Health & Lifestyle | Optibac Every Day, Adult Gummies & Intimate Flora For Women Probiotics review

There's not a day that seems to go past without someone mentioning how they are improving their Gut Health on social media, and this post is yet another reminder of how important it is to look after your gut. In addition to eating a wide variety of different foods, taking probiotic supplements can also help to boost the number of friendly bacteria that live in your gut, thus helping to revitalise your overall health in the process.

What Are Probiotics?

First things first though, what exactly are probiotics? Probiotics are the name for the numerous strains of live bacteria and yeasts that live in your body. They can be found in lots of different foods that are mainly fermented or cultured in some way such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, miso, tempeh, and certain types of yogurts. If you eat a healthy plant-based diet, you're probably already consuming a lot of these! 

Why Do We Need Probiotics?

Probiotics are essential to supporting a healthy digestive system; one easy way to remember them is to think of them as the 'good guys' as they are the friendly bacteria that we need to keep our gut nice and balanced. Unfortunately, many of us don't eat a varied diet in the Western world, and things like alcohol and junk/ultra-processed foods can upset the delicate balance of the good versus bad bacteria in the gut. This imbalance can lead to digestive problems such as IBS and 'leaky gut' (where your body finds it difficult to retain essential vitamins and minerals), as well as issues with your immunity. 

On top of this, stress and antibiotics also cause gut imbalances, so much so, that countries such as Germany and Sweden often provide a course of probiotics when you're given a prescription of antibiotics to counterbalance the side effects on your gut. It's also a useful reminder to only take antibiotics when you absolutely have to. 

How Do Supplements Help?

Probiotic supplements can be a very useful way to top up the friendly good bacteria that your body needs but not all supplements are created equally, so make sure you read the label before purchasing. Brands such as Optibac offer expert advice online to help you to choose the formula that's right for your individual needs, and with a good range to choose from, there's something to suit everyone. Here are just three examples of what they have to offer your gut health, all of which are packaged in glass jars or compostable pouches. And for everyone who has a vagina, there's a specialist supplement just for you at the end of this post!

Optibac Every Day* (£12.99, 30 capsules, one month supply, link)

For a good all-rounder that will suit most people, Optibac Every Day is an excellent choice. This daily supplement contains six highly researched strains of friendly bacteria which have been proven to survive the acidity of the stomach so that you can properly reap the health rewards. These strains are Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11®, Lactobacillus acidophilus/helveticus Rosell-52, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175, Lactococcus lactis Rosell-1058, Bifidobacterium breve Rosell-70, and Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71. Optibac has also added FOS fibres which are scientifically proven to increase your natural gut bacteria. 

With five billion live cultures in each capsule, this supplement is vegetarian-friendly, yeast and gluten-free, contains no added sugars, is free from artificial colours, and is safe to consume during pregnancy. I've tried many probiotic supplements over the years from various brands and you really can't beat the price point vs quality from Optibac, making them the most affordable in the market.  

How to use: take one capsule per day in the morning, ideally with breakfast. Can be increased to two capsules a day if professionally recommended and is suitable for ongoing use.

 

Optibac Adult Gummies* (£12.99, 30 gummies, one month supply, link)

If you're not keen on taking capsules or have difficulty swallowing them, the Optibac Adult Gummies are a brilliant alternative. These gummies have a delicious mixed berry flavour, are gluten-free, contain no added sugar and have no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives. They are also Vegan approved so there's no nasty gelatine. This formula contains the scientifically proven strain Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2 and is combined with FOS fibres, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Calcium to provide a gut and immune health supplement all in one. Each gummy has five billion live cultures of the good stuff.

How to use: take one gummy per day, with or without food, do not exceed this recommended daily dosage. Can be used on an ongoing basis, but please consult with your GP/medical professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious medical condition before consuming.

Optibac Intimate Flora For Women* (£19.99, 30 capsules, one month supply, link)

Lastly, I wanted to feature the Optibac Intimate Flora For Women because I have personally found these so useful for helping me to lessen the number of UTIs (and to recover more quickly from) that I used to experience. If you have a vagina, you need to try these! This is a very specific and specially formulated supplement that contains friendly bacteria strains which are naturally found in the vagina and urinary tract; all of which have been scientifically researched and proven to reach the vagina, with over 30 years of research to back up this all-important formula to support the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. So to recap, this isn't one for your gut!

Each capsule boasts three strains; Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® with 2.5 billion live cultures. As the bacteria in the vagina is different from the gut, it makes sense to support it with a specialist supplement, so you can take this alongside one of the other gut formulas above. These are vegan-friendly, gluten & yeast free, and suitable to take during pregnancy.

How to use: take one capsule per day in the morning, preferably with breakfast. You can take these on an ongoing basis or intensively to help rebalance your vaginal health if you have a UTI (if the latter, I would recommend increasing to two capsules per day which is what I have done in the past - and it worked really well for me!).

Shop the full range of Optibac supplements and take advantage of 15% discounts when you subscribe and save: optibacprobiotics.com/uk/

Have you tried any probiotics?

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The Weekend Post: Making Vegetarian Sushi with Kelly Loves Sushi at Home #TooHotToCook

 

The last thing you want to do when there's a heatwave in the UK is to put the oven on, so this lovely kit from Kelly Loves Sushi was the perfect kitchen friend for some al fresco dining this weekend!

I've had a love affair with sushi for a long time, despite me not eating fish. There's so much more to sushi than raw fish so don't let that put you off! Nowadays there's a huge range of vegetarian and vegan sushi available, and of course, it's very easy to make yourself at home. You just need the right tools and ingredients.

If you fancy having a go yourself, the Kelly Loves Sushi at Home Kits is a great place to start. Designed by the world-renowned Asian businesswoman Kelly Choi, these kits are super easy for beginners to help them explore the exciting world of sushi in the comfort of their own homes.

I was very kindly sent the Kelly Loves Sushi Complete Sushi Kit to try out and this contains all of the essential ingredients that you need to make a wide range of sushi rolls and maki. 

Inside this kit, you'll find Sushi Rice (500g), a pack of Nori Sheets (7 sheets), Sushi Vinegar (150ml), Spicy Mayo (285g), Sushi Ginger (150g), Crispy Fried Onions (150g), and a very handy Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat. Just add your fresh ingredients and you're good to go!

The instructions for how to make your own sushi/maki rolls are illustrated simply on the packaging, though I did find it helpful to have a look at a couple of YouTube videos for some extra guidance.

How To Make Sushi/Maki

Cook the Sushi Rice in a steamer or large saucepan - you know it's done when all the water is absorbed and it feels quite sticky. Mix in a little of the Sushi Vinegar to bring it to life and allow to cool.

Cut the Nori Sheets into two and place one on the Bamboo Rolling Mat. Add 80g of the cooled Sushi Rice and your fresh ingredients (cucumber, avocado, carrots etc for vegetarian/vegan sushi). Carefully roll it using the mat and seal the roll with a little water. Cut into bite-sized pieces and either consume alone or dip into the Spicy Mayo or Sushi Ginger, or sprinkle over some of Crispy Fried Onions.

I found it very easy to make my own sushi with this kit and the Bamboo Rolling Mat is the key to getting your rolls absolutely perfect!

Delicious!

Kelly Loves Sushi at Home Kit - The Complete Sushi Kit* retails for £19.40 at kellyloves.com

Have you tried making your own sushi before?

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Foodie Friday: Introducing Flower & White - Delicious Fairtrade & Vegetarian, Sweet Treats Under 100 Calories

 

Here's an extra special Foodie Friday post this week just for my lovely vegetarian readers, let me introduce you to the blissfully sweet world of Flower & White!

Every now and then, there's a brand that pops up that ticks all of the right boxes when I'm looking for something to satisfy my massive sweet tooth, and Flower & White have exceeded all of my expectations in this area.

Based in Telford in nearby Shropshire, this independent business has grown from humble beginnings making giant Swiss meringues in a shed, to being a hugely successful brand with stockists selling their yummy products across the UK.

Their USP? Making delicious chocolate-covered meringue bars that are wholly indulgent, but which come in at under 100 calories. They're suitable for vegetarians, made from only natural ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours, additives, E-numbers or preservatives, and they're also gluten-free. Take all of my money now!

That's not all though. Flower & White are an ethical brand in every sense of the word. The egg whites used to create their melt-in-the-middle fillings are all free-range, and they use fairtrade ingredients to ensure that farmers are paid properly. To help the environment, all of their products are made without palm oil and their packaging is made from 100% recyclable paper.

Coveted for their original chocolate-covered meringue bars, these are currently available in five different mouth-watering flavours so you can take your pick from Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Crunch, Raspberry Crumble, Hazelnut Praline and Salted Caramel. 

The rich flavour and creaminess of the chocolate perfectly compliments that light and airy meringue filling which really does melt in your mouth. Each bar is just 95 calories, yet they are so sweet and satisfying that you won't feel like you've eaten a typical low-calorie bar.

It's easy to fall in love with these sweet treats, and whilst the bars are the ideal serving size for one person, Flower & White also sell larger 75g pouches of mini meringue bites in all of the above flavours so you can share them with friends and family. They'll be a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together for sure! Like the bars, the pouches are also made from 100% recyclable paper packaging and each bite comes in at just 26 calories.

Shop the full range at flowerandwhite.co.uk

Are you a fan of meringues?

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Plastic-Free Haircare: Biovène Barcelona Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo & Conditioner review #ZeroWaste

You may be well aware of solid bars of shampoo, which are fast becoming the norm in eco-conscious households, but did you know that solid hair conditioners are a thing too?! Meet Biovéne Barcelona - the easy way to become completely plastic-free for all your daily hair care needs.

There's rarely a week that goes by when I don't come across a new plastic-free beauty brand, and my latest find is Biovène Barcelona. This award-winning, socially conscious company hails from Barcelona, Spain which is one of my favourite cities in the whole world thanks to its diversity, architecture, and the countless amazing restaurants where you can find a gourmet veggie burger at 4am! 

Biovène Barcelona embraces this unique inclusivity from its homeland, and has created a range of completely plastic-free haircare which feels premium, yet is accessible and affordable - everything is priced at just £5.99. They also readily champion the Clean Beauty movement with transparent formulas which are free from a long list of 'nasties' such as Sulfates, SLS, SLES, Parabens, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Palm Oil, Oxybenzone, Hydroquinone, Triclosan and Triclocarban, and there's less than 1% synthetic fragrance in their products. 

I love these clear statements on the side of their packaging (see above) - it makes it so much easier for consumers to shop for proper green beauty when a brand is so proud of what they make!

Biovène Barcelona currently has five different sets of pH balanced Solid Shampoos and Conditioners available to suit all hair types and concerns, and I have recently been testing out the Moisture Volume duo which is formulated for normal, fine and oily hair types.

Biovène Barcelona Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo* (40g, £5.99)

I find that many solid shampoos I've tried in the past have a tendency to weigh down my fine hair, so I was curious to try this Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo to see if it would buck the trend. With key natural ingredients such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Biotin, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E, this light green coloured solid bar promises to volumise fine hair, giving it extra strength and resilience, whilst keeping it hydrated and preventing product build-up. To use it, I simply added water to the bar to create a light lather and then massaged the lather into wet hair. It smells really fresh and left my hair thoroughly clean without feeling 'squeaky' or dry afterwards. I didn't notice any extra volume though.

Biovène Barcelona Moisture Volume Solid Conditioner* (40g, £5.99)

After enjoying a positive experience with the shampoo, I followed up with the matching Solid Conditioner with high hopes but sadly, I was left disappointed. The Conditioner has similar ingredients to the shampoo - there's Biotin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Shea Butter, Beeswax and Macadamia Oil etc, however, it just felt a bit waxy and sticky in consistency. I followed the instructions and applied the bar directly to my hair, smoothing it over and leaving it on for 5 minutes before rinsing. After rinsing, my hair unfortunately felt very tangled and sticky, which didn't improve after I got out of the shower and left it to air dry. I tried a couple of different methods after that, including wetting the bar between my hands and then smoothing the conditioner onto my hair, but the results proved to be much the same with my hair feeling dry with a waxy residue left on it, despite numerous rinses.

Overall thoughts?

I can definitely recommend the Moisture Volume Solid Shampoo, but my hair just didn't like the Solid Conditioner sadly! I may be tempted to try some of the other conditioners in the future to see how different the formulas are though - fingers crossed.

Shop the full range of Biovène Barcelona plastic-free haircare at LoveLula.com

Have you tried plastic-free haircare?

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Foodie Friday: Italian Style Orzo Soup (Vegan / Dairy-Free recipe) #WinterComfortFood

Comforting, filling, hearty bowls of food are everything to me right now, and I could honestly eat this Italian Style Orzo Soup for lunch every day until next March! It's also a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet if you find that you struggle to hit your five a day during the winter months.

Last month, I picked up a large packet of Orzo for a reduced price (I'm forever the yellow sticker bargain hunter!), and having never actually heard of it before, I decided to have a quick scour online for ways to use it. 

Orzo is an Italian pasta which is also known as risoni and it basically looks like small grains of rice which lend themselves very well to being thrown into soups, salads and casseroles. This instantly adds bulk and substance to any meal and with my penchant for hearty comfort food, it made sense for me to experiment with an Italian Style Orzo Soup recipe. 

After some tweaks here and there, I've finally perfected it into something which can be easily made on a Sunday evening and then heated up for speedy lunches throughout the week. And did you know that if you cool and then reheat carbohydrates such as pasta, you actually reduce those initial spikes in your blood glucose levels? Healthy and comforting - my favourite food combo!

Ingredients (makes around four servings)

• 200g Orzo
• 400g tin of Chopped Tomatoes
• 800ml Vegetable Stock
• 3 cloves of Garlic, peeled & crushed
• 1 small White Onion, finely diced
• 2-3 stalks of Celery, finely sliced
• 1 Red Chilli, finely chopped
• 1 Courgette, chopped
• 1 Red Pepper, finely diced
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Italian Mixed Herbs
• Drizzle of Olive Oil, for frying
• Salt & Pepper, to season

Method

• Add a drizzle of Olive Oil to a large and deep saucepan over a medium heat. Add the Onion, Garlic and Celery and cook for about 4-5 minutes to gently soften.
• Next, add in the chopped Red Pepper, Courgette and Red Chilli, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Finally, add all of the remaining ingredients - the Orzo, Chopped Tomatoes, Vegetable Stock, Bay Leaves and Italian Mixed Herbs. Continue to cook for a further 10 minutes, until the Orzo is al dente (or cook for a few minutes longer if you prefer your pasta softer), making sure to stir occasionally.
• Ladle into serving bowls and season with Salt & Pepper if desired - enjoy!

Storage tip: Once cooled, keep any remaining servings of the soup in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 2-3 days, making sure to thoroughly reheat it before serving. Unfortunately, cooked pasta turns mushy when it is frozen, but you could freeze the soup without the orzo and then cook a fresh batch of orzo to accompany it at a later date.

Have you tried Orzo before?

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Foodie Friday: Matcha Green Tea & Lemon Breakfast Muffins (Dairy-Free / Vegetarian / Gluten-Free recipe)

Matcha is a surprisingly versatile superfood ingredient to have in your cupboard and if you're a fan of the green stuff, these Matcha Green Tea & Lemon Breakfast Muffins are a healthy snack to enjoy first thing in the morning or to beat that dreaded afternoon slump.

I am partial to a good Matcha Latte (check out how to make one here), but after browsing some of my cookbooks, I decided to try it in baking for the first time last month and I loved the results! Since then, I've experimented with a couple of different recipes and have been enjoying these delicious Breakfast Muffins so much that I wanted to share it on here for Foodie Friday.

This recipe is taken from The Gut Health Diet Plan by Christine Bailey which is well worth checking out if you're interested in how you can improve your gut health. Dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free and vegetarian-friendly, these muffins are packed full of anti-inflammatory antioxidants thanks to their Matcha content. They also contain a source of the amino acid L-theanine which has been shown to relieve minor symptoms of anxiety and help the body cope with daily stress so these are perfect if you have a busy commute to work or Uni!

Tip: If you want to make these muffins vegan, simply swap the eggs for some mashed banana or try an egg replacement product like Follow Your Heart Vegan Egg.

Ingredients (makes 8 muffins)

• 200g Ground Almonds
• 30g Coconut Flour
• 1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
• 1 tsp gluten-free Baking Powder
• 60g Xylitol or Coconut Sugar
• Zest & Juice of 2 Lemons
• 1tbsp Matcha Green Tea powder
• 60ml Almond or Coconut Milk
• 4 organic, free-range Eggs, beaten
• 2tbsp Coconut Oil, melted
• 1tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tbsp Chia Seeds
• Flaked Almonds (optional topping)
• Pinch of Sea Salt

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180C / Gas Mark 4. Line an 8-cup muffin pan and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the Ground Almonds, Coconut Flour, Salt, Bicarbonate of Soda, Baking Powder, Sugar, Lemon Zest and Matcha, gently mixing everything together.
• Slowly stir in the Lemon Juice and Milk, then add the rest of the wet ingredients; Eggs, Coconut Oil and Vanilla Extract. Stir until smooth.
• Leave the mixture to stand for 5 minutes, then stir in the Chia Seeds.
• Divide the batter into the muffin cases and add a few Flaked Almonds on top if using.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before turning out on a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Have you tried using Matcha in baking?

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Foodie Friday: Warming Ginger & Garlic Veggie Broth with Quorn Chicken (Vegetarian recipe)

Blast away those cold and wet Autumnal blues with this delicious Warming Ginger & Garlic Veggie Broth, topped with seasonal organic vegetables and vegetarian-friendly Quorn Chicken pieces for added protein.

Autumn is officially here and whilst many of you are rejoicing over the annual re-appearance of Pumpkin Spice everything and digging out your favourite jumpers from the back of your wardrobes, I'm begrudgingly putting away my flip-flops and mourning the end of Summer :(

But it's not all doom and gloom! Whilst I personally despise the longer, darker, colder months of the British year (can you tell that I'm a Summer gal through and through?!), I do enjoy indulging in all of the simple comfort foods that help to warm your belly up, such as this oh-so-delicious bowl of Warming Ginger & Garlic Veggie Broth with Quorn Chicken pieces.

Ginger and Garlic are both fantastic ingredients for helping to boost your immune system which is vital at this time of the year when cold and flu season kicks in, but the real key player in this recipe is a good quality vegetable stock to use as the base for your broth. If you are absolutely pressed for time, you could use a ready-made stock, but trust me, it won't be as flavourful so save this one for when you're not in a rush.

Yyou can use any type of vegetarian or vegan chicken pieces here (this post isn't sponsored by Quorn, I just personally like them!) and I've added them for protein, however, you can leave them out or use pieces of Tofu instead if you'd prefer. This meal is perfect for a light lunch or even as a late-night healthy snack if you're feeling peckish before bedtime.

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 300ml of Vegetable Stock (I often use this BBC Food recipe here)
• 1 large clove of Garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 thumb-size of fresh Ginger, peeled and finely grated
• Handful of seasonal vegetables (I've used Kale, Carrot and Courgette)
• Handful of Quorn Chicken pieces or other chicken/protein alternative
• Drizzle of Olive Oil
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper
• Tamari & squeeze of fresh Lemon Juice (optional)

Method

• If you're using veggies such as Carrots, peel and chop them first, and then add to a pan of boiling water to simmer for around 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a saucepan, add the Vegetable Stock, Garlic, Ginger, Salt, Pepper, and any other 'quick-cook' veggies that you want to use such as Courgette and Kale. Slowly bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes with a lid on. Towards the end, add in the cooked Carrots if using and give it a stir before replacing the lid.
• Whilst the broth is simmering, in a frying pan, add the Olive Oil and let it heat up before adding the Quorn Chicken pieces. Fry the pieces for 7-10 minutes.
• Now all you need to do is assemble your meal - pour the Veggie Broth into a bowl and top with the cooked Quorn Chicken pieces. Season with a splash of Tamari and freshly squeezed Lemon Juice if desired for even more flavour - enjoy!

What are your favourite warming dishes for Autumn?

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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]

Have you visited Manchester?

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