Foodie Friday: No Bake Salted Chocolate Pretzel & Peanut Butter Squares (Vegan / Dairy-Free recipe) #Veganuary

Happy Friday everyone! As today marks the end of a very successful Veganuary, I wanted to round off the month with a chocolatey sweet treat which is based on a simple no-bake recipe. These Salted Chocolate Pretzel & Peanut Butter Squares are seriously moreish so you have been warned!

Vegan desserts and sweet treats are often a lot easier to make at home than you may have previously thought, thanks to the ingredients being readily available from most supermarkets these days. It's simply the case of finding a like-for-like product such as dairy-free chocolate or a plant milk alternative to use instead.  

With this in mind, I wanted to share an easy no-bake recipe for Salted Chocolate Pretzel & Peanut Butter Squares as I feel it's a great recipe to try if you're new to veganism. They're also healthier than something you'd buy pre-made/prepackaged in the shops, and these yummy squares are the perfect size to pop into lunch boxes or to keep in the fridge for whenever you have a sweet snack craving.

I'm hopelessly addicted to that salty chocolate flavour sensation so these really hit the spot if you're a fan too!

Ingredients (makes 8-10 squares)

• 80g Salted Pretzels, plus extra for topping
• 80g Jumbo Rolled Oats
• 150g Medjool Dates
• 6 tbsp Peanut Butter
• 2 tbsp Maple or Agave Syrup
• 150g Dairy-Free Milk or Dark Chocolate
• 2-3 tbsp Dairy-Free Milk
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil

Method

• Line a brownie tin with baking paper and set aside.
• Place the Salted Pretzels, Oats, Dates, Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup into a food processor and blitz until everything comes together to form a rough dough-like texture.
• Add 2 tbsp of the Dairy-Free Milk and blitz again so that the dough feels sticky between your fingers. If it's still a bit dry or crumbly, add an extra 1 tbsp of Dairy-Free Milk and mix again.
• Transfer the dough to the lined brownie tin, using a spatula to spread it evenly and to smooth out the surface, pressing it firming into the tray. Set aside.
• Next, break up the Dairy-Free Chocolate into smaller pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl with the Coconut Oil. Heat on medium-high for 20-30 seconds until mostly melted and then stir to ensure a smooth and glossy consistency.
• Carefully pour the melted Chocolate over the dough layer, using the spatula again to smooth it out so that it's an even layer. Finish with some broken pieces of Salted Pretzels and pop into the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
• Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares. Enjoy!

Storage tip: Keep the squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Do you enjoy no-bake recipes?

[Recipe adapted from PlantBased magazine]

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Foodie Friday: Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese (Dairy-Free recipe) #Veganuary

It's been incredibly inspiring to see so many people take part in Veganuary this year on my social media feeds, and this week's recipe is for anyone who has been craving some serious comfort food - it's my favourite Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese! 

A generous bowl of spaghetti is sometimes the only thing that really hits the spot during Winter, especially as this whole week seems to have been a pretty miserable combination of dark grey skies, constant drizzle, chilly temperatures and awful politics - brrrr! 

This plant-based Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese only takes around 30 minutes to make and it's one of the best mid-week dinners that the whole family can enjoy. I find that it's a good one for kids too, as it's an easy way to sneak some extra veg into their meal without the bowl being thrown at the wall ;) 

As always, you can customise the ingredients by adding some Chilli if you want some heat, or if you're on a low-carb diet, you can simply swap the Spaghetti for Courgetti instead. 

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 200g Dried Spaghetti 
• 1 pack of Vegan Mince
• 1 can of Chopped Tomatoes
• 1 punnet of Chestnut Mushrooms
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp Tamari or Soy Sauce
• 2 Garlic Cloves, peeled & crushed
• 1 small White Onion
• 2 sticks of Celery
• 1 Red Pepper
• Generous handful of Petit Pois Peas
• Salt & Pepper

To Serve

• Fresh Basil Leaves
• Dairy-Free Cheese 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Method

• Roughly chop up the Red Pepper, Onion, Celery and Mushrooms and give them a quick blitz in a food processor, or finely chop everything into very small pieces, e.g the mushrooms should look similar to mince.
• In a large saucepan over a low-medium heat, add the finely chopped vegetables, along with the can of Chopped Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Soy Sauce and Garlic. Stir everything together and simmer to allow the flavours to infuse and season with Salt & Pepper. After 10 minutes, add the Vegan Mince, stir and cook for a further 10 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
• Whilst the veggies and sauce is simmering, cook the Spaghetti and Petit Pois Peas according to the pack instructions and set aside.
• Add the cooked Spaghetti to the saucepan with the veggies and stir over a low-medium heat to ensure it's thoroughly coated and piping hot.
• Serve immediately with torn fresh Basil Leaves, a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, extra Black Pepper and finely grated Dairy-Free Cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Storage tip: The Bolognese sauce will keep in the fridge for 2 days in an airtight container. Ensure that it's thoroughly heated before serving with fresh pasta.

 What's your favourite pasta dish?

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Veganuary: Snack Ideas For Vegan Runners #AD

If you are a vegan runner, you have probably heard plenty of times that you need to change your nutrition if you want to become a strong and successful athlete. After all, we are taught to believe that we can only get proteins and carbs we need from meats and eggs.

Of course, these nutrients are important for your performance, they help you build muscle and speed up your recovery, but there are many ways you can follow a carb/protein-rich diet without consuming anything that came from a living creature. In fact, if you need more information about the best diet for vegan runners, let’s stick to the part of your eating plan you are most likely skipping – their majesties the snacks. These seemingly insignificant treats between your main meals are essential for keeping your energy levels up and achieving your goals. In case you have no idea how to prepare delicious vegan snacks in a matter of minutes, here are several ideas to get you started. 

Make your own trail mix 

Forget about those you can buy at the store and make your own trail mix that will contain all the things your body needs to refuel and recover. To add some sweetness to the combo, choose goji berries that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fats. You can also opt for flaked or shredded unsweetened coconut, dairy-free chocolate chips or dried fruit such as chopped dried apricots, dates, raisins, cranberries, blueberries or cherries. Nuts are an inevitable part of the homemade trail mix, so throw some cashews, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios in the bag as well. If you like pumpkin or sunflower seeds you can add them to the mix as well as some apple chips. Keep these ingredients in your pantry and any time you need a quick snack to add a few spoons of each of these to a small to-go container or a bag and you are all set. 

Make energy bars 

Every Sunday take an hour of your time to make a batch of homemade energy bars you will be able to keep in the fridge and grab every time you are hungry. You can make them with hemp seeds, ground flax, almonds, cashews, oats, cinnamon, dried fruit, peanut butter, maple syrup and other ingredients you love. There are plenty of recipes online, but you can also use your imagination and come up with your signature energy bars. 

Fruit and cashew cream 

This is one of the easiest and tastiest snacks out there. First, you will need to soak cashews overnight. In the morning drain them, put them in a blender with water and some kind of sweetener and make a smooth and creamy paste. Second, you will need to slice an apple, a pear, peach or some other kind of fruit and you are done! Dip the pieces into the cream and you will have yourself a tasty treat you can enjoy any time. 

Stuffed dates 

Are you looking for a delicious snack you can make in a couple of minutes? Then make sure you always have dates in your pantry because they will come in handy, especially if you fall in love with this treat. Stuff the dates with almond butter, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, put a slice of banana on top and sprinkle it with cinnamon. Easy-peasy! 

Raw vegetables and hummus 

Just as you can dip fruit into cashew cream, you can dip veggies into hummus. This tasty dip is high in protein, fibre, and healthy fats so it will boost your energy levels while keeping you full for hours. You can check out these recipes and make your own batch of hummus at home. 

With these delicious treats, snacking will easily become your favourite part of the day.

[This is a sponsored post - first image from Pixabay, food mages my own]

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Foodie Friday: Easy Cheesy Herby Nuts (Vegan / Dairy-Free recipe) #Veganuary

Veganuary is set to break a new record in terms of participation this year, with over a quarter of a million Brits taking the pledge and trying vegan this month. Whether you're taking part or just want to reduce your meat and dairy intake, I'll be sharing a series of tasty vegan-friendly recipes throughout January to help you out as part of my popular Foodie Friday posts - enjoy!

For this week's Foodie Friday post, I wanted to share a recipe for Easy Cheesy Herby Nuts which only takes 10 minutes to make. I made two huge batches of these for Christmas and New Year's Eve parties at home, and they were one of the most popular snacks on the table with everyone asking for more afterwards!

To get a subtle herby cheesy flavour, I simply coated the nuts in a generous amount of Mixed Italian Herbs and Nutritional Yeast - the latter of which should be on every new vegan's to-buy list. This form of inactive dried yeast, often nicknamed 'nooch', has a surprisingly realistic cheesy flavour to it and can be sprinkled over pasta dishes, soups, sandwiches, popcorn, roasted potatoes, the list goes on.

I'd recommend buying Nutritional Yeast which has been fortified with the all-important Vitamin B12 for an extra healthy boost, so why not give these Easy Cheesy Herbs Nuts a try this weekend? 

Ingredients (makes one batch)

• 300g Mixed Nuts
• 3-4 tbsp Nutritional Yeast (depending on how 'cheesy' you want them)
• 1 tsp Dried Mixed Italian Herbs (Herbs de Provence works well)
• Generous drizzle of Olive Oil
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180C / Gas Mark 4.
• In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients and give everything a good stir to coat the nuts.
• Spread them out onto a baking tray and pop into the oven to roast for around 5-8 minutes, until they start to go golden brown. Allow to cool before tucking in and enjoy!

Storage tip: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (not the fridge) for up to a week.

Are you taking part in Veganuary?

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Tried & Tested: 4 Everyday Vegan Beauty Products To Try From Hempz, NEEK Skin Organics and RosehipPLUS #Veganuary

I've really enjoyed taking part in Veganuary this year (both the food/diet and ethics/lifestyle sides of it), and I'll definitely be including more vegan beauty products in my daily routine from now on. If you're looking to do the same, check out these four vegan beauty products from Hempz, NEEK Skin Organics and RosehipPlus that you can use every day.

 NEEK Skin Organics Vegan Face Cleanser* (100ml, £14.50, link) and NEEK Skin Organics Vegan Face Moisturiser* (75ml, £18, link)

To accompany their gorgeous vegan-friendly lipsticks (check out my feature on those here), Aussie brand NEEK Skin Organics have recently launched their very first foray into skincare with these two exciting new products; a Vegan Face Cleanser and a Vegan Face Moisturiser. 

The Vegan Face Cleanser is a super gentle, light gel cleanser which can be used either in the morning or evening. Packed full of botanical extracts such as Aloe Vera, Sage, Calendula, Horsetail, Bladderwrack and Wild Peach, it's particularly useful for those who have blemish prone skin as it helps to keep spots at bay. However, it's equally suitable for anyone who wants a cleanser that will thoroughly remove all traces of makeup and daily grime so it's a great all-rounder! I love the uplifting fresh scent that this cleanser has too - it's very refreshing to use first thing in the morning and always leaves my skin feeling soft and not stripped or tight afterwards. It's free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, palm oil, perfume, phenoxyethanol, gluten, propylene glycol, EDTA, and animal by-products.

A great follow-up to the cleanser is NEEK's Vegan Face Moisturiser and these two really work well together. It's nicely hydrating for this time of the year, yet feels very lightweight and non-greasy on the skin as it absorbs quickly. Featuring nourishing, anti-ageing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Chamomile, Squalene, Wattleseed, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Oil and Vitamin E, this moisturiser is perfect for mornings so that you have a comfortable layer of protection to face the day with.

 RosehipPLUS Certified Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil* (30ml, £25, link)

Another Aussie beauty favourite that's now readily available here in the UK thanks to Amazon, is from RosehipPLUS. Their bestselling Certified Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil is a 100% pure and natural Rosehip Oil with a difference. Not only is it organic and cold-pressed, but it's made from Rosehip Berry Seeds that has had all the flesh removed before the pressing process, which gives it a  unique warm golden colour, rather than the dark reddish hue that you see with many other cheaper brands.

I've spoken about my love for rosehip oil in numerous posts as I find it's such a brilliant oil to have in your skincare routine. High in natural bioflavonoids and essential fatty acids, it's great for helping to fight free radical damage, thus protecting the skin against the elements which in turn, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As with most oils, a little goes a long way (only 2-3 drops are needed), and this one especially feels very luxurious, hydrating and nourishing when massaged into the skin.

Hempz Herbal Healthy Hair Fortifying Shampoo* (265ml, £19.66, link)

If your hair is currently feeling weaker and drier than usual due to the Winter weather, switching up your shampoo can definitely lend it a helping hand. This one from Hempz is from their popular Herbal Healthy Hair Fortifying range which has been specially developed to hydrate and strengthen, so there's no better time to try it out!

It's 100% vegan-friendly, free from THC, parabens, gluten and harsh sulfates, and it does an excellent job of thoroughly cleansing the hair and removing any product buildup. Featuring a healthy dose of ultra-nourishing Hemp Seed Oil, alongside ingredients such as Sunflower Seed extract and Shea Butter, this shampoo will help to put the shine and bounce back into your hair, plus it'll make your tresses feel a lot less fragile and less prone to breakage with long term use.

Have you tried any of these vegan beauty buys?

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Foodie Friday: Quinoa Pizza (Vegan / Gluten-Free / Deliciously Ella recipe) #Veganuary

Pizza is one of my all-time favourite foods - I could honestly eat it every day! However, it's usually pretty calorific, so if you're looking for a much healthier version to make at home that's also gluten-free, why not try this Quinoa Pizza for a change?

The supermarkets are full of ready-made, gluten-free pizza bases these days, but if you check the label, you might be shocked to find a bunch of hidden sugars, excess salt and artificial preservatives, so what's a gal to do? Make your own of course! 

Thankfully, there are lots of healthy, gluten-free pizza recipes online and I've been trying out various ones over the past couple of months with differing results. The best by far has been Deliciously Ella's Quinoa Pizza recipe from her self-titled debut cookbook, and it's a fun way to try something new with quinoa!

Quinoa is a brilliant pseudocereal that's naturally gluten-free, and unlike most other plant-based foods, it contains all nine of the essential amino acids which makes it an excellent source of complete protein for vegetarians and vegans. If you've only eaten quinoa in salads or as a side before, you must try this pizza recipe! It only contains five ingredients and is ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:- (makes one 20cm size pizza):-

• 195g Quinoa (the plain white colour)
• 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tsp of Herbs de Provence
• Olive Oil (for greasing)
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• Sprinkling of Chili Flakes (optional)
• Your favourite Pizza Toppings

Method:-

• Prep the night before: Place the Quinoa in a large bowl, pour over cold water, making sure that it's properly covered by a good few centimetres, and leave to soak overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 210C / fan 190C.
• Drain any excess water from the Quinoa and then transfer to a food processor. Add the Apple Cider Vinegar, Herbs de Provence, Salt and Chili Flakes if using. Blend for a couple of minutes until you have you something that looks like a greyish pancake mix.
• Grease a 20cm cake tin with Olive Oil and pour the mixture in, smoothing it out, and bake for around 15 minutes or until the pizza base is firm. 
• Remove from the cake tin, transfer to a baking tray and add your Toppings. Pop back into the oven for a few minutes. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Cooking tip: For a crispier base, try cooking the pizza on a terracotta pizza stone in the oven. If you're a pizza fiend, it's definitely worth the one-off investment! 

What's your favourite gluten-free pizza base?

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Vegan Skincare: Trilogy Age-Proof Line Smoothing Day Cream, Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, Very Gentle Cleansing Cream and Blemish Control Gel review #Veganuary

Vegan skincare is everywhere right now and Trilogy are one such brand that has always had a wide range of vegan-friendly products available. I've been testing out these four bestsellers recently.

I've been a fan of Trilogy for many years and they were, in fact, one of the first proper skincare brands that I got into when I started blogging. With innovative formulas, fantastic ethics, cruelty-free and organic certifications, plus ranges designed especially for sensitive skin, I was immediately attracted to the New Zealand brand who are readily available here in the UK via a wide range of stockists.

If you haven't tried anything from Trilogy before, here are four products that you should check out, (regardless of whether you're vegan or not!).

Trilogy Age-Proof Line Smoothing Day Cream* (50ml, £31.50, link)

For those of you reading who are in your 30s or are just starting to see the first signs of ageing appear such as fine lines, Trilogy's Age-Proof range is definitely worth looking into. Their Line Smoothing Day Cream features the brand's innovative Glycablend trademarked formula which helps to visibly smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and is especially beneficial to the skin with long term use. Packed full of active Botanicals, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyproline, Olive extracts, Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E, this hardworking moisturiser is rich and nourishing in texture, ultra-hydrating and absorbs quickly. It provides exactly what your skin needs to face the elements in the morning, and makes a great smoothing base for makeup (you can easily skip using a primer!).

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +* (30ml, £31.50, link)

Rosehip Oil has been a strong staple in my skincare routine for many years and I'm never without a bottle or two of this multi-tasking oil. Having tried countless different brands, I find that no two rosehip oils are the same, as each has their different subtleties and blends when it comes down to performance, absorbability and overall texture/feel, so it's worth trying out a couple to find the best one for your skin. That said, Trilogy's Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ is an excellent one to use and is made with 100% certified organic natural ingredients. 

This unique antioxidant-rich blend features Rosehip Oil, Tomato Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Acai Seed Oil and Oat Extract to give your skin a highly nourishing dose of plant-based goodness. The essential fatty acids in the mix help to repair, hydrate and strengthen, whilst a plethora of anti-oxidants, vitamins, and Omegas encourage healthy collagen production and fight against free radical damage. As with any facial oil, you only need to use a tiny amount (2-3 drops per application) and this can be applied directly to the face as the last step in your skincare routine, or mixed into your day or night moisturiser for a real boost.  

Trilogy Sensitive Very Gentle Cleansing Cream (200ml, £23.50, link)

Struggling to find a cleanser for sensitive skin? Try this one! I have used the Very Gentle Cleansing Cream on and off for years and I'm thrilled to see that it's now packaged in a glass bottle with a pump - hooray! This cleanser is one of the mildest and gentlest that I've tried and I often recommend it to anyone who is suffering from skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. It's been dermatologically tested and the fragrance-free formula uses Trilogy's SyriCalm complex which helps to quickly calm down any irritation and redness. 

I like using this as both a morning and evening cleanser, especially in the Winter months when I want something more hydrating, and it'll also remove my makeup if I'm wearing light and mineral based products (I find that it does struggle to shift stubborn waterproof liquid foundations and mascaras so I'll use it as my second evening cleanser if I'm wearing those). Use it with a muslin cloth or flannel for the best results.

Trilogy Blemish Control Gel* (20ml, £12.50, link)

My sensitive/combination skin type is prone to breakouts every now and then, so I've been reaching for this Blemish Control Gel whenever a spot has been threatening to pop up. It contains Witch Hazel, Rosehip Oil, Salicylic Acid, Cucumber and Ginger extracts, which results in a powerful antibacterial spot treatment that quickly reduces inflammation, decongests blocked pores and blackheads, and helps to clear up the skin. Word of warning though; it is quite drying so make sure that you follow it up with a good moisturiser or facial oil afterwards to replenish your skin's moisture levels and prevent any flaking issues - the Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ works very well with this.

Have you used anything from Trilogy before?

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Foodie Friday: Golden Mylk AKA Turmeric Latte (Vegan / Jasmine Hemsley recipe) #Ayurveda

Feeling cold? Warm yourself up with a steaming mug of Golden Mylk, a popular Ayurvedic drink that helps to improve your digestion and circulation. It's the perfect way to beat the Winter chill and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

If you'd have asked me five years ago whether I'd be settling down on the sofa with a mug of almond milk that's been prepared with turmeric, I probably would have thought you were mad. On the outset, I'm sure it sounds a little strange, but Golden Mylk (also known as Turmeric Latte), is one of the most deliciously comforting, caffeine-free drinks and it's good for you too!

Turmeric has been used for centuries thanks to its well-known anti-inflammatory properties which are found in its Curcumin compounds, and Golden Mylk is a great way to get some of this beneficial spice into your everyday diet. Adding some Black Pepper helps the body to absorb the Curcumin much easier, and all of the other spices add their own unique properties and flavours into the mix.

This is the first recipe that's featured in Jasmine Hemsley's East By West cookbook which I bought myself for Christmas, and I highly recommend picking up a copy if you're interested in Ayurvedic cooking or are just looking for something different to try. If you eat dairy, you can make this with organic whole milk, but it's just as tasty, if not more so, when made with Almond Milk instead.

Ingredients:- (for one)

• 250ml Almond Milk (make your own or use your favourite brand)
• 3 Cardamom Pods, cracked
• 1/2 tsp Ground Turmeric
• 1 inch of Fresh Ginger, grated, or use 1tsp of Ground Ginger
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tbsp Jaggery
• 1/4 tsp of freshly ground Black Pepper

Method:-

• Place the Almond Milk in a small saucepan and add 60ml of water. 
• Add all of the remaining ingredients, apart from the Jaggery, and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Add a splash more hot water if needed and then stir through the Jaggery to taste.
• Strain and serve in your favourite mug.

Shopping tip: If you haven't come across Jaggery before, it's made from raw, unrefined sugar cane juice and is sold very cheaply in cones or blocks. It has a delicious caramel/molasses flavour and can be readily found in Asian shops, larger supermarkets that have a world food aisle, or purchased online. Avoid buying the granulated kind that's found in health food shops as this has more than likely been chemically treated to stop it from clumping.

Have you tried a Turmeric Latte before?

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[Recipe taken from East By West by Jasmine Hemsley]

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New In Beauty: Tropic Eye Work Rejuvenating Serum and Eye Dream Age-Defying Overnight Butterbalm review

Fed up with eye creams that don't seem to do anything? Check out this hard-working duo from Tropic instead and give your peepers some well deserved TLC.

I always get excited whenever I receive a new skincare treat from Tropic, and before Christmas, a package arrived with their brand new Eye Work Rejuvenating Serum and Eye Dream Age-Defying Overnight Butterbalm. I'm obsessed with trying out eye care products as the eyes are always the first area of the face to show the first signs of ageing, so I couldn't wait to test these beauties out! And like everything else from Tropic, both are certified cruelty-free and are vegan-friendly.

 Tropic Eye Work Rejuvenating Serum* (10ml, £28, link)

I'm seeing more and more brands release eye serums and like a great serum for your face, a dedicated eye serum with the right ingredients can be a beneficial step in your anti-ageing skincare routine. Eye Work comes packaged in a slim tube that features a ceramic tip which dispenses just the right amount of product each time. The serum has beautiful silky texture that absorbs easily and I found that it has a subtle tightening effect when it's initially applied.   

The key actives in Eye Work are Peptides (derived from Hibiscus) which help to reduce puffiness and promote firmness; Vitamin C to brighten dark circles and lighten any age-related pigmentation, and Coffee Cherry extract which has been included for its anti-inflammatory properties that further depuff and soothe the delicate eye area. It's definitely been helping with my puffy eyes which are awful when I wake up!

Eye Work is a fantastic product to use first thing in the morning if you suffer from puffy eyes and dark circles, and it layers very well underneath makeup. You can also dab a bit on during the day or after work if you need a little brightening boost, so it's useful to pop into your handbag too.

Tropic Eye Dream Age-Defying Overnight Butterbalm* (15ml, £38, link)

Eye Dream, on the other hand, is completely different to Eye Work and has been specially formulated to serve as an overnight treatment. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I first opened it, as I was greeted by a light blue-tinted balm (from the Blue Tansy extract), that was completely solid due to the cold weather. After a good warm up near a radiator, it transformed into a much more pliable balmy texture which was still very thick and rich, due to a whole range of plant-based butters and oils such as Shea Nilotica Butter, Coconut Oil, Murumuru Seed Butter, Oat Kernel Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil, to name but a few.

The superstar anti-ageing ingredients in Eye Dream though are the Bio-Retinols and Plant Ceramides (both naturally derived), and it's these two which will ensure that you see a noticeable difference when you're using it. Retinols are great for stimulating the production of collagen, whereas Ceramides are famed for their ability to plump and rejuvenate the skin, improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A tiny amount goes a very long way with this product as to not overload the skin, but once you get it right, it's a brilliant step in your evening skincare routine if you're concerned about your eyes looking tired and older. My only bugbear with Eye Dream is that it does have a tendency to lose its balmy texture when it's in a cold environment, and then it takes a good 5-10 minutes for the texture to become useable once again, so bear this in mind if you live in a cold country.

What eye products are you using at the moment?

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Weekend Style: Men's Non-Leather Winter Shoes for Work and Play #Veganuary

A new year can often mean new shoes if your current ones have been worn out, so I've enlisted the help of one of my housemates to showcase two pairs of men's non-leather shoes from the online retailer Jacamo, which are perfect for work and play.

For Work: Brogue Chelsea Boots* (£35, link)

Brogue Chelsea Boots are such a classic style for men's shoes and their mature and sophisticated design lends themselves well to any kind of job that requires a smarter approach with a shirt and tie. That said, they're also popular amongst trendy/hipster circles when worn dressed down with a casual pair of black jeans at the weekend to the pub, making them an even more versatile shoe choice for your wardrobe.

These black Chelsea Boots are made from non-leather materials and feature a textile tan-coloured sole, yet have a comfortable and flexible leather-like look and feel to them, but without the expensive price tag. Affordable and stylish, they're available in men's UK sizes 7-12 with standard and wide fit options.

Dan says: "These boots are very comfortable and they definitely look the part for work - even the manager has complimented them! I'm also surprised by how affordable they are."

For Play: Reebok Trainers* (£55, link)

Over the years, more and more leading brands of popular sportswear have been utilising the versatility of man-made materials for their trainers, and it's now very easy to find non-leather alternatives online. Reebok is one such brand that has an excellent range available which are made from innovative textile-based materials. 

For example, the pair shown above features a shock absorbent EVA midsole cushion and have a rubberised sole grip that lets the user explore their surroundings with a comfortable and secure footing. Ideal for many outdoor activities from walking to beginner hiking, these Reebok Trainers are suited to those who are looking for a style of trainer that's more 'outdoorsy' than what you'd see in the gym, and the blue/grey colourway suits blue and dark blue jeans.

Dan says: I've always bought Reebok trainers because they're good quality and last a fair while. I also really like this particular style and they're incredibly comfortable to wear."

For more men's boots, shop the full range online at Jacamo.co.uk

What are your favourite brands of non-leather shoes?

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Foodie Friday: Cumin-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Date & Pearl Barley Salad (Vegan recipe) #Veganuary

Veganuary is in full swing and if you're after a wholesome and truly filling Winter Salad with a difference, you're in the right place! This is one of my favourite things to make at the moment as it's so easy to make a huge batch to help you get a head start on your healthy meal prep for the week.

Before anyone says 'Eurgh, Brussels Sprouts!', trust me - they taste completely different when they're tossed in some Olive Oil and roasted in the oven with a good sprinkling of Cumin. You'll never, ever want to boil them again after trying them this way! I've managed to win over my fair share of sprouts haters (including fussy kids) with this recipe, so I hope you'll give it a try too.

As I'm rarely in the mood to eat cold salad leaves during the Winter months, this salad instead calls for a hearty base of Pearl Barley; a wonderfully cheap and cheerful grain with a subtle nutty, chewy texture, that's readily available in most supermarkets, yet often overlooked. It's packed full of fibre, vitamins and minerals, and it properly fills you up, so it's something that I always have a bag of in my cupboard. 

Add in some Medjool Dates and you have the perfect combination of flavours, all in one dish. It sounds a little strange, but it works! You can enjoy this meal warm or cold - just add a little water if you want to gently warm it through in a saucepan over a low temperature.

N.B: I've adapted this recipe from one which was featured in Liz Earle's Wellbeing magazine.

Ingredients:- (makes 4 servings)

• 200g Pearl Barley
• 16 Brussels Sprouts
• 1 Lemon
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 50g Pine Nuts
• 1 Garlic Clove, crushed
• 30g Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/2 Cucumber, seeds removed & diced
• 6 Medjool Dates, stones removed & sliced
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper
• 1 tsp Chili Flakes (optional)

Method:-

• Preheat the oven to 220C / Gas Mark 7 and bring a medium pan of water to the boil.
• Thoroughly rinse the Pearl Barley in cold water before adding it to the medium pan. Slice the Lemon in half and pop one half into the pan. Adjust to a medium heat and cook until the Pearl Barley is chewy and tender. Drain, discard the Lemon and set aside.
• Whilst the Pearl Barley is cooking, trim and halve the Brussels Sprouts and add them to a large bowl. Drizzle over the Olive Oil and sprinkle over the Cumin, mixing them together well so that the Sprouts are evenly coated. 
• Roast the Brussels Sprouts for 15-20 minutes until they start to char slightly at the edges. In the last 3-4 minutes, add the Pine Nuts to the baking tray to lightly toast. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• In a large bowl, add the cooked Pearl Barley, Brussels Sprouts, Pine Nuts, crushed Garlic, diced Cucumber and sliced Medjool Dates. Squeeze over the remaining half of Lemon (removing any pips) and mix everything together. Finish with a pinch of Salt and Pepper, and sprinkle over some Chili Flakes if desired. 
• Serve it up and enjoy!

Storage tip: This salad will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

What are your favourite Winter Salads?

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P.S: I never purchase Medjool Dates which are from Israel due to the ongoing occupation and ethnic cleansing of Palestine. If you're interested in learning more about the international boycott of Israeli products, please feel free to visit bdsmovement.net / You can easily purchase fairtrade Palestinian Medjool Dates from Zaytoun (look out for them in your local Oxfam shop) - they are delicious!

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5 Vegan Beauty Products To Add To Your Makeup Bag

Thanks to the popularity of Veganuary this month, I've seen a lot of people discussing vegan beauty products on my social media feeds recently, with many of you looking for recommendations and reviews. So here are just five vegan beauty suggestions that I've rounded up that would be great additions to anyone's makeup bag - vegan or not!

Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup* (8g, £30, link)

Mineral makeup is one of the easiest areas to find vegan alternatives in, and a well-known, highly praised brand are Pür. They have a large selection of vegan-friendly makeup available, and their 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup compact is one of their bestselling products. Late last year, the brand celebrated their 10th Year Anniversary (a seriously impressive feat when you think about how many makeup brands seem to come and go these days), and they released a special Anniversary edition of their bestselling hero product in the most amazing bling-tastic packaging to mark this important milestone.

The crystal encrusted compact houses a pan of pressed mineral powder foundation which is infused with a plant-based Ceratin Complex that has anti-aging benefits, as well as Waltheria Extract that helps to naturally lighten and brighten dark spots and an uneven skin tone. It's also free from harsh chemical dyes, petroleum-based oils, fragrance and fillers, so it's ideal to pick up if you have sensitive skin, and has the added bonus of SPF 15.

The pressed powder is super silky to the touch, blends beautifully and makes it easy to achieve a light-to-medium coverage that looks natural, yet flawless (think 'your skin but better'). It wears extremely well throughout the day, doesn't cling to any dry patches or accentuate pores, and it feels practically weightless on the skin. I can see why this is such a classic bestseller! I have the shade 'Golden Medium' which is a good match for me, and there are 8 shades in total to choose from. Pair it with your favourite buffing/kabuki brush, or treat yourself to the matching Pür 10th Anniversary Edition Chisel Brush* (£15, link) which has soft, cruelty-free, synthetic bristles.

 Living Nature Eyeshadow & Compact* (currently on offer for £9, link)

Although I use both pressed and loose mineral foundations, when it comes to natural eyeshadows, I much prefer them to be pressed as it can be a little messy fiddling around with an extra small pot of loose powder! If you're the same, check out Living Nature's range of cruelty-free makeup which includes these easy-to-use, mess-free, mineral based eyeshadows. 

The shade pictured above is 'Slate', a soft matte grey/black that makes a killer base for a powerful smokey eye. This shade is currently on offer via Botanical Brands, and comes with a handy compact that you can fill with four eyeshadows to make your own bespoke palette. There's a double ended sponge applicator in the compact, but I never use these - get your hands on a proper brush like the MUA E10 Precision Eye Blending Brush* which is cheap as chips for less than £2.

 PHB Ethical Beauty Botanical BB Cream* (30g, £18.95, link)

For days when you're short on time or want an easy fuss-free, 'no makeup makeup' look, a BB Cream is the base that I'll always reach for. One of the best that I've tried in a long time comes from PHB Ethical Beauty, who are an inspiring British family run business with a primary focus on creating products that are handmade from 100% naturally derived ingredients. Everything is also certified vegan, cruelty-free, and halal (no alcohol), and they donate 20% of their net profits to helping to improve the lives of animals and people in the UK and abroad. How cool is that?

Their BB Cream is packed full of skin-friendly ingredients such as Rosehip, Aloe Vera and Grape Seed Oil, so it won't clog pores and is suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin types to try out. I love the lightweight texture as it essentially feels like a high quality tinted moisturiser, but it has a little more coverage than most making it a trusty base option for days when I don't want to wear a lot of makeup. Available in four shades.

 Know Cosmetics No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner* (0.25g, £12.50, link)

Love lipstick, but hate rummaging around in your makeup bag trying to find a lip liner that'll match it? Or worse still, finding one that you think matches, but in natural light makes you look like you've got a thin caterpillar perched on your upper lip (trust me, we've all been there!)? Stress no more, all you need is this lip liner and you're good to go! 

No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner is basically a silicone-based clear lip liner which forms an invisible barrier that stops your lipstick from feathering/bleeding. I used to use one from The Body Shop a few years ago, but since trying this one out, I can confirm that it's much more effective and actually does what it says on the label. The ingredients aren't natural based unfortunately, but there's nothing animal derived in it, so it's a good choice for vegans who want to avoid beeswax which is commonly found in a lot of lip products.       

 Lippy Girl Vegocentric Lipstick in Goddess* (5g, £12.50, link)

When it comes to finding vegan lipsticks, some brands only offer a small, limited range, but Lippy Girl currently has 14 shades available, ranging from demure nudes and everyday neutrals to on-trend wintery reds and 90s browns. I particularly love the shade Ski Bunny, so much so, that I had to repurchase it immediately last year when I accidentally lost it! All of their lipsticks are eco-friendly, natural, organic, and suitable for vegetarians and vegans as they only use natural mineral pigments, alongside organic and wildcrafted natural waxes and oils. 

Their newest shade is called Goddess which looks like a dark, vivid purple in the bullet, but translates to a pretty dark berry/wine colour on the lips. The formula is a little stiffer than mainstream lipsticks, but after a couple of swipes, it does soften slightly, and it doesn't feel drying on. Goddess is a versatile shade as you can wear it as a subtle tint (as shown below), or build it up for more vampy coverage. It does have some blue/purple shimmer to it that I'm not 100% crazy about, but I wanted to include it to show that not all vegan lipsticks are safe neutral shades!

What are your favourite vegan makeup products?

Have you tried any of these?

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