Keeping It Cosy with Illumine Candle Co | Vanilla Hazelnut, Bakewell Tart & Enchanting Candles review

With temperatures plummeting once again this week, it's time to get all Hygge and cosy up with your favourite candles. If you're looking for some Shop Small inspo, why not treat yourself and bring some of the Illumine Candle Co into your home?

Instagram seems to be the place where I'm finding all of my new favourite small businesses right now and I couldn't resist having a look at the Illumine Candle Co when one of their ads popped up in my feed. From the get-go, this indie business immediately impressed me with a large range of beautiful luxury 3-wick, signature, and mini candles, as well as having their scents available as wax melts.

Hand poured in small batches in Devon, all of the candles are made from 100% natural soy wax, and are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, palm oil free, and paraben free. 

With such an interesting variety of fragrances to choose from, you are truly spoilt for choice! After much umming and ahhing, I added these three to my basket.

Illumine Candle Co Signature Candle in Vanilla Hazelnut (£16.50, 300ml, 50+ hours burn time)

If you know, you'll know that I'm a sucker for sweet scents and a bargain, so of course I was drawn to the 'Candle Of The Month' which for February is Vanilla Hazelnut. Oh my goodness, this fragrance is decadently sweet, warm and cosy! As the name suggests, it's a delicious blend of creamy Chestnuts and Hazelnuts and there are some lovely soft and spicy notes of Cinnamon, White Ginger, Clove and a tiny hint of Coffee, to prevent it from being too sickly sweet. These are layered over a whipped Vanilla base which is really sublime. Grab one now whilst it's 20% off for just £12.38!

Illumine Candle Co Mini Candles in Bakewell Tart & Enchanting (£6 each, 75ml, 15+ hours burn time)

One of the few advantages of having an extremely tiny bathroom is that mini candles are perfect to use in there when you're having a long hot soak in the bath. With this in mind, I picked up two of Illumine's minis to try out and just like the larger signature candle above, these have an impressive scent throw and are great to use in small spaces. 

Bakewell Tart smells exactly how you expect; you get all of those yummy sweet and fruity notes coming through with that classic Vanilla, Almonds and Cherries fragrance that I can never get enough of. 

Enchanting on the other hand is completely different and is more like a luxury perfume with top notes of Bergamot, Grapefruit and Cassis, middle floral notes of Orris, Jasmine, Orange Blossom and Lily, and layered base notes of Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Praline, Patchouli, Cedarwood and Musk. Wonderfully complex and unashamedly feminine, this one would make a great choice for Mother's Day!

Discover the full range at illuminecandleco.co.uk

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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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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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Currently Loving: Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Wild Berries Candle & Soy Wax Melts review #ShopSmall

 

The weather has turned surprisingly autumnal here in the UK this week, so I thought I'd throw the spotlight on a lovely independent business I discovered at a local vegan market a little while ago called Yogi Candle Studio.

Launched in the summer of 2020, Yogi Candle Studio was founded in a small kitchen by Katie who wanted to make some candles to use during her yoga practice. However, her hobby quickly grew into a full-time small business as the popularity of her products grew and her premises are now located in a bigger space within the Amerton Farm and Craft Centre in Stafford. 

All of Katie's products are handmade and hand poured at the farm and everything is made from 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. The brand prides itself on only sourcing ethical and sustainable plant-based waxes and oils, and all of their packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable.

I was browsing a local vegan market in the area when I came across a stall for Yogi Candle Studio and the fragrance coming from it was incredible! Lined up was a good selection of candles and wax melts in lots of different scents, so naturally, I had to treat myself ;)

Yogi Candle Studio Wild Heart Candle (£12)

With so many gorgeous scented candles to choose from, I had a difficult time only choosing one and could easily have come home with all of them! After much deliberation, it was the Wild Heart Wild Berries scent that captured my own heart! Topped with dried flower petals, this candle is made from ethically sourced soy wax for a clean, non-toxic burn that has no palm oil or parabens. 

The sweet and fruity natural fragrance comes from a delicious blend of rich figs, dewberry, sweet raspberries, blueberries juicy black plums, layered on a base of patchouli, vetiver and musk. The standard 180g size has a burn time of 35+ hours and looks pretty wherever you choose to place it in your home.

Yogi Candle Studio Soy Wax Melts (3 bars for £10)

Next to the candles were all of Yogi Candle Studio's Soy Wax Melts and I picked up three bars in their £10 mix and match deal. Again, I was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing the scents and in the end, I opted for Sunrise (Coconut & Lime), New Beginnings (Cherry Blossom & Peony), and Refresh (Peppermint & Eucalyptus). 

Like the candles, these are also made from sustainably and ethically sourced soy wax which is palm-oil free, vegan, and cruelty-free. These bars are what I like to call the 'snap-apart-chocolate-style bars' and have a combined burn time of around 35 hours. I absolutely adore all of these scents and will definitely be purchasing more in the future!

Not local to Stafford? Shop online at yogicandlestudio.com

Have you discovered any local small brands in your area recently?

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Introducing: Chameleon Candles - Soy Wax Melts & Candles from Brighton, UK #ShopSmall

With an Artic blast currently sweeping across the country, there's no better time to wrap up warm on the sofa with a cuppa and Netflix, so why not enjoy some gorgeous home fragrance scents at the same time?

I was recently introduced to Chameleon Candles via Instagram (which coincidentally is where I seem to be discovering so many amazing small businesses at the moment!) by the founder Hani who got in touch with me to ask if I'd like to try out some of his products. Hani started to learn how to make candles, wax melts and stop motion animation when the pandemic began last year, as a way to find some positivity, creativity and inner peace in a world that was quickly being engulfed by panic, negativity and uncertanity. 

He named his small business Chameleon Candles as chameleons are well known for their ability to change their colour to adapt to whatever environment they're in, which suited Hani perfectly as he takes inspiration from nature and the changing seasons, as well as being able to adapt his products to produce candles and wax melts of all sizes, shapes and scents.

Hani very kindly sent me a selection of his amazing products to try and I'm thrilled to share them with you all below! Everything is handmade and poured in small batches in Brighton from natural plant-based wax for a clean burn.

Chameleon Candles Teddy Bear 3D Wax Melts* (box of 4, £11.95, link)

These adorable 3D Teddy Bear Wax Melts are some of the cutest products that I've ever been sent - they are almost too cute to actually use! Crafted from a blend of high quality, vegan-friendly plant-based wax and fragrance oils, each teddy bear weighs 50g so these will last a good while in your oil burner. 

In the box of four, you can select the fragrances that you'd like from an enticing list which includes Velvet Rose & Oud, Honey, Avocado Mint, Ruby Jasmine, Kir Royale and more. I was sent two beautiful teddies in Grapefruit & Lemon (very uplifting and citrusy) and Blackberry Jam (fruity and sweet). These really do pack a punch in the fragrance department and would make a beautiful gift for someone special.

Chameleon Candles Roses 3D Wax Melts (box of 10, £10.95, link) and Teddy Bear Wax Melts (box of 6, £4.45, link)

If you are as in love with rose scents as I am, you will of course love these 3D Rose Wax Melts which have a classic and timeless rose fragrance, and for those who are a budget or just want to try something out from Chameleon Candles, the Teddy Bear Wax Melts are a great affordable option where you try four different scents of your choice. The Honey and Oud scents are highly recommended!

Chameleon Candles Velvet Rose & Oud Medium Candle* (230g, £17.95, link)

Chameleon Candles truly excel at creating luxurious, clean-burning candles and they have a wide range of scents available, many of which are similar to popular women's fragrances. This Velvet Rose & Oud Candle is comparable to the much-loved fragrance of the same name by Jo Malone and features rich and textured notes of smoky Oud wood with sweet and creamy Praline, and spikes of spicy Clove. It's warm and inviting so perfect for lounge areas when you have guests over in the future, or for creating a sophisticated and cosy ambience for the evening. 

Beautifully presented with a dark wooden lid that doubles up as a coaster/stand and bearing the bronze wax seal logo of Chameleon Candles.

Discover the full range at chamcandles.com

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Introducing: Green Beetle Natural Skincare - Mood Booster Sugar Body Scrub & Pumpkin Spice Soy Wax Candle review

 

This week, I'd like to introduce Green Beetle, a small and independent natural skincare company based in Essex, UK. With a strong commitment to using as many natural and organic ingredients as possible in their products, they're an indie brand that I know you're all going to love!

Instagram is a great way to discover independent beauty and lifestyle brands, and as a blogger, I'm lucky enough to be introduced to new and exciting start-ups across that platform almost every week. My latest find is named Green Beetle who are starting out with a range of natural Body Scrubs, Body Souffles and Candles. 

All of Green Beetle's products are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and handmade in small batches for optimum freshness. They are a proud member of the Guild of Craft & Toiletry Makers and in addition to their commitments to using natural and organic ingredients, they also look after the environment by choosing to package their products in glass and aluminium, both of which can be easily reused or recycled. Plus, their postage packaging is plastic-free too - yay!

I was kindly sent one of their Body Scrubs and a Soy Wax Candle to try out.

Green Beetle Sugar Body Scrub in Mood Booster* (260g, £12, link)

With five very tempting fragrances to choose from, Green Beetle's Sugar Body Scrubs are housed in large aluminium tins and feature an ultra-pampering creamy formula which emulsifies into an exfoliating lotion once water is added. A blend of Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Raw Cane Sugar form the base of this scrub, to which an uplifting selection of essential oils is added to help boost your mood. I love the mix of Sweet Orange, Palmarosa and Geranium which smells incredible.

These Body Scrubs are the perfect combination of removing dull dead skin with a rich and hydrated finish so that your skin doesn't feel dry or stripped afterwards. Instead, it feels silky soft without being greasy and the natural fragrance adds to the whole holistic pampering experience - it's safe to say that I'm a fan!

Green Beetle Soy Wax Candle in Pumpkin Spice* (small 90ml, £9, link)

Green Beetle's Soy Wax Candles are available in two sizes; small (packaged in aluminium) and large (packaged in glass) and are crafted from hand-poured, all-natural soy wax which is an eco-friendly and safer alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Each candle is blended with only 100% essential oils that have been carefully chosen for their aromatherapy benefits. Currently, there are four fragrances to choose from and with Autumn on the way, I just had to choose the Pumpkin Spice!

This exquisite fragrance marries together all the best Autumn scents with lots of spices such as Cinnamon and Clove, and an underlying sweetness from Orange coming through once lit. The small candles burn for up to 20 hours and would make fantastic stocking fillers this Christmas - definitely one to add to the shopping list.

Discover the full range at greenbeetleltd.com

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Introducing: Rebecca Tracey - Handmade Aromatherapy - The Perfumed Workshop

Just before Christmas, I was introduced to the wonderful world of Rebecca Tracey's Perfumed Workshop at Bonds in Stratford-upon-Avon by a friend who adores aromatherapy as much as I do. Ever since, I have been simply smitten with her exquisite range of beautifully scented lifestyle products, and I was over-the-moon when my friend sent me a surprise package as an early 'Galentine's' gift.

Rebecca Tracey is perhaps one of the most underrated entrepreneurs who specialises in creating artisan aromatherapy products, and she has turned her passion for pure and natural scents into a successful business. Based at Bonds Lifestyle Centre just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, Rebecca's Perfumed Workshop is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in high quality, 100% natural fragrances, candles, diffusers, aromatherapy blends, skincare, body care and more. Everything is handmade, cruelty-free and sustainably packaged.

To give you a small insight into this brand, I thought I'd share the package that my friend sent me as a mini introduction to what Rebecca Tracey has to offer.

 Rebecca Tracey Lemon, Patchouli & Lemongrass Botanical Candle 01* (300g, £28, link)

I adore luxury naturally scented candles and they really don't come much more luxurious than Rebecca Tracey's sublime collection of Botanical Candles which currently has fifteen enticing fragrances to choose from. This 01 Botanical Candle is based on a blend of Lemon, Patchouli and Lemongrass, three of my favourite mood-boosting essential oils, and this is such an uplifting, summery, zesty and 'happy' fragrance to experience - it's the perfect antidote to this miserable weather!

All of these Botanical Candles are handmade using non-GMO Soy Wax and 100% pure essential oils. They have an impressive scent throw and this 300g size will deliver a clean, non-toxic burn for around 60 hours. Larger 3 wick candles are also available which are definitely next on my wishlist.

Rebecca Tracey Frankincense, Lavender & Geranium 04 Aromatherapy Room Fragrance* (100ml, £15, link) and Fresh Head 21 Aromatherapy Pulse Point Rollerball* (10ml, £9, link)

Being a migraine sufferer, I can't use mainstream room sprays as they're a painful trigger for me (the aerosol ones are the worst) and often leave me feeling nauseous and irritated as well, so I prefer to scent my home with simple, natural blends of essential oils instead. 

Rebecca Tracey has created ten different Aromatherapy Room Fragrances, all housed in dark glass bottles, and 04 Frankincense, Lavender & Geranium is a divine cocktail of floral and woody notes. This one's great for spritzing around the bedroom to help you unwind as it's very relaxing and doubles up as a calming pillow spray too. Like the candles, the Room Fragrances are 100% natural and use only the finest and purest essential oils.

Aromatherapy fans should also check out the range of 100% natural Pulse Point Rollerballs, of which there are six blends, each one with a different purpose. Fresh Head 21 is a soothing and refreshing way to clear a foggy head so that you can concentrate on tasks better and be more productive. It's perfect for anxiety and fatigue, as well as being a useful study aid if you find that you're a bit of a procrastinator like me!

Discover the full range of Rebecca Tracey's Aromatherapy ranges and products at rebeccatracey.co.uk

Are you a fan of Aromatherapy?

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Introducing: Adorli - A New Online Shop For Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Organic & Natural Beauty #WomenSupportingWomen

Heads up green beauty fans, there's a new online shopping destination called Adorli, and all the brands that they stock are made by UK female entrepreneurs! #WomanSupportingWomen

Founded by Saidat Giwa-Osagie, Adorli has been set up to promote emerging cruelty-free, vegan, organic and natural beauty brands which have been developed by female entrepreneurs who have created their own cosmetics and skincare lines after they were unable to find suitable products elsewhere. The shop's motto is 'kind beauty, made with love, made for you' which forms the basis for how Adorli came to be.

Saidat says, "When I moved to London, I would go to local beauty shops and struggle to get advice on which products to buy, making the experience time-consuming and costly. It was then I had the idea to create a place where you could find beauty products that are lovingly made with you in mind because the female entrepreneurs behind the brands have gone through similar situations and are therefore equipped with the empathy, support, and mindset to create beauty that's kind and caring.

Beauty isn't just skin deep. When you find something that's been made with you in mind, it's a recognition of your humanity, your uniqueness and a celebration of your beauty."

Adorli is currently working with a small number of independent female-led brands, so if you'd like to support this wonderful business, here are some of their bestselling products to look out for.

Honeypie Minerals Pink Rose Blush* (3g, £7.99, link)

Affordable and effective, Honeypie Minerals is a 100% natural and cruelty-free mineral-based brand which prides itself on producing pure, simple and honest makeup. They are known for their gorgeous blushers which are free from bismuth oxychloride, talc, oils, starch, synthetic harsh chemicals, parabens, nanoparticles, additives, fragrance and preservatives, and come in a range of shades to suit all skin tones.

The colour that I was kindly sent to try is called Pink Rose Blush which is one of those beautiful universally flattering shades of rosy pink and I haven't worn anything else since it arrived. Finely milled, this silky-soft mineral powder is easy to work with, feels lightweight and delivers a matte finish, but still has a lovely 'glow' to it. 

Kathy Sue-Ann's Super Moisturising Organic Body Butter in Au Naturel* (50ml, £8, link)

As I'm prone to dry skin and eczema flare-ups (particularly at this time of the year), I couldn't wait to try Kathy Sue-Ann's Super Moisturising Body Butter which is every bit as deliciously comforting as it sounds. Packed full of nourishing superfood ingredients such as Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera, this Body Butter feels surprisingly light thanks to its luxurious whipped texture, yet it really delivers on the hydrating front and transforms dry and irritated skin into a much happier and healthier version of itself.  Perfect for Winter or beyond, this is the Au Naturel formula which is free from fragrance and essential oils, however, there are also Sweet Orange, Lavender and Grapefruit versions available for those who want something scented.

Chaaboo Citrus and Lavender Tea Mini Soaps* (42g, £2.50 each, link)

An unusual and unique plastic-free gift idea for anyone who loves tea and green beauty, Chaaboo's one-of-a-kind Mini Tea Soaps are handmade in Hertfordshire to a vegan-friendly, palm oil-free and PETA approved natural formula. Key plant-based ingredients include Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Shea Butter, whilst Tea Leaves and Tea Water add a quirky twist! I've been enjoying using both of these in my home recently (the Citrus soap is by the kitchen sink, whilst the Lavender one is in the bathroom), and I'm already keen to try out some of their other tea-themed flavours in the near future.

Find all of these products and more at adorli.com

Are you shopping with independent brands this Christmas?

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The Eco-Friendly Gift: Green Future Box review

Living a more sustainable lifestyle doesn't have to be boring or daunting. Quite the opposite in fact! With a subscription to the Green Future Box, you'll receive a specially chosen selection of plastic-free alternatives that you'll use every day.

We all know that we need to change some of our daily habits to help save the planet and preserve it for generations to come. I'm sure most of you reading this have already made changes such as ditching single-use plastic or making the pledge to go vegan or to eat less meat. If you haven't yet and want to, the Green Future Box is a great place to start and appeals to sustainable beginners, as well as those who are currently living a more responsible eco-friendly lifestyle. 

The aim of Green Future Box is to provide subscribers with plastic-free alternatives to products that they may use every day or on a regular basis. Everything inside the box is cruelty-free and suitable for vegans too, plus the contents are guaranteed to be worth a minimum of £30. When you sign up, they ask you a couple of questions which allows the company to customise the box to your needs, and it's worth pointing out that you can change these answers or cancel your subscription at any time.

I was kindly sent last month's Green Future Box to review which naturally came delivered in completely plastic-free packaging - yay! 

 Flawless Micellar Water Aloe & Lavender (100ml)

Packaged in a recycled glass bottle complete with a recycled aluminium lid (both of which can be recycled again after use), Flawless Micellar Water is a gentle cleansing fluid that's infused with natural extracts such as Aloe and Lavender to be kind to sensitive skin types. Simply pour a little onto a reusable cotton/cloth pad and sweep over the face to remove makeup, daily grime and impurities. I love using this as a first cleanse in the evening to 'take the day off'.

Flawless Detoxify & Cleanse Activated Charcoal Organic Sheet Mask

Also from Flawless is an Organic Sheet Mask, which like the Micellar Water, is made in Wales in small batches. Open the packet and you'll find a biodegradable organic cotton sheet mask which is saturated in a detoxifying formula that features ingredients such as Activated Charcoal, Aloe Vera, Juniperberry, Rosemary and Patchouli. Apply to a clean face, sit back and relax for 15-20 minutes whilst it works its deep cleansing magic to draw out impurities and soothe blemishes and breakouts.

 Little Green Wood Reusable Face Wipes

This cute pack of handmade Reusable Face Wipes from Little Green Wood are made from organic cotton and fleece material and have a different texture on each side to suit your personal care needs. The woven cotton side is great for using with your favourite cleanser morning or night and provides a little exfoliation for the skin at the same time, whilst the fleece side is super soft and ideal to use with the Flawless Micellar Water above to gently remove eye makeup. Once you're done, simply place them into the organic cotton mesh bag provided and pop them in with the rest of your laundry in the washing machine - easy!

Georganics Natural Toothpowder and Natural Floss

Plastic waste from everyday products such as dental care is a massive issue for the planet but with this duo from Georganics, you needn't be part of the problem anymore. Their Natural Toothpowder comes in a glass jar with an aluminium lid and boasts natural whitening and stain-removing properties thanks to a base blend of Magnesium and Sodium Bicarbonate. The fluoride-free powder is also flavoured with Spearmint and Eucalyptus for a breath-freshening result every time. Never used a toothpowder before? Just wet your toothbrush and dip it into the jar, then brush as normal.

Follow up with the Natural Floss which is made with Activated Charcoal fibres and you'll have a happy and healthy oral hygiene routine that doesn't impact on the planet!

Green Future Box* costs £19.99 with free UK postage - subscribe at greenfuturebox.co.uk

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Christmas Gift Guide 2019: Laouta All Natural Soy Wax Wood Wick Candles review

Candles are one of my favourite products to gift and to receive, so it made sense to begin this year's Christmas Gift Guide series with a spotlight on Laouta's beautiful luxury candles.

It's so easy to find incredible artisan candles these days - there really does seem to be a boom in this section of the market which means that us consumers are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect candle for that special someone this Christmas.

For this reason, I will be featuring a range of different brands during the run-up to the big day, but for now, let me introduce you to Laouta.

This small, family-run business is based in Greece and they have an array of natural and cruelty-free beauty products alongside a selection of artisan candles. All of Laouta's products are inspired by traditional Mediterranean recipes which pay homage to their heritage, and everything is made by hand in small batches using locally sourced handpicked natural ingredients. 

Free from parabens, stabilisers, synthetic dyes, synthetic ingredients, perfumes and preservatives, Laouta's products are proudly 100% natural and they have a strong commitment to the environment by ensuring all of their packaging is 100% recyclable or biodegradable. 

I have yet to try their beauty products (although they are on my to-try wishlist!) as it was their All Natural Soy Wax Wood Wick Candles which immediately caught my eye whilst I was browsing LoveLula.com one evening, so I knew I had to pick some up!

There were four or five different scents to deliberate over and I eventually chose Bittersweet Almond and Raspberry & Pomegranate. I was pleased to see that they arrived in plastic-free , cardboard packaging and they come housed in white handmade ceramic pots which can be re-used afterwards. 

Made from 100% natural, hand-poured soy wax which is carefully mixed with a premium fragrance oil blend, each candle weighs 200g and boasts a burn time of up to 30 hours. At the centre is a wooden wick and I absolutely love these because they produce a satisfying and cosy crackling sound when they're lit!

But I know what you're all thinking - what do these Laouta Candles smell like? Well, they smell just like their namesakes! Bittersweet Almond has a subtle, sweet marzipan and floral fragrance to my nose which is comforting and Christmassy, whilst Raspberry and Pomegranate has a fruity floral aroma going on with a little spice added in for good measure. The scent throw isn't wide which I found a little disappointing at first, but after an hour of burning, they will subtly fragrance a small room or living area without being overwhelming and most of the time, I want a candle to do just that.

Laouta All Natural Soy Wax Wood Wick Candles* (£25 each) are available from LoveLula.com

Will you be buying candles as gifts this year?

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The Weekend Post: A Daytrip To Manchester - Where To Shop, Eat & Drink #VisitManchester

Manchester is by far one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in the whole of the UK. With an ever-growing student population, streets of independent shops, artisan cafes and cocktail bars, and a local community that embraces diversity, it's no wonder why it's on the top of many young people's places to visit.

Planning a trip is easy with accessible transport links and countless serviced apartments in Manchester for those who want to stay for a night or weekend, so if you're thinking of visiting, I've compiled a list of some of my favourite 'hidden independent gems' to shop (second hand, on a budget and zero waste), eat and drink.

Where To Eat: Northern Soul Grilled Cheese [Manchester Picadilly, Station Approach, M1 2GH & Northern Quarter, Unit 10-11, Church Street, M4 1PN]

Manchester is truly a foodie's dream come true with scores of independent and artisan businesses dishing up every kind of cuisine that you can think of. Cheese lovers should head for Northern Soul Grilled Cheese, which specialises in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, oozing with their special three-blend cheese mix that's toasted on locally sourced Sourdough and filled with additional ingredients such as Mac 'n' Cheese, Pulled Pork, Pastrami and more. Extra sides on offer include Loaded Fries, Mac 'n' Cheese bowls and the popular 'Frickles' - deep-fried pickles.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese - Mac Attack

Perfect for a hungover brunch with friends, I opted for the 'Mac Attack' which really is cheese heaven thanks to its combination of three different types of cheese melted together with a generous amount of mac 'n' cheese. The grilled cheese sandwiches come with half a chunky pickle and your choice of homemade slaw or crisps, with condiments such as French's Mustard and Encona Hot Pepper Sauce at the table to dip your toastie into.  Mmmmmmm!

Where To Eat & Drink Coffee: Siop Siop [53 Tib Street, M4 1LS]

If you're after a cup of high-quality coffee, Manchester is full of independent coffee shops so there's no need to buy your latte or espresso from a chain when you're visiting the city. Siop Siop is a fantastic coffee shop with a small outdoor seating area and communal tables inside for a cosy get together. As well as mouthwatering blends of proper coffee, you'll also find an equally enticing menu of homemade Pancakes, Sandwiches, Salads and Cakes, with vegetarians and vegans catered for.

Siop Siop - Rhubarb & Custard, Coffee Glaze, Millionaire's Doughnuts and Chocolate & Coconut Snickerdoodle

You can't visit Siop Siop without trying at least one of their famous handmade doughnuts though, and these are truly something special. The flavours change regularly so it's always exciting to see what's new and if there's no seating available, I would recommend ordering a box to go, you won't regret it.

Where To Shop On A Budget: Vintage Kilo Sale [pop-ups throughout the city]

As you may expect from a city that's full of students, vintage clothes are incredibly popular and coveted, so if you're a fan, you'll love the numerous 'pop-ups' that are easily found across the city. In the centre, you'll find several 'kilo sales', stores of vintage clothing where you can spend hours rummaging through the clothes rails. Once you have found your perfect 90s check shirt and 80s denim jacket, you simply take them to the till to be weighed, with most shops charging around £15 per kilo.

Where To Shop On A Budget: Oxfam Emporium [8-10 Oldham Street, M1 1JQ]

Charity shops are another place to find second-hand bargains for a cheap price (that also benefits the chosen charity so win-win for everyone!), and one of the best in Manchester is the Oxfam Emporium. This well-organised and tidy shop has a regular amount of newly donated stock coming in so I always seem to find something to take home with me whenever I visit. This time around, I found a nearly new Urban Outfitters Playsuit for £6.99, a vintage button-up denim skirt for £4.99 and a second-hand Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag for £6.99. What a bargain! And of course, if you're local, this is a brilliant place to donate your unwanted clothes, shoes, accessories, books and CDs.

Where To Shop Organic & Zero Waste: McCall's Organics [Unit 6, 7 Church St, M1 1PN]

Eco-friendly and zero waste shoppers can happily support McCall's Organics on Church Street with an easy conscience. This small but expertly curated shop is your one-stop destination for fresh organic fruit and veg, chilled organic dairy, healthy drinks (they have Kombucha on tap!), and of course, it's the perfect place to stock up on your cupboard essentials such as rice, lentils, beans, pasta, dairy-free milks, gluten-free flours, soups, sauces, tea, coffee, canned goods and plenty more.

Customers are encouraged to shop zero waste by bringing their own containers, plus there's a refillable section of eco-friendly laundry products and cruelty-free toiletries. If you get to the shop early, you can take advantage of locally sourced fresh bread and a tasty selection of vegan cakes too.

Where To Drink: A Place Called Common [39-41 Edge Street, M4 1HW]

You'll never be thirsty in Manchester with its plethora of cocktail bars, clubs and pubs on every single street, and I could have written a whole blog post dedicated just to popular drinking spots in the city! However, I decided to focus on A Place Called Common because it has such a cool and friendly vibe, plus it's one of the rare places that does a decent range of Happy Hour cocktails every single day (most don't do HH on Saturdays) from 3-7pm for just £5 each.

A Place Called Common - Bramble Collins, French Martini, Passionfruit Daquri & Espresso Martini

Sitting outside in the sun with a cold drink is one of life's simple pleasures and here there are plenty of tables for you to enjoy a catch up with your friends. It does get incredibly busy though, but there is seating inside and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. Whilst it's mainly popular for its delicious cocktails, it's worth mentioning that Common has some brilliant food on offer as well, with a range of burgers, salads and bar sides to soak up all of that booze. There are several vegan options too so everyone's included.

Where To Eat Late: Crazy Pedro's [Short Street, Northern Quarter, M1 1JG & 55-57 Bridge Street, Deansgate, M3 3BQ]

Manchester is a city that doesn't seem to sleep, making it a popular destination for partygoers and students alike. Just like any other city, it has its fair share of kebab shops and local Chinese takeaways, but the place to go for your post-drinks, late-night grub on a Friday or Saturday night is Crazy Pedro's.

Tucked down Short Street in the Northern Quarter, this basement bar is home to the best pizza that you'll find in the whole of Manchester. The quirky colourful ambience of Crazy Pedro's adds a youthful feeling throughout the establishment and with free Beer Pong, pinball machines and more Tequila than you can shake a stick at, you know you're going to have a good time here!

Crazy Pedro's - Summer B (Vegetarian) and Pepperoni

Back to the pizza and Crazy Pedro's has become famous for its unusual flavours and weird toppings (the Big Mac and Chicken & Waffle pizzas are popular to give just two examples), but you'll still find the tried and tested favourites such as Margherita and Pepperoni, and they even do vegan pizzas with dairy-free cheese and mock meats. A menu at the bar shows that day's slices which are available from £3, or you can order a whole pizza to enjoy now or takeout. Open until 4am, Crazy Pedro's has two venues in Manchester for punters to pick and choose from depending on where their night out is starting or ending ;)

[This is a collaboration post - the spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own]

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