Bedtime Routine with Nourish London | Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask & Sleepy Pillow Mist review

These two additions to my bedtime beauty routine from Nourish London make an excellent team for getting a good night's sleep and gorgeous glowing skin come the morning. Now if only they could stop the alarm clock from going off so early...

Regular readers will know how much of a fan I am of Nourish, and guess what? These two featured products are actually a re-discovery of old favourities from the brand. For those who are new to these parts, Nourish is a particularly lovely natural and organic skincare brand based in London with vegan and cruelty-free accreditations.  There's a lot to love from this company so feel free to check out my previous reviews and feature on Nourish here. 

For now, though, let's take a closer look at two of their bestsellers that you can add to your bedtime beauty routine; the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask and Sleepy Pillow Mist.

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask* (30ml, £26, link)

When I'm winding down for the evening and have some spare time on my hands, I love to indulge in a proper pampering skincare session. Think of a deep cleanse, a good facial massage, and of course, a luxury treatment to really get those relaxing spa-at-home vibes going. 

Nourish's Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask is a nutrient-rich, anti-aging face mask that delivers all the probiotic minerals that your skin needs to help repair itself and to support a healthy skin barrier against the elements. This award-winning treatment boasts ingredients such as Magnesium to calm down any inflammation and redness, whilst Zinc, Copper, and Iron helps to further repair and protect. Damask Rose and Lavender are also included to boost collagen, restore firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The inbuilt pump makes applying this mask super easy and I like to apply a generous layer all over, avoiding the eye area. This mask gets to work in just five minutes before it's rinsed off with a warm flannel and it doubles up as an intensive overnight treatment that you can leave on while you sleep if your skin requires more TLC.

 

Nourish London Sleepy Pillow Mist* (100ml, £20, link)

As a chronic insomniac, I'm a bit addicted to pillow sprays and always have to use one to help me to drift off to sleep. I've tried pretty much every one out there on the market and often come back to Nourish's Sleepy Pillow Mist as it's very effective. 

This is a beautiful aromatherapy blend of nine carefully chosen essential oils, all famed for their calming and soothing properties such as Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Geranium, and of course, the most famous sleepy essential oil of them all, Lavender. There's also the addition of Epsom Salts which are rich in Magnesium; great for reducing stress, all wrapped up in an alcohol-free mist.

To use, simply spritz a few times over your pillow and bedding before going to sleep and breathe in the relaxing scent to help you to unwind.

Discover more at nourishskinrange.com

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Foodie Friday | BRAVE Crunchy Peas | Great Taste Award Winning Healthy Vegan Snacks review

Say hello to the delicious, healthy, plant-based crunchy snack that you need to have in your bag or desk drawer. Meet BRAVE Crunchy Peas; my latest snack obsession to help beat those 3pm energy crashes.

Snacks are an essential part of my daily diet, so much so, that I love nothing more than discovering new snack options when I'm at the supermarket or health food store. Although not a new creation, BRAVE burst onto the healthy snacks market a couple of years ago and has been snapping up Great Taste Awards ever since, so I thought it was time to give them a go.

The overall aim of BRAVE is to promote healthy snacks as an alternative to the dreaded energy 'crash', This is where you're caught in a vicious cycle of craving unhealthy sugary snacks, end up eating said sugary or high carb snacks, suffer spikes in your blood sugar, and then miserably experience an energy/blood sugar levels crash until the craving/cycle begins again. Not only is this bad in the short term by leaving you feeling hungry and tired, but in the long term it can lead to weight gain and Type 2 Diabetes. It's not fun whichever way you look at it!

Help is on hand from BRAVE though as their snacks are formulated to be 'clean energy' for your body, so they won't make you crash and don't mess up your blood sugar levels. Instead, you can enjoy munching on healthy snacks that keep you fuller for longer, provide you with long-lasting energy and give you better mental focus and clarity. 

Each pack of BRAVE Crunchy Peas provides around 133 calories, 7g of plant-based protein to keep you satiated, and 7g of fiber for a happy gut. The tasty Yellow Split Peas are roasted so you get a really satisfying crunchy texture. With flavours such as Sea Salt & Vinegar, Paprika & Chilli and Sour Cream & Chive, you could easily swap these for your regular pack of crisps and not really miss out! For sweet tooth fans, they also have the super moreish Chocolate & Salted Caramel flavour which is definitely a must-try.

BRAVE Crunchy Peas* available from various stockists or shop online at bravefoods.co.uk

What are your favourite healthy snacks?

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Foodie Friday | Jamu Wild Water review | Sparkling Natural Water Drinks

Natural, zero sugar, and ultra-refreshing, sparkling water soft drinks are definitely having a moment right now. Jamu Wild Water is one such brand that's leading the way and is helping kids to reconnect with nature at the same time.

Whilst I'm an avid tea and general still water fan, there's something about a healthy fizzy drink that often hits the spot. I love kombucha and all the gut-friendly sodas out there, but I decided to try something different recently when I spotted Jamu Wild Water at my local health food store.

Frustrated by the lack of properly healthy soft drinks that are aimed at young people, husband and wife team Patrick and Tahi decided to create Jamu Wild Water. The idea was to create a drink that the whole family could enjoy that was entirely free from sugar, artificial colours, preservatives, and sweeteners. 

Infused with British-grown botanicals, added vitamins and minerals, plus prebiotic fiber for a healthy gut, Jamu Wild Water is also on a mission to help reconnect young people with nature, something that many feel has been lost over the past generation due to the growth of tech products and a lack of access to green spaces. To help to fix this problem, Jamu gives 10% of its sales to rewilding projects through its Wild Kids schemes which aims to promote an eco-friendly movement to actively encourage families to connect with and protect nature by spending more time outdoors. You can find out more here.

So what does Jamu Wild Water taste like? There are currently three flavours to choose from and of course, I had to try them all!

Natural Sparkling Lemon is a 2022 award-winner and this one is a super easy switch for kids who love their lemonade drinks. It has all the vibrancy and zest of a high quality lemonade but without all the sugar. Instead, there's a little natural sweetener from Stevia and Erythritol included, and each can provides 38% RDA of Vitamin C and Zinc, alongside extracts of Dandelion and Nettle.

Natural Sparkling Raspberry is another award-winner with extracts of Elderberry and Marshmallow. It shares the same natural sweeteners and Vitamin C and Zinc quantities, plus the prebiotic fiber which is found in all the Jamu drinks. Very fruity and refreshing.

Natural Sparkling Blood Orange is my personal favourite and this one is particularly juicy and bursting with summery citrus vibes! Again it has the same natural sweetners etc, but is boosted by the superstar immune helper Echinacea so it's a great one to try if you have a cold or are feeling under the weather.

Subscribe & save at jamuwildwater.co.uk

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Health & Lifestyle: Fount Drinks review

If you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, Fount Drinks could be the solution you've been looking for. Whether you simply don't like the taste of plain water or want a health boost to keep you going throughout the day, Fount Drinks has something for everyone.

We all know that we should be drinking more water for optimum health, but the reality is usually very different and it's not always easy when you're rushing around with a busy schedule.  

Fount understands that modern life can be exhausting at times, so they have developed a range of drinks to help improve how you feel. Bursting with carefully chosen botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, these all-natural drinks are free from added sugar, sweeteners, artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives. 

Developed and made in the UK, Fount encourages you to drink more water by viewing each glass as an opportunity to add beneficial ingredients to your daily diet in a simple and convenient way. In fact, the 50ml bottles are perfect for popping into your handbag or desk drawer so you can always have one with you to add to a glass or bottle of water, wherever you are.

How To Use

Simply shake the bottle and add 2ml (about three and a half pipette fulls) to 250ml of still, sparkling or hot water. You can add a little more or less to adjust to your own taste. Each 50ml bottle provides 25 servings.

What Do They Taste Like

Each drink has its own unique flavour, but on average, they taste very much like a diluted herbal or fruit tea to me.

There are currently four different drinks to try in the Fount range and I've been enjoying testing them out over the past month or so.

Fount Refresh & Revitalise Raspberry & Green Tea

This is the one to pick up if you need an energy boost! With extracts of Green Tea, Raspberry, Panax Ginseng, Manganese, Vitamin B Complex, and Vitamin C, this drink is ideal to consume first thing in the morning to give you the energy that you need to start your day off on the right foot. I've also found it useful to have a glass around 3pm to stave off that afternoon slump so you can get your to-do list done.

Fount Stress Relief Apple & Elderflower

Pretty self-explanatory as Stress Relief does what it says on the label. Featuring Granny Smith Apple, Elderflower, Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, Zinc, Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C, this fruity drink helps to support the nervous system and reduces the symptoms of mild stress and anxiety. 

Fount Cleanse & Detox Ginger & Lemon

Always a popular choice in the New Year, you can't beat the natural cleansing properties of good old Ginger and Lemon. With added extracts of Dandelion, Selenium, Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C, Cleanse & Detox is also brilliant as a digestive aid if you've overindulged at the weekend. 

Fount Heart Health Red Berries & Hibiscus

Looking after your heart may not be at the top of your health priorities when you're in your 20s or 30s, but it's never too early to start looking after the body's most important organ. This drink combines a blend of Hibiscus, Pomegranate, Red Currants, Raspberries, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Vitamin D3, Vitamin C and Vitamin B Complex, to support the healthy function of the heart, muscles and blood.

Fount Drinks (50ml, £12 each) are available from fountdrinks.com

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Foodie Friday: Hip Pop Organic Kombucha review #GutHealth

 

With so many brands of kombucha on the market, health-conscious consumers are truly spoilt for choice so I would always recommend shopping from the huge variety of smaller indie brands. One such brand that I've fallen in love with is Hip Pop.

What Is Kombucha?

First things first though, if you have heard the name kombucha, but don't actually know what it is or you haven't tried it before, here's a quick rundown. Kombucha is the name for fermented tea that's naturally sparkling. It's been around for a long time, with some estimates suggesting 2,000 years with its origins coming from China. 

Why Is Kombucha Healthy?

Kombucha is made by brewing tea, usually black tea, with sugar and allowing it to ferment with the 'mother', or a SCOBY. This is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast that contains lots of prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants & enzymes which are useful for keeping the gut healthy. And don't worry about the sugar content; the sugar is only needed to 'feed' the healthy bacteria, so by the time it's fermented, the kombucha drink will actually be low in sugar.

Why Is Hip Pop Kombucha Different?

As I mentioned earlier, the kombucha drinks market has exploded in recent years and the choice out there is simply astounding, plus it's a fun and interesting process to 'brew your own booch' at home too (I do this pretty regularly!). Hip Pop is brewed in small batches on a farm in Cheshire, in a traditional craft way (similar to artisan beers and ciders). It's also one of the few brands in the world which use a bacteria called Bacillus Coagulans which has undergone specific scientific studies to assess its natural gut-friendly properties, so you can be assured that there are plenty of live cultures in each can/bottle of their kombucha.

Hip Pop has a range of award-winning flavours available and all of their products are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free. They only use natural ingredients so you get a really lovely fresh and authentic taste with no added sweeteners.

Apple & Elderflower

This one is the closest to what most people would describe as a 'tangy Appletiser' but without all the sugar. The subtle floral hint of Elderflower compliments the apple flavour perfectly.

Blueberry & Ginger

If you love blueberries and ginger, then, of course, you will love this. Delicately fruity with a subtle kick of ginger to liven up your tastebuds.

Strawberry & Pineapple

For those who are new to kombucha, I would recommend trying this flavour first as it's the one which is the least tangy in my opinion and tastes the most similar to a healthy fruity soft drink.

Ginger & Yuzu

A truly unique and interesting flavour, this is a strong and citrusy drink that's incredibly refreshing with a good balance of sour tanginess and fiery ginger notes.

Shop the full range at drinkhippop.com

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Health & Lifestyle: JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm, and Magnesium+ Double Strength supplements review

 

This month's Health & Lifestyle post features three bestselling supplements from JSHealth. Founded by a clinical nutritionist and one of Australia's most well-loved health and wellness experts, Jessica Sepel, JSHealth offers free shipping in the UK and has a wide range of bundles and offers to get you the best price of your essential vitamins.

You may have seen JSHealth on Instagram lately as the brand continues to grow and grow, with a following now firmly established here in the UK. They have pledged to use more sustainable ingredients and their formulas are free from a long list of undesirables; you won't find any harmful binders, fillers, or preservatives. Their products are all free from gluten, GMOs, MSG, and added sugars as well.

With such wide and diverse range of supplements to choose from, I let Instagram decide for me and picked up their recent widely promoted AM & PM supplements, as well as a two-month supply of their bestselling Magnesium+ Double Strength.

JSHealth AM Stress + Energy, PM Sleep + Calm (£34.99)

Packaged in a travel-friendly container that twists off to unveil the AM and PM duo in separate tubs, this handy formula has been designed to support energy and wellbeing during the day, whilst promoting healthy relaxation and deeper sleep by night. Let's check each blend out individually, shall we?

The AM supplement features all of the usual suspects that you would expect to find in an energising formula, such as Vitamins C, B12, B5, B6, and Biotin B7. There's also the essential minerals Zinc and Selenium, with a good dose of everyone's favourite natural power booster, American Ginseng. And not forgetting an ingredient which is more unusual and that's Rehmannia root which is hugely popular in Chinese medicine for supporting healthy kidney function. This makes the AM supplement stand out from the crowd,  and provides a well-rounded and well-thought-out blend that can be used every day for optimal energy levels.

The PM supplement by contrast, is centered on just four key ingredients and boasts three different types of Magnesium (Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate). This carefully chosen triple blend of Magnesium covers all bases for enhanced absorbability to support a healthy nervous system and promotes relaxation of the muscles. Lavender Oil is added as the fourth ingredient in this blend for its traditional natural properties of calming, soothing, and relaxing the mind and body.

Overall thoughts

Having tried these AM and PM supplements for a month, I can say that I noticed a slight increase in my day-to-day energy levels, and for the most part, I did find that I slept better (or at least this is how it was logged on my health app so I must have been getting some extra zzz's!). The only downside that I experienced is that these supplements are much larger than what I'm used to from other brands, and I did find that I had to break them into two to swallow them properly, which made them less convenient to consume. For this point alone, I'd be hesitant to say that I would re-purchase them, but if the size isn't an issue for you, definitely check them out.

JSHealth Magnesium+ Double Strength (£16.99)

If you only take one supplement, make it Magnesium. Magnesium is described as nature's muscle relaxant, and most of us are deficient in it as we don't get enough of it from our typical Western diets. Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports and maintains healthy bones, improving density and supporting healthy teeth too. It's also amazing for reducing muscle cramps and is vital for supporting a healthy nervous system. 

Magnesium+ Double Strength is basically the same as the PM formula above, minus the Lavender Oil and with a higher strength of magnesium (this blend has 200mg per dose vs 151mg that the PM has). The triple mix of Magnesium as Citrate, Magnesium as Glycinate Dihydrate, and Magnesium as Amino Acid Chelate is present here so that your body absorbs it easier, so if you've been looking for a high-quality magnesium supplement to incorporate into your daily routine, this could be it. Again though, I must point out that the tablet sizes are much bigger than regular supplements so do bear this in mind when purchasing - I do feel that it's something that JSHealth needs to revisit.

Shop the full range at uk.jshealthvitamins.com

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Foodie Friday: Look, Stop, Swap Box review from Dr. Wills & Friends

 

We all know that we should be eating a lot less sugar, but sometimes it's overwhelming when you're in the supermarket and looking at the labels of everything that you normally buy. Sugar seems to be everything! Luckily, Dr. Will's has made life somewhat easier with his Look, Stop, Swap Box, which has been curated with some yummy food and drink swaps to get you started.

Obesity continues to be one of the biggest health problems facing our society, and childhood obesity, in particular, has been increasing in the UK. Recent statistics show that one in five children will now be overweight by the time they start school, and this figure rises to one in three when they reach the age of 10 years. 

Dr. Will's is one such medical professional who has seen firsthand the damaging health effects of obesity, so much so, that he's been leading the charge with educating parents about the dangers of sugar. As a doctor, dad and co-founder of Dr. Will's, he has joined forces with other like minded brands to curate a Look, Stop, Swap Box, as well as publishing a whitepaper which you can read here.

Here's what's inside the box (all products are full size!):-

Dr. Will's All Natural Tomato Ketchup

Let's start with Dr. Will's' very own All Natural Tomato Ketchup. A 2020 Great Taste Award winner, this ketchup is naturally sweetened with just 3.5 dates, versus the staggering 19 cubes of white sugar that's found in mainstream ketchup brands! Not only does this bring down the calories, but it still tastes sweet and is packed full of juicy vine-ripened tomatoes. Vegan and keto friendly, this ketchup is also gluten-free.

Tweek Fruity Fresh Gummies

Sweets are of course usually always loaded with sugar so these Tweek Fruity Fresh Gummies are a delicious alternative. Made with 95% less sugars and 45% less calories, they are high in fibre and full of natural fruit flavours. The texture of them is a little harder, yet they're still a very satisfying fruity sweet when you have those cravings for something for chewy. It's worth noting however that they do contain bovine gelatine which makes them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans unfortunately.

Spoon Granola Cinnamon + Pecan

Eating sugary cereals has been proven to mess up your metabolism so a swap to a sugar-free breakfast is a wise one! I absolutely love this Spoon Granola which is high in fibre, vegan friendly and gluten-free. It tastes just like homemade granola with chunky pieces of pecans, crispy coconut bits and a moreish sprinkling of cinnamon. You won't find any refined sugar in here, just a little natural maple and date Syrup.

Manilife Original Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter

Another easy swap is peanut butter and there are now so many brands of natural peanut butters out there which are sugar free. For one that has a real rich depth of flavour, you can't go wrong with Manilife Original Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter. It's made simply from just two ingredients; hi-oleic peanuts and a sprinkling of salt, that's it. This peanut butter is seriously god-tier stuff, no wonder it won a Great Taste Award back in 2019! 

Well & Truly Crunchies Banging BBQ + The Curators Original Salted Pork Puffs

Next up, I found two bags of savoury snacks. I don't think many people realise just how much sugar is hidden in regular packets of crisps, but once you start to check the backs of those packets, it's quite eye-opening. Instead, why not try Well & Truly Crunchies Banging BBQ - a tasty baked corn snack that's under 150 calories per bag and 40% less fat than similar snacks. It's also all-natural, vegan and gluten-free.

Meat eaters will no doubt enjoy The Curators Original Salted Pork Puffs which boasts 18g of protein and 134 calories per bag. Handmade in the UK, they are a lighter alternative to pork scratchings.

Nix & Kix Sparkling Mango Ginger Drink

The last product is a can of Nix & Kix Sparkling Mango Ginger Drink which helps to represent the big wide world of sugar-free drinks that's only growing in popularity as people cut down on their sugar intake. 100% natural, this drink has a refreshing and fruity flavour of mango and ginger, with a little zingy kick to it thanks to a pinch of cayenne.

Dr. Will's Look, Stop, Swap Box is currently on sale for a bargain £6 with free delivery! Buy your box online whilst stocks last at dr-wills.com

Are you actively cutting down on your daily sugar intake?

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Health & Lifestyle: Revive Collagen Original Supplements - One Month Trial review

 

The secret to younger-looking skin? Collagen supplements! From A-list actresses and celebrities to regular people like you and me, collagen supplements have become a daily essential for those who want to keep their skin looking fresher and younger for longer.

What's The Hype?

You'll often see claims about skincare products that help to 'boost collagen production', so no doubt you'll have heard about collagen's many anti-ageing benefits. 

Collagen is a natural substance found in the body, and when we're born, we have bucket loads of it. If you've ever seen a newborn baby's fat and smooth face, that's why! However, as we get older, the body produces less and less collagen and this contributes to those tell-tale signs that we're ageing such as visible fine lines, wrinkles and overall sagging skin (gravity is not kind is it?!).

The concept behind taking collagen supplements is that you can help your body to replace some of this lost substance, and thus delay some of the skin's more noticeable ageing signs. 

Are All Collagen Supplements The Same?

Like every other dietary supplement on the market, you'll find that the composition, quality, and format of collagen supplements varies from brand to brand. I've trialled several different brands in the past and have tried collagen in many forms such as liquids, shakes, capsules, and powders, so it's really just a case of finding the one that's right for you. 

In my opinion, it's best to find one that features a high mg of collagen and comes with additional ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid as you'll be getting more bang for your buck!

I've recently been trialling Revive Collagen Original Supplements and these tick all the right boxes for me.

What's In Them?

Revive Collagen Original Supplements contain 8500mg of Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, 50mg of Hyaluronic Acid and 50mg of Aloe Vera in each daily dose. Collagen, as we've discussed above, provides the bulk of the anti-ageing skin benefits as it helps to improve the skin's strength and elasticity, whilst Hyaluronic Acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water so is a must-have for maintaining good hydration in the skin. Aloe Vera has also been shown to help maintain healthy skin with its natural hydrating qualities.  

It's made from all-natural ingredients and is and free from artificial flavours, colours and added sugar, as well as dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, bovine and GMO ingredients.

Ingredients: Water, Hydrolysed Marine Collagen (FISH), Acidifying Agent (Citric Acid), Natural Flavour Enhancer (Erythritol), Mexican Lime Extract, Sicilian Lemon Extract, Natural Sweetener (Stevia). 

How To Use

These liquid supplements are individually packaged in sachets which makes them super easy to use. You can either drink them directly from the sachet or add to a glass of water - one sachet daily Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and small children, and do not use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. As always with any dietary supplement, check with your GP first if you are taking any medication.

Overall Thoughts

Having trialled many different brands of collagen supplements in the past, these ones are by far my favourite because there is NO fishy flavour or aftertaste! Instead, they have a light citrusy flavour which I don't mind, especially when diluted in a glass of water. That said, I have taken these direct from the sachet when I've had a busy morning and the option to do this makes it attractive to those who are on the go a lot because they are easy to pop in your bag. 

It's always difficult to say whether you can see noticeable changes in just one month of taking these, but I do feel like my skin is smoother and more 'plumped' than before, and I can definitely see a change in my nails which feel stronger as they've been breaking less. Certainly something that I would consider taking in the long term!

Revive Collagen Original Supplements* (14 x 22g, £39.99) are available from various stockists including revivecollagen.com

Have you tried collagen supplements?

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The Weekend Post: Love Struck Smoothies review #NoFuss #NoMess #NoFoodWaste

 

Smoothies are the best way to start the day, and Love Struck has a wide range of delicious pre-packed smoothie bags ready for you to try out for all of the flavour and none of the fuss!

This ethical B Corp certified company has been making waves online with their no fuss, no mess and no food waste kits. They work with a Michelin-starred chef to create the most delicious flavour combinations, and several of their smoothies have also received Great Taste Awards.

Love Struck's Smoothies are perfectly prepped and portioned bags of fruit and veg which have been flash frozen within 90 minutes to lock in all the nutrients and goodness. Each smoothie is also guaranteed to provide at least one of your five a day with no additives, flavourings or processed sugar.

These plant-based, vegan-friendly smoothies are a tasty way to start the day and with so many different flavours to choose from online, your freezer will soon be packed! Don't forget that the individual plastic bags can be taken to your nearest supermarket to be recycled.

I was delighted to receive a box of Love Struck smoothies to sample recently and I wanted to share some of my favourite flavours with you all so that you can get a good idea of what to expect from Love Struck. In addition to the below, I also tried Pash 'N' Shoot (tropical and delicious) and Berry Go-Round (very summery and refreshing).

Strawberry Split

Strawberry Split keeps it nice and simple with a classic combination of Strawberries and Bananas. This Great Taste Award winner is perfectly balanced with both fruity, slightly tart and sweet flavours coming through. I imagine that this one is a bestseller because who doesn't love strawberries and bananas?!

Big 5

For those who can't get enough fruit into their smoothies, Love Struck has the Big 5. Bursting with Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry and Kiwi, this smoothie has it all with so much exciting flavour and nutritional goodness. It's a good one to pick if you want to boost your immune system thanks to high Vitamin C content.

Coco Loco

Coco Loco is my personal favourite and another Great Taste Award winner. With its combination of Mango, Pineapple, Lime, Coconut and Mint, it's the smoothie flavour that will transport you to a tropical island - all you need now is some good weather!

What Should I Blend My Smoothie Pack With?

Love Struck recommends blending each smoothie pack with either 200ml of Apple Juice (for a super fruity taste) or Coconut Water (for a fresher taste and lower glycaemic index). I tried both and would definitely recommend the latter as I felt that the smoothies are already packed with so much fruit that adding Apple Juice was a bit too much for my palate. They are also really nice simply blended with plain water too.

How Big Are The Portions?

The smoothie packs are super generous - each one is 140g of fruit so when you add 200ml of your chosen liquid, it makes a 12oz smoothie. Definitely excellent value for money!

Shop Fruit Smoothie Bundles from £29.50 for 14 from love-struck.com

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Health & Lifestyle: Top 5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips

 

Deciding to live a healthier life is about much more than just losing weight. Going on diets and creating short-term exercise plans can work for quickly achieving weight loss goals, but while losing weight can be beneficial for your health, improving your lifestyle in the long term is the best option. By improving your lifestyle with these tips, you can stay at a healthy weight consistently and also feel more energized and positive day-to-day.

Start exercising

Exercise is incredibly important for your health because it can lower your risk of serious complications such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and even cancer. Additionally, exercise increases flexibility and mobility, making it easier for you to complete certain physical tasks. Since exercise releases endorphins, it can also improve your mood and reduce stress, and this is all in addition to the aesthetic benefits of exercise such as becoming slimmer and more toned.

Regarding this last point, many people take up exercise in order to improve their confidence by getting in shape. However, you may find this difficult if you have a lot of excess skin from previous weight loss as exercise can’t completely tighten up this extra skin. In this case, you may benefit from abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck) to remove this excess skin if it becomes an issue for you.

Eat a balanced diet

Crash dieting may help you lose a bit of weight before an important event, but it’s not sustainable or good for your health. Although it doesn’t produce the instant results that many people crave, a balanced, healthy diet that you can stick to in the long term is much better for you. This means that instead of cutting out unhealthy foods entirely, you simply reduce your consumption of them and replace them with healthy cooked meals and snacks like fruit between meals if necessary. Banning foods often just leads to cravings and a lower chance of sticking to a healthy diet, so make sure you eat appropriate amounts of each food group instead.

Get more sleep

You should aim to get around 8 hours of sleep per night if possible as this is the amount recommended by doctors. Plenty of sleep will allow your body enough time to rest and recover each night so that you feel energized the next day. Sleep can also reduce stress and regulate your hormones and blood sugar levels, which are important health benefits. It has even been proven that chronic sleep deprivation can shorten your life expectancy!

Drink water

Water is absolutely essential for our bodies. Water carries nutrients around our bodies and helps to get rid of waste and toxins, and since we are constantly losing water through sweating and urination, we need to replace it throughout the day. Rather than drinking sugary drinks that are bad for your health, try to drink more water instead.

Focus on mental health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. To improve your mood and reduce stress, it’s important to practice mindfulness and take time each day to do some self-care and things you enjoy. A healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand.

Living a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid diseases and live a long and happy life. Try following the advice listed above to see how this can help you!

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Healthier Home Fragrance: Saint Come Aroma Spray Tea Tree Ravintsara Airborne Aromatherapy review

 

Freshen up your home and banish pet smells the natural way with Saint Come's range of aerosol-free, non-toxic aromatherapy sprays.

With the festive season rapidly approaching, many of us are already sprucing up our homes and living spaces, adding all the Christmas decorations, and clearing the clutter to get ready to welcome our loved ones. Now, as someone who has two beautiful dogs, there's always one thing on my mind - will my home smell 'doggy' to my guests? 

I know, I know, we shouldn't be embarrassed by this but as a host, I always want to make things as cosy and welcoming as possible, and sometimes those doggy smells are a bit off-putting, no matter how adorable they are!

It's easy to freshen up your living space without having to resort to polluting aerosol sprays and plug-in fresheners with questionable ingredients. Instead, you can opt for one of Saint Come's aerosol-free Aroma Sprays which are infused with 100% pure grade and natural premium essential oils.

I particularly like their Tea Tree Ravintsara Aroma Spray that boasts an uplifting and blissfully refreshing blend of Tea Tree, Oregano, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Cedar and Ravintsara essential oils. This concentrated formula is free from preservatives and can be used in any room to instantly eliminate odours. Not only does it smell fresh and zingy with a herbal twist, but the addition of Tea Tree and Ravintsara mean that's it's useful for offering some natural anti-viral protection against those pesky seasonal ear, nose and throat conditions that plague this time of the year, as well as the common cold. 

A quick spritz here and there is all you need for some dual defence for your home this Winter!

Saint Come Aroma Spray Tea Tree Ravintsara Airborne Aromatherapy* (100ml, £11.99, link)

Do you use natural air fresheners?

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Health & Lifestyle: Musclemary Not Just Protein - Chocolate Crush review

The start of a new week is always a good time to reassess your health goals, and if you're currently getting back into an exercise routine, make sure this Musclemary Not Just Protein powder supplement is at the top of your healthy shopping list.

Whether you're vegan or not, Musclemary has a range of premium plant-based protein blends that work for all fitness levels, and they're a great way to incorporate more healthy protein into your daily diet. 

Unlike other protein powders which focus simply on the macro element of protein, Musclemary's vegan blends contain a carefully selected superfood mix that's rich in antioxidants and vitamins to not only support your muscle gain goals, but also your overall health by boosting your immune system and energy levels at the same time!

 

I was kindly sent one of Musclemary's Not Just Protein powder supplements to try out and naturally, I had to choose the Chocolate Crush flavour as we all know how much I love anything chocolate flavoured.

The large pouch comes with a handy scoop and each 30g serving boasts a whopping 18g of plant-based protein thanks to a mixture of pea and white hemp protein. In addition, each serving provides 100% RI of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Panthothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin C and the all-important Vitamin B12. Many of these essential nutrients are derived from superfoods such as Flaxseed, Maca, Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Baobab, Raspberry, Strawberry, Blackberry and Matcha Green Tea so that's a lot packed into this supplement. It's dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, low in fat and has no artificial sweetners.

How to Use and Taste

Start the day with a scoop of powder blended into your favourite smoothie or simply mix on its own with water. It has a thick milkshake-like consistency with a tasty hit of raw cacao flavour. I found it to be quite sweet, although there's no added sugar as the sweetness comes from natural Stevia instead. Alternatively, you can add it to pancake/waffle/cake batter or stir it into overnight oats or porridge.

Charity

For each product sold through their website, Musclemary donates £1 to their chosen charity Stonewall which helps to promote equality, diversity and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people.

Musclemary Not Just Protein* (600g, £35, link)

What's your favourite vegan protein supplement?

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Health & Lifestyle: Salad: Good Health In A Bowl #AD

 

A healthy meal doesn’t have to be boring. Yes, you read it right. Not because you don’t like vegetables or certain kinds of food, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a bowl of salad for you. Salad is one of the most flexible food recipes in the world. Whether you’re a vegetarian, pescatarian, or eat a mix of everything, one way or another, there is a salad recipe that suits you. It can be a mix of everything or simply put the ingredients that match your diet or preference. It’s like a complete DIY kit for healthy living. Here are some ingredients that you can add to be part of your healthy bowl of goodness.

Raw greens are usually the base of a salad. You would want greens that are crispy and vibrant without any signs of wilting or yellowing. The most popular greens are lettuce. You may opt for leaf lettuce or romaine lettuce as they’re the ones that are richer in vitamins.

Fresh fruits can be very flexible. Aside from being a healthy snack or dessert, you can also incorporate them in your salad. Some of the common fruits mixed in salads are apples, oranges, pomegranates, or you can also squeeze some lemon juice into your mixture.

Other vegetables are commonly the body of a salad. While greens are also vegetables, there are other colourful gifts of nature that you can mix in your salad to make them more colourful and healthier. Some common vegetables are carrots, cucumbers, onions, mushrooms, and peppers.

Nuts and seeds are a great addition to your salads. They are tasty and add crunch to your meal. Both are packed with protein fibres, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat, too. They also help with weight loss as they can help burn fats and regulate your food intake. Common nuts in the salad are almonds, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts, while some seeds that are usually added are pumpkin seeds and chia seeds.

Beans and legumes are packed with nutrients that can be a good staple in your healthy diet. They help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart diseases. They are also rich in antioxidants that fight other diseases and ageing. You can add black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and many others for added texture, flavour, and nutrients.

Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and fat, aside from the added flavour contributing to a salad. You can use goat cheese, feta cheese, parmesan, or cheddar cheese, depending on your preference, but any of them makes a good pair with any salads.

Proteins like meat complement salads well. By adding protein to your salad, you are making it a more filling meal. You may use red meat, chicken, hard-boiled egg, or fish as your protein. It is essential to keep in mind to opt for lean meat for a healthier choice.

Dressings

Creating delicious dressings for your salad is crucial as it will enhance the flavour of your chosen mixture of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and other components. Aside from adding value to its appearance, salad dressing also helps digestion. There are three main types of salad dressing that you can choose from.

Vinaigrette is a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, spice, salt, and pepper. While you can decide what ingredients to use to make your vinaigrette, using healthy options will give you more benefits. You can opt for extra virgin olive oil for extra flavour for oils, or you can use canola oil for a light and neutral-flavoured oil.

The creamy dressing uses mayonnaise, yoghurt, sour cream, or milk as a base. Many people love creamy food, and if you are one of those people, this kind of dressing will enhance your salad game. There are many kinds of cream that you can use as a base, but you can choose yoghurt if you are cutting calories. It contains low calories and fat than the others, and it is also higher in protein.

Cooked dressing resembles a creamy consistency, but instead of using a creamy base, it uses cooked egg to thicken the mixture. It may also contain vinegar, flour, mustard, salt, pepper, and butter, depending on how you want your dressing to taste. You can skip putting hard-boiled eggs in your salad if you are opting for this kind of dressing. Always remember to include healthy ingredients like light butter for less saturated fat and calories.

Add-ons:

To maximise the benefits you are getting in your salad bowl, you can add these supplements to your salad dressing for additional health benefits.

Turmeric

You may have heard of this spice as part of Asian cooking being a common ingredient in curries. But aside from its wide use in cooking, this root is packed with curcumin widely used to make medicines. It is said to help manage pain and inflammation, high cholesterol, liver disease, heartburn, and stress. One way to add healthy benefits to your bowl of salad is to add turmeric powder to your salad dressings. Just add a teaspoon and your salad is healthier than ever.

CBD oil

Cannabidiol or more commonly known as CBD oil, is extracted from the hemp plant. Although it comes from the family of Cannabis, this excellent oil natural supplement does not cause psychoactive effects. Instead, it is believed to be packed with many therapeutic benefits. Many people use CBD oil for pain relief, inflammation, stress, anxiety, and management of other health conditions. Aside from these benefits, you can also use CBD oil for general wellness. Adding a few drops of CBD oil to your salad dressing will add more health benefits to both your body and mind.

Ashwagandha

Aside from helping your body fight stress, ashwagandha is also packed with other health benefits. It has been used for centuries to enhance concentration, increase energy in the body, lower blood sugar levels, and boost testosterone levels. It is rich in withanolides which helps manage inflammation and tumour growth. A tablespoon of ashwagandha in your salad dressing can make a difference and provide additional therapeutic benefits.

Chaga Powder

Chaga is a kind of mushroom that has been used for centuries for medicinal use. Due to its antioxidant properties, it is said to help manage blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol levels. It is also believed that it has the ability to fight cancer. You can mix a teaspoon of Chaga powder in your salad dressing for added benefits.

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