Foodie Friday: Mushroom & Chickpea Ragout (Vegan / Dairy-Free recipe)

It's been a rather rainy and chilly start to April which has led to me craving big, comforting bowls of food that I can wrap my hands around. This easy one-pot Mushroom and Chickpea Ragout has been a standout winner this week, as it's packed full of nourishing veggies and plant-based protein to fill you up.

Don't be intimidated by the term 'Ragoût', which basically just refers to a French-style stew; one that is much lighter and thinner in consistency than what we may think of as a traditional British stew. This hearty dish can be adapted in so many different ways to include a range of your favourite ingredients, or simply use it as a tasty way to use up any leftover veggies in the fridge - either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy the final result! 

Below I've shared one of my go-to vegan ragout dishes for when I want something warming and filling, but more substantial than a bowl of soup. You can easily bulk this dish out further by including more veg, and it can be served with any kind of carb - I've chosen to include Basmati Rice here. N.B: I've adapted this recipe from Naturally Nourished by Sarah Britton, a brilliant vegetarian cookbook.

Ingredients: (serves 2)

• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil
• 1 tsp dried Rosemary
• 1 tsp dried Thyme
• 200g Chestnut Mushrooms, quartered
• 75ml Vegetable Stock
• 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 200g Chickpeas (pre-cooked or from a tin)
• 2-3 handfuls of Spinach
• 1 Green Chilli (optional, finely chopped)
• 1 tsp freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper

Method:

• Melt the Coconut Oil in a large saucepan/pot over a medium heat and add the chopped Onion. Cook for 5 minutes until the Onion begins to caramelise, and then add the crushed Garlic and Mushrooms, cooking for a further 10 minutes until the Mushrooms have softened.
• Add the Chickpeas, Vegetable Stock, Rosemary, Thyme, Spinach, Green Chilli (if using) and a pinch of Salt & Pepper. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed Lemon Juice.
• Serve immediately with your chosen carb and enjoy!

Storage tip: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat the next day for a quick and easy healthy meal.

What have you been cooking this week?

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New In Beauty: Lavera Hydro Effect Anti-Pollution Skincare review + 20% Off Throughout April

Skincare that offers anti-pollution benefits has been a big emerging trend for the past few years, so I was pleased to discover this new range from Lavera which I've been testing out recently.

We all know about the negative impacts of pollution on our health and our environment, and more research is now bringing to the surface about how pollution accelerates the ageing process, which leads to cellular stress, dehydration and deeper wrinkles. It's no surprise then to see the skincare industry bringing out specialist anti-pollution ranges to help combat the visible signs and Lavera's latest line called Hydro Effect is ideal for city dwellers and busy commuters alike.

Comprising of four products, each one is formulated with Lavera's Anti-Pollution Complex which features Organic Algae extract and natural antioxidants that help to slow down pollution-induced skin ageing by strengthening the skin's barrier against the elements, countering the effects of free radicals and preventing further skin damage caused by environmental factors.

Curious to find out more? I've tested out the full Hydro Effect range below.

Lavera Hydro Effect Cleansing Balm* (100ml, £13.95, link)

Cleansing is the first step in protecting your skin from pollution because if you don't properly remove all of those free radicals, dirt and particles of daily grime, they'll sit on the skin and begin to cause the ageing problems that I've discussed above, so never underestimate the benefits of a good quality cleanser! Lavera's Hydro Effect Cleansing Balm feels much more like a cream-meets-gel cleanser in consistency and texture, rather than a regular thick cleansing balm, and is quick and easy to massage into the skin. The gentle formula is kind to sensitive skin and it basically dissolves all traces of makeup, dirt and impurities in less than a minute. I like the subtle fresh scent and love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and thoroughly clean after every use. Suitable for all skin types and can be used both morning and night.

Lavera Detox Effect Mask* (50ml, £16.95, link)

Once a week, I enjoy using a face mask as a pampering treat and this Detox Effect Mask has been my current go-to to draw out stubborn blackheads and other impurities, whilst it delivers a good exfoliation to remove dull, dead skin cells at the same time. This clay-based facial treatment also features ingredients such as Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera so that it doesn't leave the skin feeling stripped afterwards, though I would always recommend following it up with a moisturiser or face oil to lock moisture in as part of your skincare routine. Gets to work in just 10-15 minutes and is particularly beneficial for those who live and work in built-up, polluted cities/areas, as well as those who have oily, blemish-prone and combination skin types.

Lavera Hydro Effect Serum* (30ml, £19.90, link)

One of the latest developments from Lavera, their Hydro Effect Serum is the perfect combination of hydration blended with anti-pollution benefits. A hard-working, organic and vegan-friendly serum that delivers noticeable results quickly, it contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Squalene, Mango Fruit extract, Peach Fruit extract and Shea Butter to moisturise and protect the skin's barrier so that it's better suited to win the fight against free radicals and environmental aggressors. It's quite a runny serum with a super lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin, and works well underneath any moisturiser or face oil. As with all serums, a little goes a long way so this bottle should last you a while!

Lavera Hydro Effect Day Cream* (50ml, £21.95, link)

To complete the Hydro Effect range, there is a Day Cream that you can use as the last step in your morning skincare routine. Formulated for all skin types, this moisturiser features the likes of Organic Algae, Abyssinian Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Soybean Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and the Anti-Pollution Complex which helps to bind free radicals to prevent premature ageing. I liked the lightness of this day cream as it suits my combination skin perfectly and gives it just the right amount of hydration to keep it moisturised and protected against the elements all day long. Great for using underneath makeup too for a smooth base.

Get 20% off Lavera's Hydro Effect Anti-Pollution Skincare range throughout April when you buy direct from lavera.co.uk

Do you use anti-pollution skincare?

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March Empties: Products I've Used Up

March has been a busy month, but here are my latest round of Empties! Most of these are much-loved favourites that many of you will have seen before, with one or two newbies.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser* 

I've lost count of how many of these iconic tubes I've gone through over the years, but here's another one! I always have this product in my skincare stash and mainly use it to remove my makeup / as a first cleanse in the evenings. It's thick, creamy and gets rid of every single trace of grime and makeup, including stubborn waterproof formulas. Repurchase? Already have.

Trevarno Organic Rose & Jojoba Soap* (link)

A few years ago, I changed over all of my hand soaps to proper solid soaps to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste, and Trevarno is one of my favourite organic soap brands. They do a range of different scents, and this Rose & Jojoba one smells so beautiful! Best of all, these soaps retain their shape and don't go mushy which is a testament to their overall higher quality, yet they're very affordable and last ages. Repurchase? Will do once I've used some other soaps up.

Odylique Coconut Candy Body Scrub* (link)

I'm a sucker for anything coconut scented and Odylique's Coconut Candy Scrub is a much-loved luxury fave of mine. Not only does it smell heavenly, but it works a treat at removing dull dead skin all over the body without being too harsh or abrasive, and it's a brilliant exfoliator to reach for before you use self-tanning products. Repurchase? On the treat list!

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

I've used these mini sets of Glycolic Pads a few times in the past as I seem to have accumulated a bunch of them via various GWPs and beauty subscription boxes. I like them, but I don't love them as I prefer to use the PIXI Glow Tonic, though these minis do come in handy for travelling with. Repurchase? Not sure.

Polaar Hand Cream

Another product that came into my life via a beauty box is this Polaar Hand Cream. It's great for dry hands so came in useful during the Winter months, but I wasn't a fan of the scent sadly so I wouldn't pick it up again. Repurchase? No.

Tropic Lip Fudge Plumping Lip Conditioner* (reviewed here)

This was an amazing lip balm! Very nourishing, it was ideal to use before going to bed to seriously hydrate dry lips overnight, whilst also doubling up as a subtle lip plumper for daytime use too. This one was the original untinted version, and I have two other tinted balms from the same range that I'm currently working my way through. Repurchase? Yes.

Bodhi & Birch Flora Paradiso De-Stress Body & Massage Oil* (featured here)

If you're looking for a highly indulgent and luxurious body oil, you can't go wrong with anything from Bodhi & Birch who I've been a long time fan of for many years now. Their Flora Paradiso De-Stress Body & Massage Oil is such a pleasure to use (this is my third or fourth bottle) and it smells incredible with essential oils of Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Cedarwood. Repurchase? Another one that's on the treat list!

Madara Micellar Water* (link)

I don't use many micellar waters these days, but when I do, it's usually this one from Madara because it contains Hyaluronic Acid and doesn't dry out my skin like a lot of other micellar waters do. It's very gentle and best used to remove lighter makeup formulas rather than stubborn ones, so if you wear a lot of mineral makeup, you'll love it. Repurchase? Probably will.

What have you used up recently?

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Introducing: Zuii Organic - Flora Gradual Tan Face Water, Dry Oil Tan Extender & Self-Tanning Foam review

Self-tanning is the safest way to get a gorgeous glow this Spring and if you want a more natural and organic option, Zuii Organic has a full range of cruelty-free and vegan-friendly self-tanning products which deliver pro results. 

I was recently introduced to Zuii Organic via LoveLula who is one of the brand's UK stockists. Since trying this trio of products from them, I've been pretty smitten as I've been looking for a brand like this for a while now! Made in Australia, Zuii Organic offers a wide variety of self-tanning products which include face and body tanners in a range of different formulas; body care, tanning accessories and some makeup in the shape of highlighters and bronzers. Everything is Cosmos Certified Organic, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans to use, and Zuii's main goal is to develop products that have natural, organic and sustainable ingredients which is why this brand appeals so much to me.

I've tested out a couple of products to introduce you to Zuii Organic, and I'm sure that after you've read this post, you'll be wanting to try them out for yourself!

Zuii Organic Flora Gradual Tan Face Water* (150ml, £22.50, link)

It can be tempting to want to use the same self-tanning product that you use for your body on your face, but don't! In my many years of experimenting with countless tanning brands and products, I've found that most body self-tanners can block pores and cause breakouts if you use them on your face, so it's always best to stick with a dedicated facial self-tanner. The good news is that lots of brands these days include some really great anti-ageing and general skincare benefits in theirs, and Zuii Organic's Flora Gradual Tan Face Water is no exception. 

Formulated with Fern Extract, Lichen and Bulbine Extract to hydrate the skin and improve elasticity, this Gradual Tan Face Water basically feels like a regular toner and you can apply a few drops to your hands and massage it in or apply with a cotton pad/round which is what I prefer to do. It doesn't have any tint or colour to it, but a subtle and realistic looking tan gradually develops for a healthy, glowy complexion with not a hint of orange in sight! I love how quickly this absorbs and it smells really nice and fresh.

Zuii Organic Flora Self Tanning Foam* (30ml sample shown, full size is 200ml for £32.95, link)

Foam is always my formula of choice when it comes to self-tanning for my body and it's a good option to try if you're new to tanning as it's virtually foolproof to apply. Zuii Organic's Flora Self Tanning Foam comes in three different shades, Light, Medium and Ultra Dark, and I tried out a tester of the Ultra Dark. Packed with Bamboo Juice, Grape Skin Extract and Raw Cacao, this self-tanning foam is super easy to work with when applied with a tanning mitt and I didn't have any problems with it going streaky or patchy. It develops quickly and can be rinsed off as soon as two hours after application, however, I would recommend leaving it on for at least 6 hours or overnight for the darkest results (you can also apply a second layer after two hours if you want to go even darker).

I love the colour of this and it definitely works well with my light olive skin and dark hair, so you may want to try one of the other shades if you're paler. There's no typical 'fake tan/biscuit' smell which I know puts a lot of people off trying self-tanning products, and instead, there's a pleasant, subtle fresh floral scent. This tanner lasted on me around 3-4 days before it started to fade, so it's not as long as some mainstream brands, but as the ingredients are much better, I don't mind too much and the product below can help it stay put further.

Zuii Organic Dry Oil Tan Extender* (100ml, £22.50, link)

Doing what it says it will do on the bottle, Zuii Organic's Dry Oil Tan Extender is an additional product that you can use to help lengthen the lifespan of your tan. Like the others in this range, it smells lovely and features a whole host of nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as Bamboo Juice, Sweet Almond Oil, Camelia Seed Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter. A little of this dry oil goes a long way to moisturise your skin, locking in the colour for longer - a holiday must-have!

Shop the full range of Zuii Organic at LoveLula.com

Have you tried anything from Zuii Organic?

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