Three: Add Soil

Inside the box, there are two disks of soil. To get them ready for your terrarium, simply put each disk into their own large bowls, and pour 500ml of warm (not boiling) water over each one. Allow the water to soak into the disks and after around 15 minutes, the disks will have turned into regular-looking soil. I'd recommend waiting a further 30 minutes or so for the soil to cool down before adding it to your terrarium so you can control the temperature better.

Step Four: Add The Plants

Now it's time to add the plants! Very carefully remove your plants from their nursery pots and plant them one by one, into the soil in the terrarium. This took a little longer than I was anticipating and it's recommended that you try to space them out so they have room to grow and that they aren't touching the glass, so go for a more central placing.

The baby plants in my terrarium are (from top clockwise) Pilea (aka Chinese Money Plant), Spider Plant, and Peperomia. 

The finished terrarium!

And there you have it, a super easy little ecosystem that you don't really need to do much maintenance with. Place it in an area that gets a lot of natural light, but not in direct sunlight as this will heat the inside of the terrarium up too much. Every so often, you can take the lid off and let some fresh air circulate for an hour, before closing it up again - this will further help to prevent any future mold issues. 

Watering?

You don't need to water a terrarium unless you start to see the soil look dry, and even then, water very sparingly. The humidity in the terrarium will keep the plants happily hydrated, so there's not much else to do other than enjoy its beauty. 

Oh, here's a quick photo of my terrarium in the dark with the light on - pretty cool, huh?

Are you a fan of terrariums and closed eco-systems?

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Green Beauty Christmas Gift Guide 2021 - All Under £35

 

Need some last-minute Christmas gift inspiration? Here's my short but sweet Green Beauty Christmas Gift Guide for 2021!

Under £10: Sukin Botanical Body Wash in Signature Scent* (250ml, £7.95, link)

Sukin's Signature Scent Botanical Body Wash is a blissful pampering treat and it both smells and feels much more expensive than it actually is which makes it ideal for those who are looking for a green beauty gift on a budget. I love the blend of aromatic botanicals and skin-loving ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Jojoba and Avocado Oils will ensure that dry winter skin is kept healthy and nourished. Free from a long list of nasties such as mineral oil, parabens, sulphates, silicones and more.

For £15: Kure Bazaar Limited Edition Nail Polish in Pigalle* (10ml, £15, link)

Makeup fans will love this festive red glitter called Pigalle from Kure Bazaar's Limited Edition Nail Polish range this year. This ultra-glam multi-tonal red glitter can be worn as a sparkly topcoat over a base shade or layer it up for a chunky block of eye-catching shimmer. It's spectacular! Kure Bazaar nail colours contain no toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and no synthetic camphor.

For £25: Nourish London Lemon & Black Pepper Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Duo* (£25, link)

It's never been more important to wash your hands these days, but it doesn't have to be a boring chore! Inject some natural luxury into this daily act with the new Lemon & Black Pepper Hand Wash and Hand Lotion Duo from Nourish London. This practical gift set not only smells amazing, but it'll keep hands soft and smooth so you can say goodbye to dry and irritated skin from frequent washing.

Under £35: JOIK Winter Favourites Candle Collection* (£33, link)

Candles are one of my favourite items to gift as they're often not bought by people, but always appreciated when received. This beautiful set from JOIK features three of their most festive scents, combined together in their Winter Favourites Collection. I have to say that it's hard to pick my personal favourite as they all smell so good! Take your pick from Gingerbread, Spiced Cranberry and Oh, Christmas Tree.

Under £35: Antipodes Healthier Skin Heroes Gift Set* (£32, link) 

With so many skincare gift sets to choose from, it's difficult to know what to opt for, however, I feel that Antipodes are onto a winner with their Healthier Skin Heroes Gift Set which is my top pick this year. Comprising of a full-size Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream, and two travel sizes of their bestselling Divine Face Oil and Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask, this trio is great for all skin types to try out. Cruelty-free, organic and natural.

What's left on your Christmas shopping list this year?

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Foodie Friday: Mr. Popple's Chocolate review - Raw, Organic, Vegan & Ethical #GiftGuide

 

Calling all fellow chocoholics - this post is especially for you! Dive into the scrumptious world of Mr. Popple's Chocolate and discover some of the best raw, organic, and vegan chocolate that I've ever had the pleasure of trying.

Chocolate is, of course, a very easy product to review, but it's not always the easiest to shop for these days. With increasing awareness about child labour, slavery and environmental destruction being linked to the process of making chocolate, it's more important than ever to make ethical choices for both people and the planet.

This is why I'm pleased to feature Mr. Popple's Chocolate as the first addition to my Christmas Gift Guide for 2021!

Why You Should Buy Mr. Popple's Chocolate

Mr. Popple's Chocolate is a proper bean-to-bar chocolate that's handcrafted using raw Criolla Cacao which is fairly traded in partnership with a local farmer's co-op in Peru. Not only is the cacao sustainably grown in the Amazon rainforest where no trees are cut down to farm it, but it's also higher in antioxidants and polyphenols than the leading dark chocolate brands (as tested by Oxford Brookes University).  

Using high-quality organic ingredients, the bars are handmade without any cheap refined sugars or fats, instead letting the flavour of the raw cacao do all the talking. A little sweetness is added with low GI Yacon Syrup or Coconut Blossom Sugar, so this chocolate is great for those who are keeping an eye on their sugar levels.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate is completely plant-based and free from the top 14 allergens including dairy, soya, gluten and nuts which means it can be enjoyed by everyone. 

That's not all! These chocolate bars are wrapped in plastic-free compostable packaging and are free from palm oil to be kinder to the planet.

There are currently seven different flavours in the main range to explore plus some special limited edition bars. Personally, I'm not much of a fan of dark chocolate, but if you are, Mr. Popple's have 88% and 100% raw chocolate bars available for those who like the really dark stuff. 

Signature Seventy

Mr Popple's original raw chocolate sensation, the Signature Seventy is 70% raw cacao, sweetened with Yacon Syrup and a touch of creamy Lucuma Fruit. It's as dark as I like my chocolate to be, and has a wonderful rich quality to it.

Dark Mylk

For something creamier but that still possesses that rich dark quality, the Dark Mylk bar is a real treat. A combination of Hemp and Rice Milks has been added to 61% raw cacao with a little golden Coconut Sugar for a truly indulgent result.

Creamy Mylk

Gloriously smooth and silky, the Creamy Mylk is one of those vegan chocolates where you have to double-check the packet just to make sure it doesn't contain any dairy as it tastes so similar to the real thing. With 43% raw cacao, this one has a proper moreish mouthfeel and it's the perfect choice for those who enjoy high-quality raw chocolate but prefer something milkier and sweeter.

Pumpkin Spice

A special limited-edition flavour, Pumpkin Spice is an additive blend of 43% raw cacao with a cosy mix of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and Cloves layered over creamy Hemp and Rice milks. I love seasonal flavours like this so stock up and pop them into your Santa stockings!

Euphoric Orange

Back to the darker quantities, Euphoric Orange is a festive choice for this time of the year with 70% raw cacao, Sweet Orange Oil and a little Yacon Syrup and another personal favourite of mine.

Uplifting Mint

To round off, I had to include Uplifting Mint which in my opinion is equally as festive as chocolate orange. It has a similar composition with 70% raw cacao and an interesting twist of Lime that fits nicely with the Mint Oil.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate Bars* (pictured above are 35g bars, £2.19 each) are available from mrpoppleschocolate.co.uk

Are you buying chocolate treats this year?

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Mother's Day Green Beauty Gift Guide 2021

Make mum's day a special one with a green beauty treat! Here are my top picks for Mother's Day this year from Green People, Nourish London, Farryn Amber and Evolve Organic Beauty.

The Skincare Gift Set: Green People Infinite Beauty Vitamin C Age Defy+ by Cha Vøhtz Set* (£40, link)

This latest release from Green People's founder Cha Vøhtz's Age Defy+ range, is a gorgeous Vitamin C infused Infinite Beauty Gift Set. The set is compromised of three organic beauty treats for the skin; a full-size Age Defy+ Collagen Boost Vitamin C Serum, a travel-size of Age Defy+ Cell Enrich Facial Oil and a sample sachet of Age Defy+ Hydra Glow Sleep Mask. Specially formulated for skin aged 30+, this is a brilliant introduction to Charlotte's innovative signature range and a great way to try out some of their bestselling products for the best organic routine for skin regeneration, hydration and brightening.

The Multipurpose Treat: Green People One Balm* (30ml, £20, link)

Another exciting new release from Green People is their fantastic One Balm which is described as a multi-tasking skin saviour and I couldn't agree more! Made with 99% certified organic ingredients, this wonder balm helps to bring instant moisture and relief to any dry skin area so it's ideal for elbows, feet, hands, cuticles, lips and more. Key plant-based ingredients include Myrrh Oil to soothe and reduce inflammation, Frankincense to rejuvenate the skin, Pomegranate Oil which is rich in antioxidants to deeply nourish and protect and Rosehip Oil, famed for its natural tissue regenerative properties. One Balm is also packaged in the UK's first-ever 100% biodegradable pot!

The Gift Of Sleep: Nourish London Sleepy Pillow Mist* (100ml, £18, link)

Give the gift of sleep with the brand new Sleepy Pillow Mist from Nourish London. Crafted from a unique blend of magnesium-rich Epsom Salts and nine carefully chosen aromatherapy essential oils, including Lavender, Rose, Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Geranium and Bergamot, this luxury alcohol-free Pillow Mist smells beautiful! Spritz a little onto your pillows and bedsheets, and enjoy the calming and soothing fragrance to help relax your mind and body. 

The Natural Fragrance Gift: Farryn Amber Floral Oud Perfume Oil* (10ml, £18, link)

No gift guide would be complete without a fragrance mention and I've completely fallen in love with this divine Floral Oud Perfume Oil from Farryn Amber. Vegan, cruelty-free and organic, this convenient handbag-friendly rollerball format can be dabbed onto the pulse points whenever you want to cocoon yourself in its luxury scent with sweet hints of Vanilla mixed with woody Oud, Cedarwood and Frankincense, and topped off with floral notes of Ylang Ylang and Jasmine. Heaven in a rollerball!

The New Mum Pampering Treats: Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Body Oil* (100ml, £24, link) and Bath & Shower Oil* (250ml, £24, link)

Shopping for a new mum or mum-to-be? Treat them to the latest releases from Evolve Organic Beauty! The Super Berry Body Oil is not only a seriously indulgent and pampering treat, but it's incredible for hydrating dry skin and improving the appearance of stretch marks and scars. 100% natural, organic and safe to use during pregnancy, it's packed with Chilean Rosehip Oil to revive and regenerate, Upcycled Raspberry Oil to promote healthy cell regeneration with a lovely fresh and light scent, and Pomegranate Seed Oil which helps to assist skin recovery thanks to its composition of essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

It's worth splashing out on the matching Super Berry Bath & Shower Oil too which has a clever water-free formula which transforms into a light cleansing oil. The perfect at-home pamper treat for busy new mums as it's so hydrating and naturally nourishing for the skin, they won't need to apply a separate body lotion afterwards!

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