Sugarpuffish

Nurture your skin with Palm & Sole

2012-02-24T08:43:00.000Z

Palm & Sole is another one of my Twitter discoveries. They kindly sent me a sample of their Nurturing Balm. To give you some background the Palm & Sole range was created by Aromatherapist & Complementary Practitioner Kathy Webb and is handmade in Norfolk. Products are pure and organic (where possible) and free from parabens, SLS, artificial colours or fragrance and mineral oils. There are four options to the collection of products - Grounding (calm & relax), Levelling (balance & harmonize), Sparkling (revive & uplift) and Nurturing. Each option is available as a balm, solid moisturiser, facial oil and a body, bath, shower & scalp oil.

I was sent a sample of the Nurturing Balm which is recommended for Dry & Sensitive skin. It contains Palmarosa and Norfolk beeswax. I have discovered some lovely balms since writing my blog and Palm & Sole joins that growing list. This particular balm is neutral in fragrance so perfect for those with extremely sensitive skin or if you simply prefer unfragranced products (I do pick up a hint of honey scent). The texture and consistency is as you would expect. It melts into the skin and feels smooth but not heavy. I have happily applied this over eczema patches and I enjoy using it as a lip balm. In general I find balms extremely helpful in treating my dry skin and this one is very effective.

Overall, I highly recommend Palm & Sole to anyone who needs to give their sensitive skin a boast during the winter months and beyond. If I compare this one to Bamology and Natural U, there is no difference in performance. I would not be able to choose a favourite between the three balms. I think it boils down to what ingredients you prefer using on your skin and perhaps the essential oils you enjoy.

If you would like to purchase Palm & Sole products then you can do so via their website (link) or if you live in Norfolk they are sold exclusively at Jarrolds. The Nurturing balm costs £10 for 30ml jar (this is the cheapest of the four balms).

Has anyone else tried Palm & Sole? What did you think?

Disclaimer - I received a sample free of charge, I am not being paid to write this review, all opinions are my own and links are not affiliated.

Natural Cleanser for under £10

2012-02-22T07:17:00.000Z

A friend of mine said she was looking for a new cleanser but was on a budget. That has inspired me to do a quick post. I have checked out my favourite websites and here is a selection of natural or free from cleansers for under £10. The links are for websites that offer free UK postage. The only exception is 27 Skincare but even with postage it will still cost less than a tenner.

Skin Blossom Cleansing Milk 150ml £5.05 at Lovelula

Rawganic Cleansing Balm 35ml £5.20 Lucy Rose

Laidbare Naturaceuticals DIY! Two In One Cleanser & Toner 125ml £5.99 Mypure

Lavera Cleansing Gels 75ml (there are a couple to chose from depending on your skin type) £6.90 at Lovelula

Caudalie Cleansing Water 100ml £7.65 Feelunique

Aubrey Organic Cleansers 118ml (there are a few to chose from depending on your skin type) £8.16 There Must Be A Better Way

Welda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion 75ml £8.95 at Lovelula

27 Skincare Lavender & Chamomile Oil-Gel Cleanser 60ml £8.49 27 Skincare

Natural Being Cleanser (foaming & cream version) 100ml £9 Mypure

Green People Gentle Cleanse 50ml £9.95 Amarya

Elizabeth's Daughter Cream & Gel Cleansers 100ml £10 Feelunique

If you have any other suggestions for budget cleansers, please let me know

Disclaimer - Any images which are not my own have been taken from the websites linked above

Inlight Organic Ecz-Easy Ointment

2012-02-20T08:28:00.001Z

Inlight Organic Skincare is an award winning brand offering natural products free any synthetic ingredients and preservatives. The range has been developed by Dr Mariano Spiezia, medical doctor, homeopath and herbalist. They offer an Organic Body Range, Organic Face Range and Organic Ointments. I accepted an offer from Inlight to review a product. I chose to review the Organic Ecz-Easy for eczema.

Eczema sufferers are always searching for the holy grail product and what works for one person may not work for another. At the moment I alternate between Balmology Comfort Balm and Salcura . These work extremely well in managing my eczema so I am judging Ecz-easy against these two products.

The first thing that caught my attention with Ecz-easy is the ingredients – olive oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, beeswax, evening primrose oil, black cumin, marigold, carrot, plantain, mallow, lavender, liquorice, chickweed, burdock, turmeric, patchouli, jojoba & rose oil. These are fantastic ingredients with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and healing properties. They also create an interesting fragrance. The first time I used the ointment I was instantly reminded of my Mum’s spice cupboard. The ointment has a strong herbal scent and I pick up a top note that reminds me of black pepper and lavender. It did receive mixed reviews when I asked my family about the fragrance. I am guessing it is either a love it or hate it fragrance and it does linger for a long time. Personally, I have grown to like the scent.

The consistency of the ointment is very nice. It is similar to Paw Paw ointment, soft not thick like a balm and turns oily on the skin. I find it sinks into my skin quickly, leaves it soft to the touch and without a greasy residue. I have not noticed any staining on my clothes.

Do you remember the picture of my eczema patch from a previous post? Well here it is again.

I have long been suffering with eczema across my chest and the area around my bra strap has been driving me nuts with itchiness. From first application I noticed I was not scratching. With continual use the itching virtually disappeared. The condition of my skin and eczema has improved and redness has greatly reduced. I tried taking another picture but there is not a lot to see which is a reflection on how good this product is. I have been applying this ointment on a regular basis. The first couple of weeks I used it twice a day and then reduced the amount of usage to test whether my skin was reliant on the ointment. I still have some visible eczema but I am coping with less applications of the cream, which I judge to be a good sign of how well the ointment is working for me.

Overall, I really like this product. For me, this patch of eczema is stubborn nothing makes it disappear but I am happy that Ecz-easy takes away the desire to scratch. I am going to continue using this ointment and hopefully my skin will keep improving or at the least remain under control.

Ecz-easy is available in a 45ml tube (£14) asides from eczema it may also help those who have psoriasis or other irritated skin conditions. If you would like to learn more about Inlight Organic Skincare then check out the Production Video available on the website (click here)

Has anyone else tried Inlight products? What did you think?

Disclaimer - this product was sent to me free of charge, I have not been paid to write this review, all opinions are my own, links are not affiliated

Sunday Catch Up

2012-02-19T00:08:00.000Z

Here I am again with my Sunday catch up post. If you are anti-valentines day then I suggest you stop reading since this post will be full of sentiment and romance!

On a side note, my post this week is written with a partly broken heart. On the 13th February I was awoken from my sleep to be told that my beloved Grandad passed away. I'm not a religious person but my only wish is that where ever he is, he was with my Grandma for Valentines Day. She died last February and he was so lost without her. In memory of my Grandad I would just like to share a quote I found online. I also would like to thank everyone who sent me a thoughtful tweet.

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies. ~ Rudolph Giuliani (source)

With everything that happened this week, I've been driving up and down the country so have had little time for shopping. Since I do not have any beauty items to share with you, I thought I would tell you about my Valentines Day gift. My lovely Boyfriend scored brownie points. A while ago I had seen a bag online and I was debating whether to purchase it. I came downstairs on Valentines Day morning to see that very same bag waiting for me on the table (he had left earlier for work).

I discovered this week that Alpro Soya have launched a Hazelnut 'milk' and an Almond one. I was able to find the Hazelnut at Sainsburys. I have to say I was very excited by this but was slightly disappointed by the taste. It's not disgusting but I thought it would have a stronger creamier taste. Someone tweeted about making a hot chocolate by combining the Hazelnut with the Chocolate flavoured soya milk. I have yet to give this a try.

Last weekend I mentioned Miss Glutenless and her Toffee Apple Flapjack recipe, well I did make them and they were delicious.

Finally I would like to share some blog love. I recommend you take a look at Bright Town Girl, Pampered Prince Beauty, Organic Lassie, Miss Sunshine & Sparkle, Cityscape Bliss & A Lauren to Herself

I hope everyone had a nice weekend and a special Valentines Day for those of you who celebrate.

Scrambled Tofu

2012-02-16T08:20:00.000Z

image source

People often tell me they do not like Tofu (Bean Curd) but I feel differently. I admit Tofu is not the most exciting of foods. It is bland but you can easily jazz it up with a good sauce. Deep fried tofu dipped in sweet chilli sauce is awesome. If you were not already aware I do not eat meat and I am allergic to milk and eggs. Many of the meat substitutes available e.g Quorn are not suitable for me as they contain milk and egg. There are different types of Tofu and the supermarkets tend to sell firm or silken. If you have a Chinese supermarket within easy reach go check out what they stock because from experience they will have different varieties. Tofu is a good source of protein for vegetarians/vegans and is low in calories

I like to make scrambled tofu as a replacement for scrambled eggs. There are many recipes online so it’s a case of finding what suits your own taste buds.

I mash up the tofu with a fork then add turmeric, garlic or paprika and soya sauce. You can add peppers, mushrooms, spring onions whatever takes your fancy. Then you simply heat in a pan for about 3 -4 minutes. You just want to warm the tofu not fry it or turn it brown.

I like to eat this as part of a fry up breakfast or simply with buttered toast or a granary roll with lashings of tomato ketchup. Sometimes I may add baked beans or use Vegemite on my toast instead of dairy free margarine.

Does anyone else make scramble tofu? Do you have any recipes to share?

Pure Indulgence with Bodhi

2012-02-14T13:55:00.001Z

When Bodhi asked me if I would like to consider reviewing their products I admit I did a happy dance. This is a brand I have admired from afar. Bodhi is a premium beauty brand with products free from petrochemicals, sulphates, parabens, phthalates, glycols, PEGs, DEAs, synthetic polymers, synthetic fragrance or colours, palm oil, animal ingredients and are against animal testing. Let just say I am very impressed with the ingredients policy.

Bodhi means enlightenment and the concept behind the range is to indulge the senses with essential oils. Think spa treatment and therapy in a bottle. There are seven unisex scents - Galangai Spice, Jasmine Falls, Mint The, Palmarosa Verde, Pep Noir, Rosemary Chi and Ylang-Ylang Incensa. Each fragrance is available as a bath & shower gel and four of them as a body moisturiser.

I felt very spoilt when I opened the parcel. I received a Love for Her gift set (pictured above & below) which contains a 250ml bottle of Bath & Shower Therapy and a 40ml tube of body moisturiser in the fragrance Ylang-Ylang Incensa.

I also received a 50ml travel size Palmarosa Verde Bath & Shower Therapy.

Bodhi had asked me which scents I would like to try. I admit I found it slightly overwhelming to figure out which fragrance would suit me as they all sound amazing. I had to put faith in the descriptions but I have to say my choices were spot on. The fragrances are divine and I adore them both. I am not the greatest at describing fragrance so here are Bodhi’s descriptions taken from the website.

Palmarosa Verde - Spring clean your skin with our purifying blend of Palmarosa, Bourbon Geranium and Bulgarian Damask Rose Absolute. Embrace sunny mornings, freshly mown grass and the scent of budding blossom in the air. Skin is refreshed, feels purified and enlivened with a delicate fragrance. Suitable for all skin types, especially combination.

Ylang-Ylang Incensa - Luxuriate in the Oriental sensuality of Ylang-Ylang and Patchouli, spiked with Honeysuckle, Neroli and Pink Peppercorn. Intensely flighty, yet seriously grounded – this is Yin & Yang in perfect balance. Skin is left soothed, soft, supple and highly fragrant. Suitable for all skin types, especially dry or irritated.

Bodhi products are fragrant and effective because they contain a high ratio of quality essential oils and perfume grade absolutes. I have concentrated on using the Ylang-Ylang Incensa as I am saving the travel size Palmarosa Verde for my upcoming holiday. I adore the way the scent lingers around bathroom and on your skin for several hours. I have had some awful news in recent weeks along with feeling unwell and I can honestly say Bodhi has lifted my spirits. Now I know a shower gel cannot solve my problems but for me Bodhi has provided a little moment of bliss and relaxation.

The body wash is as you would expect in terms of consistency (pictured above). You only require a small amount to foam up into a creamy lather. To give you some idea the picture below illustrates how much I have used in a two-three week time frame.

I have not experienced any problems with irritation from the essential oils and after washing my skin feels soft, never tight. This body wash is lovely on my fussy skin but it’s not great for my water bill. I am spending far longer in the shower than normal. I just cannot help indulging myself with this product. I have also tested this out in the bath. It produces lovely bubbles unfortunately they did not stay around for long. Despite disappearing bubbles the water remains fragrant so you do benefit from the aroma of the essential oils.

I love the idea of having a body cream in a matching fragrance to the body wash. You can continue indulging in the scent outside of the bathroom. The body cream has a light texture. I don’t have anything to compare it to because I use shea butter which are heavy in texture. I find the cream hydrating and have noticed it lasts the day, no sign of the dry patches I suffer from, especially on my legs.

A 250ml bottle of body wash or moisturiser costs £23. I have said on my blog I loathe spending large amounts of money on shower gels. However, I believe Bodhi is offering a completely unique experience. This is not your average body wash, this is a skincare product. The quality and volume of essential oils warrants the extra expense. Bodhi is comparable in price to brands like Aveda, Elemis, REN, Elemental Herbology, Pai and Aromatherapy Associates.

Overall, Bodhi has quickly become a firm favourite in my bathroom. If you would like to treat yourself or give an amazing gift then Bodhi is my number one recommendation. Perhaps try their “Little Treats” pouches for £12 if you are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch (link).

Has anyone else tried Bodhi? What did you think?

Disclaimer - I was sent these products for free, I am not being paid for this review, none of the links are affiliated, all opinions are my own

Sunday Catch Up

2012-02-12T11:06:00.002Z

I am just doing to dive straight in with my Sunday Catch Up. I have been ordering a few bits and bobs, keeping the Postman working in the snow. I discovered an adorable website called Cute Cosmetics. I came across this one after a tweet about a review on a blog but my memory fails me who’s blog it was (sorry). Cute Cosmetics stock vegan, organic, natural and cruelty free beauty products. My favourite page on the site is the lip balms. Here you will find Balm Balm, Crazy Rumors, EOS, Figs & Rouge, Gwdihw, Hurraw!, Love & Toast, Nougat and Smith’s. The selection of brands and flavours is a little over whelming. In the end I decided only to buy one lip balm and I chose Crazy Rumors Amaretto (from the Perk collection).

This one is Almond and Vanilla and it smells like Marzipan and also reminds me Dr Bronner Almond soap. If you are on the look out for a petroleum free lip balm head over to Cute Cosmetics. They also offer standard free delivery.

I recently ordered a sample from Elemental Beauty. My second pot of BM Beauty finishing powder is coming to an end so out of curiosity I did a quick google search for other brands. I ordered a sample of Finishing Powder in Dewy and I also received a freebie sample of an Iluminator in Rosy Apple.

Sorry about the bad swatch but hopefully you get the idea. The Finishing Powder (on the left) looks slightly orange but it does blend out. First impressions are good. The finishing powder is very pretty and has slightly more shimmer than BM Beauty. I like the Rosy Apple it warms up my complexion. Samples cost 85p. Elemental Beauty is vegan and they do not use Talc, Bismuth Oxychloride or fillers in any of their make up.

Do you remember my post about making the most of reward points? I was having a clear out at the weekend and realised I had not spent my Tesco Reward Vouchers. I checked out Beauty Expert and discovered they stock Pai Skincare. A while back I had ordered Pai samples, it is a beautiful brand created for sensitive skins but a moisturiser will set you back £24. It is worth the money but I have had too many expenses since Christmas to afford this right now. However, I had enough Tesco vouchers to create £20 to spend at Beauty Expert so my Pai moisturiser only cost me £4, yes folks you read that correctly £4. My next set of vouchers arrived over the weekend so I plan to do some more shopping at Beauty Expert. I have my eye on a couple of products from the Elemental Herbology range.

Finally, I just wanted to share with you a couple of blogs I have discovered recently. These may be of interest to those of you who suffer from allergies or anyone who has an interest in allergy friendly cooking. Check out Miss Glutenless I am going to attempt to make the Toffee Apple Flapjacks today. Also have a look at Pig in the Kitchen. Whilst I am on the topic of blogs if anyone would like to swap buttons then contact me as I have a dedicated page. Also I have been meaning to start my Spotlight Blogger posts again. I could do with some volunteers as people do not always reply to my requests. If you would like to take part then please get in touch.

Let me know in a comment what you have discovered this week. Have you also been keeping the Postman employed?

Natural Face Mask

2012-02-08T08:17:00.000Z

I love products from Pure Thoughts. If you are a new follower check out my review of their Whipped Shea Butter (link). Pure Thoughts products make lovely gifts and at Christmas I stocked up on goodies to give to my Best Friend. I had forgotten that I had also ordered a little something for myself and re-discovered it at the weekend.

Pure Thoughts are now offering 'Try Me' sizes for some of their products. I bought myself a ‘Try Me’ Banana & Yellow Clay face mask. Face masks are not something I use on a regular basis, in fact I think until recently, it has been a number of years since I invested in one.

Saturday night I decided to pamper myself as the snow was falling out side it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a pick me up. The sachet contains enough face mask for one application. It is a powder which you mix with a small amount of water (I used warm water from the tap). I found the best way to mix the mask was to empty the sachet into a bowl and add one teaspoon at a time, mixing in between, until I achieved the consistency I desired. Then I applied to my face and let it do its magic.

The instructions do not advise a time frame to leave on skin, it simply says to remove when dry. For me I would guess this took around 10 minutes. The mask smelt neutral, I did not smell like a giant banana, that might be disappointing for some but I was not upset. As the mask dries you feel your skin tightening. According to my Boyfriend it made me look like a wax work at Madame Tussauds. One look in the mirror and I looked amazing. Only joking but it was funny, the mask almost matched my skin tone so I looked airbrushed and wrinkle free. I found the easiest way to remove the product was with a damp muslin cloth. It came off easily and I did not need to scrub at my face.

The Banana & Yellow Clay mask is said to “Nourish neglected skin to leave it feeling bright and revitalised”. It certainly did that for me. My skin looked wonderful, that dull winter greyness had been replaced by a glowing pink complexion. My skin felt soft and smooth. I had recently, tried a different brand of clay mask and had an allergic reaction. This on the other hand was gentle and my pink complexion was down to circulation rather than irritation.

Overall, I highly recommend this treat and Pure Thoughts products never disappoint. A single use sachet costs £1.25 or you can buy a jar for £8 (10 treatments in a jar). There are a variety of masks on offer for different skin needs. Choose from Strawberry & Pink Clay, Apricot & Yoghurt, Cranberry & Raspberry, Pineapple & Mango, Yoghurt & Green Clay, Mango & Peach. The best thing about these masks is Pure Thoughts products are free from SLS, parabens, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance & colours and preservatives.

Has anyone else tried Pure Thoughts Face Mask? Do you have a favourite?

Ylang Ylang & Patchouli Shower Gel

2012-02-06T11:34:00.000Z

The shower gel I am about to review is a free from product rather than 100% natural. I want to be up front and explain that it is heavy with preservatives. That being said I have been advised that it is not the worst product in terms of the composition of ingredients but there are better alternatives. If you are looking to reduce toxins in your skin care you may wish to consider this product but honestly I do feel that 100% natural skincare is the better option for sensitive skins.

Etie'no skincare (link) is free from SLS, parabens and artificial colours & fragrances. I was sent Ylang-Ylang and Patchouli Shower Gel to review (link). With the help of EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, I added explanations of to the ingredients list below so you can make up your own mind about this product.

Aqua – I think this one is self explanatory :)

Ammonium Laureth Sulphate – Although this sounds like SLS it is different and does not have the same potential to irritate the skin, it is considered a milder & safer alternative to SLS.

Cocamidiopropyl betaine - a synthetic surfactant, it has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis

Cananga odorata – Ylang-Ylang

Pogostemom cablin - Patchouli

Sodium chloride - salt, used as a preservative

Phenoxyethanol - preservative

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate - a restricted preservative, it is acutely toxic by inhalation and should not be used in products that can be aerosolized or inhaled.

Citric Acid - a weak organic acid, a natural preservative

Linalool*, Geraniol*, *naturally occurring in essential oils - risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions

Now let me focus on my review. The packaging is simple but attractive and suitable for its purpose. This shower gel has a pearl colour and a thick consistency. Ylang-Ylang is a rich exotic, floral scent. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalise sebum secretion for skin problems and is considered to be an aphrodisiac. I find this fragrance interesting, slightly heavy but not over powering. The picture below demonstrates the lather achieved when rubbing directly onto my hand.

If you use the gel on a bath puff then the lather does improve. Do remember that if you live in a hard water area this can sometimes affect the suds.

By the way, the picture below illustrates what I mean when I say bath/shower puff. I have noticed some people refer to them as a loofah but loofahs in my mind are hard sponges on a wooden handle.

Etie'no shower gel retails at £7 for a 250ml bottle. Other fragrances are available - Grapefruit, Geranium & Ginger and Lemongrass & Patchouli. On the website you can also find a selection of face products, scrubs, body butters and handmade soaps.

On a personal note I would like to thank Maeve at Natural Wisdom for her advice, go check out her 100% natural skincare. Disclaimer - I was sent this product free of charge, I am not being paid for this review, links in this post are not affiliated, all thoughts are my own.

Sunday Catch Up

2012-02-05T10:46:00.000Z

Happy Snow Day everyone! This is the view from my window this morning. I think we have 4 inches of snow :)

This week I had a lucky streak and won a Twitter RT competition being hosted by Pevonia Botanica. My prize is pictured below, a Spa at Home Essentials Kit. Prior to discovering Pevonia on Twitter I had not heard of the Company. I was attracted to them because products are free from parabens, alcohol, lanolin, mineral oil, PABA, Urea, SLS, artificial colours, formaldehyde and cruelty free. The kit is eco-packaged, environmentally friendly and contains a scrub, moisturiser, shower gel, bath salts and a soy candle.

Whilst I am talking about skincare, I may as well take the opportunity to up date you regarding my current cleanser. You may remember from a previous post click here that I trying out Herbfarmacy and then 27 Skincare. The Herbfarmacy cleanser is definitely not the correct product for my skin but I have continued with the one from 27 Skincare. I am loving it. My skin feels and looks great. I decided to add a toner to my routine and I am seeing the benefits alongside this cleanser. I will review my toner another time.

If you saw my Valentine's Day Gift post (click here), you will have seen me mention Artwork By Angie. I fell in love with the prints on her website and order one for myself. I am really happy with my choice and now have to decide where I should display it in my home.

Last weekend I stocked up on Vegan goodies at Holland & Barrett. I found these "chicken" strips in the freezer section.

We discovered a Fajita kit in the back of the cupboard so made them for tea. These "chicken" strips were nice, not fantastic but they did the trick. I can't eat Quorn because of my allergies so it's nice to find an alternative.

I like wraps, you can pile them up with all your favourite things. This one has the "chicken" strips, lettuce, tomato, dairy free Tofutti cheese and Tiger Tiger dairy free & egg free mayonnaise. YUM

So, that folks sums up the bits and pieces that happened last week. Enjoy the snow everyone.

Unique Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

2012-02-02T08:17:00.001Z

My Boyfriend and I have been together for a number of years (think the last count it was 7 years). My BF is the romantic one on V Day, as for me I just can not stand the cheap and nasty gifts you see in the shops. Keeping this in mind, I love to seek out trinkets that are handmade and my favourite site for British handmade crafts is folksy.com. If you are ever looking for a unique gift this is the place to look first. Here are some Valentine's Day gifts that caught my attention.

Artwork by Angie (Etsy Shop & Website link) - I have fallen in love with this seller, check out her shop as everything is beautiful. I have actually placed an order myself for another one of her framed prints. The 'Love Birds' framed pictured above is stylist and you can place a picture of the happy couple in the heart.

The heart broach (above) is from Buttercup Boutique (Folksy link). This seller has some beautifully designed broaches and keyrings. If you like ceramics then I would recommend taking a look at Jo Lucksted Ceramics (Folksy link). I adore these Valentine pebbles.

I also love glass gifts and this "Key to your Heart" keyring from Prettyful (Folksy link) caught my eye.

How about sending your loved one Pink Iced Love Heart Cookies? I often order from Message Muffins and they currently have Valentine's Day gifts (link). If you are not familiar with the site you can send a cookie or muffin in the post. Out of all the companies I know of that offer this service, Message Muffins has never let me down and their prices are affordable. Some of the Organic Muffins are Wheat, Gluten and Dairy free.

Finally, since this is a beauty blog I should at least mention a skincare gift. Bodhi have a Love for Her & Love for Him gift set (link). For those not familiar with Bodhi, it is a luxury natural skincare brand free from animal ingredients, palm oil, parabens, sls, petrochemicals, artificial colours and fragrances.

I would love to hear your thoughts on my gift ideas, do you have any other suggestions for me?

These are stock images taken from the websites which I have linked in this post. I hope no one minds me "borrowing" them. This is not a sponsored post and I am not affiliated to anyone featured.

The winner is......

2012-02-01T18:14:00.000Z

My Lucky Dip Draw came to an end at midnight on January 31st 2012

Thank you to everyone who commented on my blog during January

I put 32 names into a virtual hat (spreadsheet) and let Random.Org decide the winner

Congratulations to Makeup for the Inept

Dr Organic Hand & Nail Creams

2012-01-31T08:25:00.000Z

I spotted this hand cream set in my local Holland & Barratt for £6 and decided to treat myself. So far the only other products I have tried from the Dr Organic range are the Manuka Honey face polish (link) and deodorant (link).

The box contains three 20ml tubes of Hand & Nail cream in Manuka Honey, Virgin Olive Oil and Rose Otto. The set caught my attention as I thought it was a great way to test the products without committing to a full size tube. Also it enables you to sample a variety of fragrances and they are a convenient size for your handbag.

Fragrance is the only difference between the three creams. All the scents are lovely and it is difficult to choose a favourite but I keep reaching for Manuka Honey. They all perform exactly the same. The cream sinks into my skin easily, making them great for during the day as they are not left feeling greasy. My hands feel soft and I have not had any problems with irritation. My current staple hand cream is Tisserand (link) but these perform exactly the same, I am very impressed and I would happily re-purchase a full size.

As with all Dr Organic products the hand creams are free from parabens, sls, artificial colours, artificial fragrance and preservatives. They are all suitable for Vegetarians, with exception of the Manuka Honey, they are also suitable for Vegans.

There are a couple of other travel sets available for the same price. I spotted a Body Butter set and a Body Lotion set. Overall, I think the more I try from Dr Organic the more impressed I become. It would appear that this is a great budget friendly, natural skincare line available on your high street. Probably explains why they have been winning several awards, the Rose Rotto hand cream won Cosmopolitan Beauty 2011.

Have you tried Dr Organic? What did you think?

Sunday Catch Up

2012-01-29T13:10:00.001Z

Most of you will be familiar with the idea that my weekend blog posts are rather random, so I will just jump straight in.

Last weekend I made Banana Everything Cookies from my Vegan Cookie book (previously mentioned here link). If anyone wants the recipe then let me know. I did tweak it I added more cinnamon and substituted walnuts for pecans (I dislike walnuts). I had to use dairy free buttons as I'm not aware of being able to get hold of dairy free chocolate chips. Also is Canola oil available in UK? I can not find it in Tesco so have been using Vegetable oil instead.

This week I received some products I had ordered online. I bought a 30ml jar of Mu London White Chocolate Truffle moisturiser (link). I keep falling in and out of love with the fragrance, it smells delicious in the jar but I think it changes when applied to my skin. The moisturiser is solid, concentrated and made from my beloved shea butter. I bought it to use on my face but I have my doubts at this stage. I think it may be better on my body which is annoying because I have too many body shea butters at the moment, you should not hear me moan about dry skin for some time to come.

I recently discovered Abahna (link) and ordered a mini soap. I couldn't decide which fragrance I might like so did not want to splash out on their regular sizes. l figured £4 for a 50g solid soap was a reasonable risk to take. I opted for Grapefruit & May Chang. It smells amazing and very unique. The great part is they added samples to my order so now I get to try the other fragrances - Mandarin & Sicilian Bergamot, Lilac Rose & Geranium, Frangipani & Orange Blossom.

I also managed to pick up a bargain in my local Tesco. They still had some Christmas gift sets on sale and I found my favourite Naked Shower Gel. This set cost me £3.

I wanted to link blog posts that I have really enjoyed reading this week. Firstly, there is Carrie over at Beauty: Not Just Skin Deep. She wrote about DIY cleanser using Oats (link). Next is Mary at Pure Makeup for her DIY toner post (link). Followed by Sarah at BEskincareful for her post raving about the beauty benefits of Coconut Oil (link). Finally, 24 Hour Party People for her brilliant idea of a Monthly Group Review (link). The next one isn't blogger related but I found an informative list on a Company website. The Organic Pharmacy has a guide to Carcinogens in Skin care, I think it is very helpful for people who are are unsure of ingredients in products (link).

Some of you may have noticed I have added another page to my blog. I decided to create a list of Companies that make natural skincare. Majority of these are UK Companies. If you see anyone missing then let me know.

Lastly, I want to give my view point on a sensitive topic. I see a lot of bloggers complain about not trusting those who review large amounts of PR freebies. Recently my blog has attracted a lot of attention and I have been offered products to review (as you will have noticed). It is very flattering when a Company approaches you. I would like to maintain a balance on my blog between items I have purchased and PR samples. I have turned down Companies for the following reasons -

do not fit my ethos of 100% natural.
I would not be able to afford with my own money.
I refuse to regurgitate press releases. I always research Companies for myself and write my own words.
I will not allow a Company to Guest Post on my blog.
I never guarantee a review on my blog

I have never been asked to give a positive review nor have I been paid for my reviews. If someone did ask me for a positive review then I would never agree to it. If I do not like a product I have either not written about it or I try to give constructive criticism and focus on why it does not work for me. From a personal perspective, I am being approach by companies I may not have discovered for myself so I like the idea of sharing them with others. I have said this before but when you are dealing with natural products, from my own experience, it is very rare that I find a product I dislike. Many of these Companies are small cottage industries with an owner who suffers from skin conditions similar to my own. Their products are tailored to my needs and since they do not contain mainstream chemicals they are going to perform well.

At the end of the day, all I want to do is try and help people with eczema or sensitive skin because I have struggled for many years. The flip side is I want to educate others as to why natural is better than high street. I appreciate every one of my followers here on my blog and on Twitter. If you are not happy with something then please ask me about it, you can email me if you do not want to leave a public comment.

If any of you are sceptical about my eczema then here is a picture. Now I would like to have taken a picture that proves this is my body but that would involve me being naked (yikes!). Currently, I have eczema across my boobs and down my tummy. My camera isn't the greatest but I hope this can help you gage an idea of what I deal with on a daily basis.

Hopefully I didn't end this post on a grumpy note? I wish everyone a fantastic weekend. Let me know what you have been doing or any new purchases you have made.

Miss Starling's Handmade Body Oil

2012-01-26T08:40:00.000Z

Come on admit it who likes to use Baby Oil after a bath or shower? Many of you big babies love the stuff (my sister included). I personally have a love hate relationship with oils. It stems back to the years of bathing in bucket loads of Oliatum bath oil. The very same company that has a cult following in blog-land something which I always find rather odd as I associate it with eczema.

As I was preparing to write this review, I was tweeted by Fleurie Amorette @sugarpuffish As you like things natural, have you tried Bio-Oil? The simple answer is NO. Why? it contains Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) as well as a few other suspect ingredients like artificial colours. Bio-oil is another one of those companies who's advertising really makes me grumpy. They happily promote the natural ingredients but do not openly share with you that those lovely plant extracts are suspended in oil made up of chemical nasties. Let's not single out Bio-oil, in general your average high street baby/body oil will contain petrochemicals. You all know I discourage you from applying petroleum to your delicate skin. If you missed my previous post "Why you should not use petroleum jelly" then click here.

If you are a lover of body oil let me suggest a natural alternative. I was approached by Miss Starling's (link) and accepted an offer to try their Sunflower & Jasmine Body Oil. This is a handmade natural product containing Almond Oil, Sunflower Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Wheatgerm oil, Vitamin E and Jasmine Absolute. Jasmine is used in aromatherapy for sensitive skins, muscular complaints and stress related conditions. Let me be honest, if you do not love the scent of Jasmine then this will not be the product for you. The oil is a dry oil, it absorbs quickly into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. Given time the natural ingredients and their fabulous qualities are sure to improve your skin.

Let me share a little tip with you, I apply the oil to my legs prior to shaving. I leave it to sink in for a minute and then shave as normal. In my mind, I think the oil protects my dry skin and is a preventative measure against irritation and additional dryness from shaving creams/gels. I still use moisturiser or re-apply oil after shaving.

Miss Starling's body oil is a great product. I still adore my shea butters but this does make a nice addition to my beauty routine. If you would like to buy this oil head over to Miss Starling's website www.misstarlings.com a 50ml bottle is priced at £11.

Have you tried a natural body oil or are you using a high street brand? Have you considered switching? I would love to get your feedback on this topic, please feel free to leave a comment below. Also, I hope Fleurie is not upset I picked on her, she has a great blog go check it out fleuriefm.wordpress.com

Disclaimer – I was sent this product free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product. Full disclaimer is available on page tab below blog header.

Discover Melvita

2012-01-24T08:21:00.000Z

Sometimes my Boyfriend actually pays attention to the hints I drop around my birthday and Christmas. He scored brownie points on Christmas day when he gave me a Melvita Discovery Kit. For those not familiar with Melvita, it is one of France’s leading natural and organic cosmetic brands. Natural beauty lovers will be pleased to hear that Melvita products do not contain paraffin, silicone, PEG (polyethylene glycol), PPG (polypropylene glycol), ethoxylated products, parabens, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, chlorine derivatives, synthetic fragrances or colouring agent, di-ethyl phthalate, nitromusk.

The Delicate Skin Discover kit (link) contains - Cleansing Micellar Water 35 ml, Rose Nectar Day Cream 15 ml and Nectar Night Cream 15 ml.

All the products have a delicate hint of fragrance and feel gentle and soothing on the skin. If you prefer cleansing water then I highly recommend this one. Whilst it is not my preferred method of cleansing, I still have enjoyed using it. It is refreshing, soothing and does not leave skin feeling tight. I adore the creams. They are the perfect consistency (not runny or heavy) and my skin absorbs them easily. Even though the products are trial size there is ample for a week, in fact I may have got two weeks out of the creams (I wasn't monitoring).

Overall, I am very impressed and would like to try more Melvita products. This Kit retails for £12.50 (other sets are available link). If I was to purchase regular sizes of the products the Micellar Water is £13 (200ml), Day cream £24 (50ml) & Night cream £26 (50ml). I do not incorporate a night cream into my current routine as I find them expensive. If you decided to invest in full sizes, I feel as if these products are interchangeable so do not feel obliged to purchase them together.

Have you tried Melvita? What did you think?

In the Kitchen with Sugarpuffish

2012-01-22T10:05:00.000Z

Vintage Makeup has suggested I feature more cooking posts. I always hesitate a little since this is a beauty blog and you always hear bloggers saying "stick to your theme". Then again, it is my blog so surely I can do as I please? Anyway, it was nice of Vintage to give me feedback so this post is for her (and anyone else who's interested).

When you have allergies cooking from scratch is always your best option but you don’t necessarily need free from cookbooks. I will look at any recipe, use it for guidance and substitute where necessary. I am in full time employment so generally during the week I like easy, one pot meals that take about 30 minutes to cook.

One of my regular favourites is creating a dish loosely based on paella. Here’s the original recipe I use, serves 4 & is from an Ainsley Harriott Marks & Spencer cookbook.

Easy-peasy Prawn Paella

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion sliced

1 red pepper seeded & diced

1 garlic clove peeled & crushed

200g (7oz) long grain rice

175g (6oz) smoked ham diced

900ml (1½ pints) chicken or vegetable stock

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon turmeric

175g (6oz) large prawns thawed if frozen

100g (4oz) peas

Method – Heat oil and cook onion for 3-4 minutes until soft & golden. Add red pepper, garlic and rice and stir fry for 1 minute. Add ham, stock, paprika, turmeric then bring to boil and simmer for 12 minutes. Stir in prawns and cook for further 3-4 minutes until rice & vegetables are tender.

Now for my changes and suggestions, so you can create something similar to the picture below.

The recipe serves 4 and I only cook for 2 so I reduce quantities. Generally I find 50-60g of rice per person is ample.
You can use any rice you choose, swap Long Grain for Arborio/Risotto rice and the end result will be a creamy consistency.
The amount of stock you use will depend mainly on the type of rice you are using and other ingredients in the dish. My rule of thumb is for 100-120g of rice use 1 pint of stock. The key is to add the liquid at regularly intervals. Once you have made it a few times you will get the idea how much liquid you require.
The recipe says 12 minutes to cook but I always find it’s more like 20 – 30 minutes.
I choose to make mine vegetarian so substitute the prawns and ham for a variety of vegetables. There are no rules add as many veggies as you like. My favourites are broccoli, sweetcorn, edamame beans (soya beans), red peppers, courgettes (zucchini)
Play around with herbs and spices sometimes I leave out the paprika & turmeric and simply add Italian herbs. I also cheat with the garlic and use garlic granules.
If you are using a stock cube I find you do not need to add any salt to season. From experience, often shop bought stock cubes can be quite salty.
If you are not a veggie use meats or fish that suit your palette.

Comments or suggestions are welcome, let me know how you get on if you give this a try.

Heavenly Frangipani Body Butter

2012-01-20T08:24:00.000Z

My favourite type of body moisturiser is shea butter. Blogging is the perfect excuse to tempt me out of my comfort zone. I have put aside my beloved Brown Earth (link) and experimented with other brands. First there was Pure Thoughts (link) which quickly became a firm favourite. When this ran out I decided to try Miss Polly's Frangipani Organic Body Butter (link).

KEY INGREDIENTS: Organic shea butter, Rice bran oil, Meadowfoam oil, Organic virgin coconut oil, Cocoa butter, Frangipani absolute, Vitamin E

My other shea butters are very different to Miss Polly's. Brown Earth is soft and Pure Thoughts is whipped whereas Miss Polly's is solid. Despite being solid and requiring a spatula to scoop it from the jar, it does melt easily on contact with warm skin. Frangipani is a beautiful, rich floral fragrance and it lingers a little which I like because since I can not wear perfume, this makes a nice alternative. My sensitive skin seems happy to accept the fragrance with no signs of irritation which is a relief since this can be a problem for me. As with all shea butters this is luxurious, heavy and fantastic for overly dry skin. It leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. It is perfect for all year round but particularly ideal for the winter months. I always find that I do not need to moisturise daily when using a shea butter cream, you can skip a day or two. Also, it is perfect for keeping your legs in tip top condition especially if you shave regularly.

All Miss Polly products are handmade and free from parabens, sls and other nasties. I was lucky to grab this body butter for a reduce price during a special offer period but it's regular price is £8.95 (45g). If Frangipani does not appeal to you then there is also a Grapefruit version. Go check out the rest of Miss Polly's products as she also makes lip balm, foot cream, soap, facial serum & gift sets (website link).

Feel free to leave a comment below regarding Miss Polly's skincare or shea butter or anything else beauty related.

Mini Product Review

2012-01-18T08:43:00.000Z

I thought I would do a quick mini review of the products I picked up at the end of last year in TK Maxx. (link)

Lamas Beauty Pumpkin Spice Polish 3 in 1 Instant Facial – The only thing I like about this scrub is it smells amazing and reminds me of cookies. The grains are small and suspended in a gel. I felt like I was getting a deep down skin scrub but without the feeling of attacking my skin with a scourer pad. However after washing this off, my face became dry very quickly and I had to apply more moisturiser than usual. I definitely prefer the scrubs I have from Dr Organic and Tropic.

Naturaleve Rejuvenating Balm – Another item I dislike. Firstly the scent is very bland for a product containing rose geranium and pomegranate. It is completely different to my other balms (Balmology & Natural U) because this one is a liquid. As you rub into your skin it turns into a consistency that reminds me of a lubricant (yuck!). After using this I did wake up feeling like it had clogged up my skin and I noticed over time I developed pimples. My spots could be as a result of using this product but equally it may be down to hormones or the two new cleansers I have been testing.

Tisserand Renewing Cream Body Wash in Wild Rose & Lemon Leaf – This produces a creamy lather, leaves my skin feeling soft and I have not seen any signs of dryness. Fragrance is always something personal and I don't dislike the scent but neither do I love it.

Heathcote & Ivory Bath & Body Handwash in Blueberry & White Tea – Out of all the items I bought this is the one I like the most. I have been using this as a handwash. I love the fragrance; it is fruity and makes me smile. I often struggle with hand soaps because of my sensitive skin but so far this is not causing any irritation or dryness so that makes me happy.

Overall, this latest haul was a big disappointment. The only item I would re-purchase would be the Heathcote & Ivory liquid soap. Have you tried any of these skin care products? What did you think? Leave a comment below.

Competition Time - Natural Being Cleanser

2012-01-16T14:30:00.004Z

Listen up Followers I have decided to do another Lucky Dip draw.

The way this works is GFC & Twitter Followers who have left a comment on my blog, during the month of January (2012), will be entered into a draw and a winner will be chosen at random.

If you have commented more than twice you will automatically get a second entry.

The prize is Natural Being Manuka Cleanser (Normal to Dry Skin). This product is a personal favourite which I have reviewed here on my blog (link).

Here's the small print

ONLY GFC or Twitter Followers will be entered
(If you follow me via another social site it is harder for me to verify that it is you that follows as these sites don't put a face to the numbers!)

If you are a new follower wanting to enter, at the end of your comment, please let me know whether you are following via GFC or Twitter so I can verify you

Comments must be genuine & specific to the post it was left on. I will disqualify from the draw spam or links with "follow me I follow you" or "Enter Me" etc.

Only comments left between 1st January 2012 - midnight (GMT) on 31st January 2012 will be entered into the draw.

Winner will be announced at the beginning of February. If they do not reply within 72 hours then another winner will be chosen.

Under 18's must have permission from parent/guardian to enter as the winner will need to provide me with a postal address

Good Luck Everyone & keep commenting on my blog posts.

Disclaimer - the prize has been funded by me, this is not sponsored.

Sunday Catch Up

2012-01-15T10:07:00.001Z

This post is a going to be a mixture of random items which I hope will be interesting to you. I am starting off with the products I have recently used up. This was inspired by Vintage Makeup who regularly writes these types of blog posts. The links below will take you to my original reviews. My opinions have not changed, I have loved all these products from start to finish and I would re-purchase.

Tropic Pure Plant Skincare Moisturiser (link), Borealis Organics Moisturiser (link), Pure Thoughts Whipped Shea Butter (link)

Do you remember the Tashodi Three Butter Body Cream which I bought at TK Maxx? (link). Unfortunately it irritated my skin, particularly my legs so I have abandon using it.

I see from your blogs that many of you made New Years resolutions. I only made one and that was to get back in the Kitchen and start cooking again. I became incredibly lazy in 2011 and got out of the habit. So far the plan is working with no major disasters. I will not bore you with pictures of my meals but if you do not mind I will show you the Peanut Butter Blondies I made.

The recipe came from Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero Vegan Cookies Invade your cookie jar. My lovely friend gave me this cookbook for Christmas.(Amazon link)

I do not know about you but I love browsing the World Food aisle in Tesco. I'm not sure if "World Food" is how Tesco refer to it but basically I mean the aisle with imported foods. I frequent this particular aisle because in my store it is also where the Free From foods is located. Despite my allergies I have an adventurous palette. When I am on holiday I will indulge in the local cuisine. I like to think that I don't have typical British taste buds thanks to my grandmother who is Austrian. Anyway I digress, let me share with you this yummy drink I discovered. I have no idea which country this comes from but I am totally hooked. There are a variety of flavours but the one I like is coconut, pineapple, banana and lychee.

Finally, I wanted to give a shout out to a couple of bloggers. This week the increase in traffic to my blog was largely down to The Flaxen Owl. I am really glad I checked my stats as I was not aware of Hayley's lovely blog. I am now a follower and I'd like to thank her for putting me on her blog roll. My next shout out goes to The Veg Pot. If you are looking for Vegetarian meal ideas then head over to Sophie's blog as she has some yummy meal suggestions.

Well I think that's all folks. I hope you are all having a great weekend? Feel free to leave a comment below, I love hearing your thoughts on my posts.

Sensitive Skin + New Cleanser = Breakouts

2012-01-12T08:35:00.000Z

Today I wanted to do a mini review for two cleansers I have been testing. The downside of having sensitive skin and being a guinea pig for your blog is causing break outs. I have recently broken my own rules of sticking to a regular cleansing routine. My pimple explosion could be down to the PH balance of the cleanser not being suitable for me (Thanks Sarah beskincareful for the tip). Equally it could be due to hormonal imbalance or simply being run down from my recent cold. I have had to abandon testing these cleansers for the time being but still wanted to mention the products.

The first product is from Herbfarmacy and is their Wash Off Cleansing Mousse (link). I have been testing this cleanser for about 3-4 weeks. This is described as - "A deep cleansing mousse containing soothing Chamomile and Marshmallow and essential oils of Rose Geranium and Ylang Ylang. This wonderful cleanser is effective even when removing face and eye make-up and leaves the skin beautifully refreshed. Simply massage onto a dry face and rinse off with warm water."

Seems a bit daft to point out the obvious but this is similar to mousse. It has an air whipped texture when you scoop from the pot and feels thick and creamy when applied to your skin. The ingredients make it ideal for sensitive types and I certainly have not experienced any irritation. I like the concept of this cleanser but there are elements I dislike. Fragrance is subject to individual tastes and for me this one is awful. I am struggling to explain it but the words that popped into my head are musty and cardboard. I have also found that compared to balm cleansers my skin feels slightly tight and dry immediately after removing. I don’t feel stripped of moisture just mildly drier than what is normal for me. This product is nice but it does not wow me in any way or appear to offer me that “glow” I get from other cleansers. I purchased from Ophelia Organics for £8.99 50ml jar (link). If you purchase direct from Herbfarmacy it costs £11.75

The second cleanser (which I have only had for a couple of weeks) is from 27 Skincare (link). I had not heard of this company until it appeared on my Twitter Who to Follow List. 27 Skincare offers a Lavender & Chamomile Oil-Gel Cleanser which they describe as “A mild, antioxidant oil-gel that gently cleanses, calms, soothes, and nourishes without leaving an oily film. Also an effective eye make-up remover.”

This cleanser comes in a bottle with a pump dispenser. One pump is more than sufficient for the entire face. The product starts as a liquid but when massaged into skin transforms into a balm. I love the fragrance; it’s a light floral scent of lavender and chamomile, two ingredients which are known for their suitability on sensitive skins. I remove the cleanser with a damp muslin cloth and my skin is left feeling soft and moisturised. I love the packaging it looks smart and feels expensive. I have enjoyed using this cleanser and I will come back to it in the future. I recommend you check out the website as other skincare products are available. I paid £8.49 for a 60ml bottle which I think is very inexpensive for the quality.

Both these companies offer natural skin care that is free from SLS and Parabens (check individual websites for further ingredient information). Has anyone else tried these brands? What did you think? Leave a comment below

Intensive Moisturiser from Elizabeth's Daughter

2012-01-10T08:39:00.000Z

Back at the beginning of December, I started following Elizabeth’s Daughter on Twitter. I was contacted and ask if they could send me their Intensive Moisturiser and I accepted the offer.

I only discovered the company because it popped up on my “Who to Follow” list so I checked out the website. I learnt that their products are 95% natural and free from parabens, SLS and petrochemicals. The concept behind the brand is unique. The idea is that Mothers and Daughters can share the products.

Elizabeth (the founder) explained to me how the products came about - “I have had acne and rosacea for most of my life. About 6 years ago when my skin was really bad, I couldn't find products that suited my skin, most of the so-called natural products irritated my skin and as I also have a daughter I decided to produce my own range (I have a background in cosmetics and skincare).” The Intensive Moisturiser was developed for sensitive, irritated and dry skin. Elizabeth said that a number of her customers with psoriasis use the product. As an eczema sufferer this is always good to hear.

There are some familiar ingredients in this cream – Apricot Kernel Oil, Mango Butter, Argan Oil, Coconut. There are others that are new to me – Sacha Inchi Oil, Tahitian Monoi and Kakadu Plum (which apparently is high in Vitamin C, equivalent to 10 Oranges).

So what do I think? The moisturiser can be used on the face and body which is appealing, definitely helps cut down on an already overcrowded bathroom cabinet. Having a multipurpose cream is also ideal for those who travel regularly and want to save space in their luggage. The first thing that caught my attention is the fragrance, it is lovely and not like anything else I have been using. This is a heavy fragrance that lingers and I can see that it may not be to everyone’s liking. There are days when I wake up and my nose is feeling sensitive, I sneeze at my deodorant or make up, on those days I tend to avoid applying to my face because of the scent.

Often creams developed for dry skins can be very heavy and take longer for the skin to absorb. I was surprised that this moisturiser has a light texture, sinking into my skin quickly and easily. It leaves skin feeling silky and soft. I have tested on my face and body and I have not had any problems with irritation or dry patches. I have mention before I have super hyper sensitive legs after shaving so this is the place where I put products through their paces. I am pleased to say it did not cause burning or redness.

The moisturiser comes in a sturdy plastic pump bottle. So far I have not had any major issues with the pump. I find the amount dispensed from one pump is enough for the face and I find one or two pumps is sufficient per arm or leg.

This really is a lovely cream which I will be recommending to friends and family (as well as you guys!). Definitely check out the website to learn more about the brand and to discover the rest of the range. I note that there is a Starter Set which would be an ideal way to try products (link). The Intensive Moisturiser can be purchase direct from the website and costs £22 for 100ml (link).

Let me know in the comment section below your thoughts on my review. Have you hear of or tried Elizabeth's Daughter products?

Disclaimer – I was sent these products free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product. Full disclaimer is available on page tab below blog header.

Have you tried Giovanni Conditioner?

2012-01-08T13:14:00.002Z

I finished up my Organic Surge conditioner (link) and decided I would like to try something different. I like Organic Surge but I am fickle. I had seen good reviews for Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Hair Remoisturizer (link) so decided to give it a try.

Giovanni hair care is Organic, Vegan and free from SLS, SLES, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and not tested on animals. This particular conditioner is recommended for normal to dry/coloured hair.

I like the fragrance, it is a gentle fresh slightly citrus scent. The product is rich with a medium thick consistency and I only need a small amount on my short hair. It took a couple of washes to figure out the right amount for me, about the size of a 10p seems to be ample. I do find if I use too much it will weigh down my fine hair and I quickly get greasy roots. This is a traditional rinse out conditioner. When I first tried the product I was amazed how my damp hair instantly felt silky smooth and de-tangled. Once blow dried and straightened (I do use a heat protecting lotion) my hair feels soft and hydrated with improvement to dry ends. Over the Christmas holidays I was away from home and switched to a travel size bottle of Living Nature’s Balancing Conditioner (link). I did not like it at all and I was really pleased to get back to my Giovanni. This easily gives my salon brands a run for their money. It also works well as an intensive treatment, simply leave on hair for 5 – 10 minutes and then rinse out.

I really love this conditioner and the only negative I have is with the packaging. The product is thick and the bottle is not a traditional shape. As I use up the conditioner what remains gets stuck at the bottom of the bottle. I need to shake in order to loosen the contents so I can squeeze out the product. It is a little pet peeve but it wouldn't stop me from re-purchasing.

I have mentioned before my hair tends to rebel against natural hair care but this has impressed me. In comparison to Organic Surge I think Giovanni (by a small margin) works well at taming my dry ends. I purchased this from Love Lula for £7.99 (250ml bottle). Some may see this as expensive but in comparison to the brands I regularly purchase I think it is a good price. I use such a small amount that the bottle has lasted months and I am nowhere near the end.

Have you tried Giovanni hair care? What did you think? Let me know in a comment below.

Ingredients - Aqua (Purified Water), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, *Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Leaf Extract, *Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, *Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Panthenol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Polysorbate 60, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance With Essential Oils.

Amy's Kitchen

2012-01-05T07:16:00.000Z

Regular followers will know that between the beauty reviews I throw in the occasional Free From food review/purchase, so this latest post should not surprise you!

As you know I have had a cold so I have been lazy at meal times. When I get sick I can't bear the thought of slaving over the cooker. I purchased from Holland & Barratt Amy's Kitchen Indian Vegetable Korma (link) which is a frozen ready meal. It is Vegan and Kosher plus free from Dairy, Gluten, Lactose, Tree Nuts and Soy. Ready meals never look that appealing when cooked but this was not too bad it did bear some resemblance to the picture on the box. So what did I think? I really enjoyed my dinner it was mild in spices (which I like) lots of chunky recognisable vegetables and overall had a good flavour.

I also purchased (from Waitrose £1.45) Amy’s Kitchen soup (link). I opted for Lentil Vegetable from the choices available. It is a hearty thick soup which is what I prefer. I like a soup that fills up my tummy. The flavour was good. It could benefit from a little more seasoning but that may be down to my taste buds being affected by my cold.

This soup is Vegan and Low Fat as well as being free from Dairy, Gluten, Lactose, Tree Nuts and Soy. I do prefer to cook my own soups but the tin varieties do offer convenience. There are very few dairy free soups in the supermarkets so it is nice to discover Amy’s Kitchen Soups.

I mainly pick up Amy’s Kitchen products in Holland & Barratt. If you are lucky your local Sainsbury's may stock some of the frozen foods. However the variety at Holland & Barratt is better because my Sainsbury's does not stock the Vegan items only the Vegetarian ones that are loaded with cheese (I am allergic to milk).

Has anyone else tried Amy's Kitchen products? What did you think? I also love their Bean Burritos (link).

Spotlight Blogger

2012-01-03T09:42:00.002Z

Today in my spotlight is Grace from Grace & Beauty. The first thing I love about Grace's blog is she describes it as "a place where women can get together and not be bitchy". Her blog is a mixture of reviews, fashion, beauty and giveaways. I always find something interesting to read on Grace's blog and for me it stands out from the crowded world of blogging.

Why did you decide to start your blog?
I feel like I can express myself more through writing than any other form of communication. Writing has always been a passion of mine. I needed an outlet for my thoughts and love of beauty and fashion, so blogging seemed like the best venue.

Did you follow any blogs before creating yours?

Very few, actually! One of my favorite blogs I've been following for a while is Laura's shopping blog, buynowbloglater.com. She's so glamorous and classy.

What is your favourite time of the day to write posts?

I love to write at night, while my thoughts are churning and I'm reflecting on the day's events.

What do you think is the best thing about blogging?

Being able to communicate with individuals who share a similar passion is the best part about blogging.

What inspires you when it comes to your blog?

I'm inspired by other bloggers, photography, sparkly things.. I am currently obsessed with the photography on pinterest.com; so many of the photos inspire me to try out different DIY projects, hairstyles, and recipes to showcase on my blog.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

The Unclaimed Baggage Center is high on my list of favorite shopping destinations, partly because of the excellent deals, but also because I love a good treasure hunt. Additionally, I enjoy shopping at Sephora, French Connection, and JCrew.

Has blogging changed the way you make purchasing decisions?

I am more aware of what I buy and my spending habits. Although, I do feel an ever-present need to buy more, so I can have material to blog about.

What is your all time favourite brand? (Cosmetic, clothing or anything else)

For cosmetics, I am crazy about mark. and Urban Decay. For clothing, I adore Madewell and JCrew.

What is your favourite time of year and why?

I love autumn. The weather is so nice, and the new fashion trends are exciting.

What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

I want the world to be a safer, happier, and greener place to live.

Thank you Grace for taking part & Happy New Year to you!

My First Review of 2012

2012-01-01T11:43:00.001Z

Before I get into my latest review let me take this opportunity to say HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope 2012 is filled with happiness. So lets get on with my review......

Solomon's Daughter (link) caught my attention because they offer handmade organic beauty products which are free from preservatives and bulking agents. However, I think my encounter with this company was doomed from the start.

I decided to purchase their bath melts (link). My order didn't arrive when expected but before I had a chance to complain Solomon's Daughter contacted me to let me know they were experiencing problems with the local postal service. A new order was immediately despatched via Special Delivery which was impressive in comparison to other companies I have dealt with. They did not make me wait 14 working days in accordance to Royal Mail guidelines for lost post.

The bath melts arrived wrapped in cellophane and tied with a handwritten tag. The packaging and little nugget shaped bath melts were a surprise because this is not the image used on the website. I ordered Mango & Apricot and Camomile, however the label on the Camomile melts says Camomile and Manuka honey. I am a big fan of Manuka so this is not a major problem but I do feel a little cheated because technically that is not what I ordered. The website does not list ingredients and I thought when my order came the packaging might, sadly this is not the case.

I admit I'm a shower girl, I get bored in the tub but on the rare occasions I treat myself I have to add something nice to the water. I've never tried melts as I always opt for bubbles. So far I have used the Mango & Apricot. The melts are very soft, squidgy and stuck together they were difficult to separate. I was unsure how many I should add to the water as there were no instructions - I used two. I found the fragrance disappointing I wanted the room to be filled with a fruity aroma but I hardly noticed the scent. The melts did not dissolve completely despite putting them in from the start of filling the tub.

So what did I think? I won't lie my skin did feel nice and soft so I can see the benefits for dry skin. However, my skin initially felt heavy with oil but perhaps this was because two melts was one too many. If there is one thing I hate when having a bath it is having to clean the tub immediately after exiting. I find all the relaxation disappears once I have to put on the rubber gloves. Sadly I was left with a greasy, sticky tub because the melts did not completely dissolve. Overall, I can say bath melts are not for me. As a first time user of bath melts I admit I have no reference for comparison. If you are a fan of wallowing in the tub then give Solomon's Daughter products a try, I would recommend these over anything you buy at Lush because they are natural.

Solomon's Daughter customer service scored highly as they rectified the lost parcel without any fuss. However, their website is sluggish to open and lacks details about the products and ingredients. Products are reasonable each bag you see pictured above cost £3.

Has anyone else tried Solomon Daughter products? What did you think?

2012 picture - Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

TK Maxx Bargains

2011-12-29T13:12:00.001Z

Every Christmas I end up getting sick, last year it was flu and shingles this year it's the common cold. I was getting fed up sitting on the sofa feeling sorry for myself so today I ventured out. It was short trip nothing exciting but I stopped off at TK Maxx and here is what I picked up.

Lamas Beauty Pumpkin Spice Polish 3 in 1 Instant Facial £7.99 (RRP £24). This is paraben free and Vegan. I must admit I was enticed by the scent rather than price.

Naturaleve Rejuvenating Balm £4.99 (RRP £10). I haven't heard of this brand before and it is made in England. This does not contain parabens, petrochemicals, SLS, artificial preservatives, colours or fragrance. According to the packaging this is an over night treatment to replenish moisture.

Tisserand Renewing Cream Body Wash £4.99 (RRP £7.40). I love Tisserand hand cream so thought this was worth trying. It is free from parabens, SLES and synthetic fragrances.

Heathcote & Ivory Bath & Body Handwash in Blueberry & White Tea. I found this one in the bargain bucket section for £2. It is not the most natural of products but it is free from Sulphates and Parabens.

My Christmas Gifts

2011-12-27T13:47:00.000Z

I can not believe the big day has been and gone. I must have been on the nice list because Santa did spoil me this year. I thought I would share with you my lovely presents. There were only a couple of beauty gifts (Ooh La La shower gel & Melvita travel gift set) but I was lucky enough to receive some Christmas money so will be making up for that soon.

I love all my presents but I have to say the Fridge Pet is my favourite. He is cute and chats to you in Japanese when you open the fridge door. The most unique has to be the Decleor Pomander. I had not seen one of these before. Inside the golden apple is a little ball which you add fragrance oil to then you hang the pomander in your wardrobe or around the house. It came with the fragrance Madagascar which is described as Tonka bean, Vetiver, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang and Grapefruit.

Hope everyone had a super duper Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Link any Christmas hauls below I would love to see what you all got for Christmas.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

2011-12-22T07:17:00.000Z

I am signing off from my Blog for the Christmas Holidays.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my lovely followers for supporting me.

Have a fantastic Christmas everyone and a happy and healthy 2012 to you all.

Men's Grooming by Bulldog

2011-12-20T07:24:00.003Z

You will remember from a previous post that I use men’s shaving creams because I have never been able to tolerate the ones marketed towards women. Aside from the obvious nasty ingredients even the “sensitive” ones bring me out in a rash. Despite this I admit I have not tried many natural shaving creams. I am ashamed to admit I have been using Original Source Men's Shaving Gel for a few years. It is the only one I can find that doesn't irritate my skin. It's vegan but it is full of horrid ingredients. I can not think of any natural alternatives that are sold on the high street and online ordering is not always ideal due to steep postage charges.

Whilst looking for a Christmas present for my Boyfriend I stumbled upon Bulldog, I was not aware that there was a natural men’s range available on the high street -Our products never contain parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, or ingredients from animal sources. I purchase the Sensitive Shave Cream and gave it a try on my legs.

So what did I think? I know this product was not intended for women but I like it. I have not experienced any dryness or rash or burning sensation when I apply moisturiser. Since it does not contain SLS the cream does not foam. On wet skin it transforms to a milky consistency which is a little bit messy but on the plus side does not clog up the shaver blade.

If you are looking to convert your man to natural skin care then the Bulldog range is affordable and includes a variety of grooming products. Bulldog’s website lists several stockists including Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury and Waitrose. I found some of the range at my local Boots and Tesco but neither stocked the shaving cream so I ended up purchasing from FeelUnique.com (£4.50 for 175ml tube). Boots currently have Christmas gift boxes.

If anyone has a natural shaving cream recommendation I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment below :)

Ingredients - Aqua (Water) Stearic acid Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice Glyceryl stearate Coco-glucoside Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter) Glycerin Disodium cocoyl glutamate Cetearyl alcohol Glycereth-26 Phenoxyethanol PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil Benzoic acid Sodium chloride Xanthan gum Citric acid Cedrus atlantica (Cedarwood) bark oil Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil Dehydroacetic acid Mannan Ethylhexylglycerin Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) oil Polyaminopropyl biguanide Sodium benzoate Potassium sorbate

Sunday Catch Up

2011-12-18T10:30:00.007Z

This week was my Boyfriend's birthday so I baked a cake. He does not have any allergies (lucky him) but I did make a Dairy & Egg free cake otherwise I do not get to help him eat it. The recipe which I have used on several occasions comes from Pure Dairy Free Spread website There are two chocolate cake recipes on the site but I use the one titled Vegan Chocolate Cake.

I have bought Pure margarine for years personally it is my favourite margarine/butter substitute. My one tip for making this cake is sieve all the dry ingredients and whisk the batter. I find the more air I can get into the mix the better it rises. I also find it helps make the cake texture fluffy and moist. Check out the Pure website (link) as there are lots of great dairy free meal ideas. Even if you do not have to follow a dairy free diet you can adapt the recipes with regular milk & butter.

I've also been on a bit of a winning streak lately. I should probably go buy a lottery ticket. Sticking with the dairy free theme I won Alpro Soya Vanilla deserts. I regularly buy these but it's always great to get a freebie.

My next prize I won via www.nutribeautyproducts.com. I received a Living Nature Body Essentials set which comes in a fabric wrap tote and contains: 50ml Nourishing Body Wash, 50ml Nourishing Hand and Body Cream, 50ml Nourishing Shampoo, 50ml Nourishing Conditioner. If you are not familiar with Living Nature it is a New Zealand brand which is 100% natural. I have tried samples before and been impressed so I am looking forward to testing these.

Lastly, I won via Love Lula a Balm Balm Facial Kit which contains Light Coconut Cleanser, Witch Hazel Toner, Rosehip Serum, Hibiscus Face Mask and a muslin cloth.

I am familiar with the brand and I love their lip balms. This is a facial range I have wanted to try as Balm Balm is 100% Organic and natural. So far I have used the cleanser and serum and I really like them. The only thing that took me by surprise is they are both liquids so unfortunately I spilt them everywhere. For some reason I thought the cleanser would be a milk cleanser. Also I think the choice of the word serum is a mistake as this is an oil. In my mind a serum should be a a gel like consistency. I wouldn't use the serum in the mornings but it is lovely as an over night treatment.

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend? Let me know in the comment section below what you have been doing.

New Discovery - Angela Langford Skincare

2011-12-15T07:25:00.000Z

I love to spend time browsing the web in search of natural skincare. Over the years I have discovered fantastic handmade products. I would like to share with you my latest find - Angela Langford. This is a skincare line free from parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic colours & fragrances and not tested on animals.

I purchased the free sample pack (you do have to pay £4.50 P&P). What I loved was the attention to detail. The samples arrived in a pretty pink organza bag. During registration/checkout you are asked questions about your skin so that the sample pack can be tailored to your needs. I also received detailed paperwork informing me about the products, ingredients and how to use them. The samples are small in size and I would estimate you would get 2-3 applications.

Sorry about the borrowed website picture I forgot to take my own photo before I passed the samples onto my sister. Sadly, I have not been able to test the products due to them containing one of my allergens. It is no fault of Angela Langford its mine for not checking properly before ordering.

Despite not having first hand experience of the products I still wanted to give the site a mention. I cannot fault the customer service and attention to detail, it has left a lasting impression. If you are wanting to purchase honest natural skincare, handmade in the UK, then check out the website (link). You can also follow Angela Langford on Facebook and Twitter.

My Desert Island Product

2011-12-13T08:35:00.004Z

I have mentioned this before but my hero product is Papaya salve (also known as Paw Paw). My previous post (link) was for the brand Simmons which I had used for a number of years but sadly it is no longer manufactured. About two or three months ago I switched to Phytocare Pure Papaya Ointment. Coincidentally, my blog post “Why you should not use petroleum jelly” (link) caught the attention of Pure Papaya. They contacted me about doing a review not realising I was already using their ointment.

Lucas Papaya balm is the brand most people seem to be familiar with. It is the one I see featured in magazines and on celebrity must have lists. I do not recommend Lucas because it contains petroleum. Simmons and Pure Papaya are natural and petroleum free hence why I have been using them for so long.

The two brands do differ slightly in fragrance, texture and ingredients. Aside from Papaya, Pure Papaya Ointment also contains calendula, shea butter, jojoba oil and macadamia oil. These are fantastic healing ingredients ideal for eczema and dry skin. When comparing fragrance Pure Papaya is stronger and sweeter. The only downside to this is you may not like the taste when applied to your lips, I must admit Simmons was better as lip balm due to the delicate fragrance/taste. The consistency and texture of Pure Papaya Ointment is softer and silkier than what I was use to with Simmons.

Despite the variations Pure Papaya Ointment is also a multi purpose product and remains a staple in my handbag. The fact that I can use one product for a variety of ailments is what makes it my desert island beauty product. It is ideal for my handbag as I can substitute my eczema cream, lip balm and antiseptic ointments for a tube of papaya. As I mentioned this product has many uses, here are a few more suggestions from Pure Papaya - nappy rash, sore nipples, cold sores, after care of tattoos, hard calloused skin, sunburn, burns & scalds, pressure sores & ulcers, insect bites, rashes, healing scars, taming eyebrows.

No one I have recommended Papaya to has ever been disappointed with the results. If you are not already using this product I have to question why? It's affordable and effective, I doubt you will regret purchasing it.

Ingredients: Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter), Macadamia ternifolia oil (Macadamia oil), Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba oil), Carica papaya (Papaya) ferment, Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E), Caprylic triglyceride (coconut derived), Beeswax, Sorbitan olivate (Olive derived emulsifier), Silica, Fragrance (naturally derived), Styrax benzoin resinoid, Calendula officinalis (Marigold) flower extract

Sunday Chit Chat

2011-12-11T13:13:00.001Z

My Christmas tree is up and my shopping is complete so now to sit back and relax. I only have a small house so my tree is dinky.

A little while ago I was asked if I would like to review a product for skinsmatter.com. If you are not familiar with the site it is a great resource for natural beauty, allergies, intolerances and skin conditions (eczema/psoriasis). I reviewed Queen of Aleppo soaps and it is up on the site today so go check it out click here.

Yesterday, my BF and I took a trip to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. The market is running for 28 days and will end on 21st December. It was a nice day out but was very crowded. The only item I purchased was a wooden decorative hanging banner. Here are a couple of pictures.

I only made one new free from purchase this week, a discovery made in my local Sainsburys. I found a bag of dairy free 'chocolate' covered raisins for £1.59, they were not amazing but were a pleasant snack for my lunch box.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend? Leave a comment below and let me know what you got up to this weekend.

Peach Passion

2011-12-09T08:33:00.001Z

I think you have probably figured out by now I am obsessed with shower gels. My favourite is Ooh La La by Naked (link) but I admit I do like to switch and try others. Sadly I reached the end of my Jersey Cow body wash (link) so was on the lookout for something else. I had already had great success with Organic Surge Conditioner (link) so thought I would try one of the shower gels (link). I picked up Peach Passion which is described as “organic peach extract and almond essential oil, calms and conditions with skin loving ingredients”

So what do I think? It’s a great shower gel, produces a nice lather, does not cause dry skin nor does it irritate. As for the fragrance, I think it has a subtle hint of peach which I admit was a bit disappointing at first as I was expecting fruity overload. However, I asked my sister to take a sniff and she said it was very peachy. Just goes to show that everyone's sense of smell is different. I must say some days it smells peachier than others.

Organic Surge shower gels contain natural fragrance and are free from SLS and parabens. I purchased this shower gel at my local Waitrose for £3 (250ml tube) but they are available via the Organic Surge online store. Peach Passion is one of six fragrances. You may prefer to try Tropical Bergamot (Sweet Orange & Bergamot), Fresh Ocean (Lemon, Rosemary & Lime), Gentle Meadow (Lavender & Geranium), Sugared Almond (Almond & Palmarosa) and Citrus Mint (Peppermint, Lemon & Orange).

I highly recommend this one as it is affordable and does the job. Has anyone else tried these shower gels? What did you think?

Loopyloops

2011-12-07T08:42:00.000Z

I wanted to share with you something that caught my attention (via Twitter). I think it is a great concept and wanted to spread the word. Also it would make an excellent stocking filler for all those fashion divas out there who don't have enough wardrobe space.

So what am I talking about?....Loopyloops - go check out the website. This is a simple idea to create space in your wardrobe. Loopyloops allow you to connect hangers together making use of the vertical space in your wardrobe. They are very attractive and come in a variety of designs and colours. Also they are inexpensive - £4.99 for a set of 10 (plus P&P).

I admit I don't own this product myself but hope you can agree it was worth sharing.

Disclaimer - I have not been asked to promote this product or website, simply discovered it & wanted to share with my followers.

Have you heard of Borealis Organics Skincare?

2011-12-05T14:27:00.005Z

I have been very complimentary about a number of products I have been sent recently. I wanted to clarify that my opinions are my own, if I don't like a product I will tell you. When you select brands that are handmade and natural a lot of care and attention goes into the quality of the product. I feel it is this attention to detail that makes natural products so good hence you are almost guaranteed fantastic results.

I always said that nothing could part me from my Tropic moisturiser, that is until now. So what has me eating my words? That would be Borealis Organics Skincare. Borealis Organics skincare is handmade using 100% natural, organic and fair trade ingredients. The story behind Borealis is similar to other independent companies I have shared with you. Behind the scenes is an owner who developed an interest in natural skin care because they experienced their own skin problems. From the viewpoint of someone with sensitive skin, I find comfort in knowing that the products are handmade by a person who can understand my skin issues.

I have been testing the Calendula & Chamomile Daily Defence Cream for Sensitive Skin.

This moisturiser contains some fantastic ingredients - Calendula, Camomile, Neroli, Geranium, Rosewood, Red Raspberry seed, Macadamia oil, Apricot Kernel Oil and Shea butter. Many of these ingredients are known for their healing properties and suitability for sensitive skin types. This combination of ingredients provides a fragrance which is light, natural and slightly herbal rather than floral.

So what do I think? The truth is I have totally fallen for this moisturiser. It is rich yet manages to be light and air whipped in texture. My skin instantly absorbs the cream and is left feeling soft and plump. In the past, I have used creams that do not hold up against the cold weather or central heating and by mid afternoon dry patches are clearly visible. Not the case with this moisturiser. My skin looks just as good at 10pm as it did at 7am. I have confidence in the ingredients and can happily apply the cream to sensitive areas without worrying about causing further irritation. I am finding the cream very economical. I apply a small amount of cream over my face and neck, mornings and evenings. As you can see from the picture, the jar is still very full after 3-4 weeks usage. In case you are wondering a 60ml jar costs £15.75.

I highly recommend this moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin. If this is not your skin type then Borealis have alternative moisturisers for dry, mature, normal or combination.

The Borealis range extends beyond moisturisers and offers a wide variety of skincare products for men and women. Definitely check out the website (link). You can also follow Borealis Organics Skincare on Facebook. (link).

Borealis Organics Skincare are now offering my followers a 10% discount simply quote sugarpuffish in the coupon code box.

Disclaimer – I was sent these products free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product.

Spotlight Blogger

2011-12-04T09:35:00.000Z

Today my Spotlight Blogger is Gabriellasofia of HauteFuture. We found each other via Twitter a short time ago. We have common ground on the fact that she also suffers from eczema. Do check out her blog it's a good mix of every day topics - beauty reviews, fashion, health and interviews. Gabriellasofia also has a YouTube channel click here.

Why did you decide to start your blog?

I actually started by vlogging! I'd seen a few beauty vlogs for Youtube-Beauty-Guru-Royalty, such as juicystar07, AllThatGlitters21, AndreasChoice and Macbarbie07 and since I love talking so much I figured I could do it on camera! Before I knew it I soon realized that vlogging requires a lot more effort (I don't feel comfortable recording a video unless I look relatively presentable and there are WAY more haters on Youtube!) than blogging. I'd actually meddled with blogging when I was in high school too, but it soon dropped off when my classmates couldn't understand me. It's much easier to do when you know you have the support of your fellow bloggers like I do now!

Did you follow any blogs before creating yours?

I actually didn't officially follow any blogs before my account and blog was set up. However, I'd read a couple of blogs from some of the vloggers I loved including FleurDeForce and the aforementioned vloggers. These days I spend most of my time hitting 'Follow' on fellow bloggers pages!

What is your favourite time of the day to write posts?

I usually post in the evening when I'm relaxed after uni or work, and have had the whole day to develop an idea.

What do you think is the best thing about blogging?

I think the best thing about blogging is that it's a way of getting your work out into the open. I've wanted to be a beauty journalist for as long as I can remember, and blogging allows me a platform to practice that whilst building up a relatively successful body of work to list in my CV!

What inspires you when it comes to your blog?

Literally anything can inspire me. The street-style I spot on campus, the freebies I get in the post, events I've been to, products I've been wanting to buy for ages, celebrity make-up looks, magazines, brand newsletters and even what I've been doing that day! There is always a great story out there... You've just got to find it!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I'm a massive sucker for a Topshop sale! I also love Forever21, Urban Outfitters, Miss Selfridge, New Look and River Island. Urban Outfitters and Topshop are there if I'm feeling rich and super-fashion-forward, Miss Selfridge and River Island are great for finding Urban Outfitters and Topshop copies for a fraction of the price and New Look and Forever 21 are good for getting good value for money. Honestly though, I'd give them all up if you made me choose between them and Boots. Boots is my life. Shelf after shelf of beauty, body and bath product... Ahhhh...

Has blogging changed the way you make purchasing decisions?

I have had to be more intelligent with my money as I usually blog about what I buy, so in order to get the most blog posts I need to be getting more for my money! My Boots Advantage Card has been a Godsend, and being subscribed to the e-newsletters for all of my favorite stores has meant that I've been able to get exclusive discounts for most places. Also, I tend to make sure if I'm paying for a seminar or PR event that there is a worthwhile goodie-bag at the end, so I learn AND get free products for the price of one!

What is your all time favourite brand? (Cosmetic, clothing or anything else)

My all-time favorite brand is benefit cosmetics. Although some of the items are pricier, I really believe that they are some of the best in the industry, not to mention that you can see where your money is going; not only the development of awesome products, but also the hiring of fantastic staff and the gorgeous packaging too.

What is your favourite time of year and why?

I love the winter! I know people think it's miserable with the cold rainy days and the mornings and afternoons being dark, but I kind of love it! It gives me a chance to wrap up warm under my duvet with a hot chocolate and my laptop and blog for hours. What more could I want?

What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

Oooh good question! I'd impost a world-wide minimum wage. I think it's so unfair that there are people out there who work so much harder than me, are younger than me, and yet are much worse off than me because they're being paid an unfair wage and their talents and lands are being exploited. It's simply not fair.

Easy Bean

2011-12-02T07:30:00.001Z

Regular followers will know that in between the beauty reviews I throw in the occasional Free From food. This week I discovered Easy Bean. If I remember correctly I first saw these at the Vitality Show but I had forgotten all about them, you see I shop at Tesco and these are stocked in Sainsburys & Waitrose.

Easy Bean is a one pot meal so perfect for warming you up in the colder weather and convenient for work as they can be heated in the microwave. There are a variety of flavours to choose from - Moroccan Tagine, Mexican Chilli, Indian Sambaar, French Cuisinees, Spanish Punchero & African Palava (click here for descriptions). From what I can see they are all Gluten and Dairy free, some are suitable for Vegetarians others cater for Vegans and there are some meat choices.

I picked up Moroccan Tagine which is "chickpea, aubergine and butternut squash with apricot infused with aromatic spices." This pot equals 3 portions of veg, high in fibre, low in fat, low in salt, gluten & dairy free and suitable for Vegetarians (not Vegan as it contains honey).

So what did I think? It was very tasty. I particularly likes the big identifiable chunks of vegetables as sometimes ready meals are rather mushy. The pot size is 320g which was very filling. I paid £3.48 which is comparable to other similar meal pots.

You would be correct in thinking that I get over excited when I find a dairy and egg free ready meal. Firstly, I get fed up of making my lunch everyday and I'd like a break from it once in a while. Secondly, every blooming Veggie meal out there is covered in cheese. Listen up food manufacturers Vegetarians don't exist on cheese alone do you think we are all calcium deficient? Lets have more Vegan options. Mr Tesco now you know why I detour to Sainsburys every once in a while, all of your own brand veggie meals are loaded up with CHEESE!

Ok so rant over......Next time you are at the supermarket pick one of these up and give it a try. Let me know what you think.

Disclaimer - the 1st picture is from the website I forgot to take one myself, was too busy eating it after all I was hungry & it was lunchtime!

November Favourites

2011-11-30T18:32:00.000Z

I am going to keep it simple. I do not feel the need to review the products again. If you wish to learn more about my November favourites the links below will take you to my original posts.

Pure Thoughts Lavender & Jojoba Shea Butter cream (Click here)

Balmology (Click Here)

Cornish Cream Lip Balm (Click Here)

Tropic Cleanser (Click Here)

Jersey Cow Shower Gel (Click Here)

Salcura Gentle Spray (Click here)

The following 2 products are not in the picture

Soape Papaya & Apricot soap (Click Here)

BM Beauty Finishing Powder (Click Here)

I love comments, so feel free to let me know your November favourites. I am happy for you to leave a link to your blog posts

Can you cover up stinky pits naturally?

2011-11-29T08:46:00.000Z

In the back of my mind I have always been conscious that high street deodorants contain a wide variety of toxins - aluminium chlorohydrate, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, TEA, DEA. All of these ingredients are a concern but the one that sticks out for me is aluminium. This is a sweat blocking ingredients used in antiperspirants. In recent years concerns have been raised about whether it can be absorbed into the body and contribute to the development of breast cancer. Now I am not here to scaremonger I just want to share my thoughts and let people make informed choices. It would be poor judgement on my part not to include an article I discovered at http://info.cancerresearchuk.org. Cancer Research UK states “There is no convincing evidence that antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.” Yes I admit I am confused, who's advice should I be listening to?

What is clear to me is I have always experienced problems with regular deodorants. They can cause me skin irritations or make my nose twitch leaving me feeling like I have a cold. I tend to stick to the same brand for many years usually only needing to switch when they re-formulate because guaranteed it will no longer be suitable. Over the years I have become aware of aluminium free deodorants but I admit I have had a negative attitude towards them because they can be expensive and reviewers complain about having smelly arm pits. I decided that since I was blogging about natural products it was time to take the plunge and make a purchase. I started off looking on the high street rather than online. I was surprised to discover a couple of aluminium free deodorants at Boots - PitROK & Bionsen. I am a regular shopper at Holland & Barratt and took a look at the Dr Organic deodorant range. Dr Organic deodorant is free from aluminium, SLS, parabens and alcohol. You can choose from Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, Tea Tree, Vitamin E, Lavender and Manuka Honey. I love Lavender so it was an easy decision for me.

Dr Organic deodorant is a roll on. Personally, I am just not a fan of that sticky, wet armpit feeling and having to flap your arms waiting for it to dry. This was certainly a hurdle I had to overcome.

So what do I think? I think the key to natural deodorant is to expect to re-apply throughout the day. I have a desk job so rarely breakout in a sweat. I started to notice a slight hint of my own body odour at home time which is not bad considering I have a nine hour work day. I admit I am not a gym bunny so can not comment on how effective it would be during exercise. My guess is I would have to re-apply before and after. I did not break out in skin irritation which is a bonus nor did I get a stuffy nose as the fragrance is natural. The soggy armpit feeling isn't a winner for me. A natural deodorant does not prevent you from sweating so you experience natural wetness.

I’ve come to realise that you need to view these deodorants from a different angle we are programmed to believe sweating and natural odour is a bad thing. You have to take a big leap of faith to purchase a natural deodorant. From what I read online these types of deodorants may take trial and error because our skins are different. It may be necessary to try several in order to find the correct combination of natural ingredients for your armpit.

Dr Organic deodorant does not come cheap at £5.19 for 50ml. In comparison PitROK costs £3.05 - £5.59 for a spray or stick. Bionsen costs £2.35 - £3.29 and comes in roll on, stick and spray

I have to admit I still use my regular antiperspirant but alternate with Dr Organic when I know I won't be doing an activity that will break me out in a sweat.

Whether or not to use a natural deodorant is clearly a personal choice. I would be interested in hearing your opinions on the topic. If you already use a natural deodorant which one are you using? I have my eye on LAFE sold via Handmade Naturals has anyone else tried this brand?

Research links & further reading www.natural-skincare-authority.com, health.howstuffworks.com, www.telegraph.co.uk

Sunday Chit Chat

2011-11-27T11:00:00.001Z

Hello everyone, this is a random post of bits and pieces. I am slowly becoming excited about Christmas. I have almost completed my shopping and I will probably put the tree up next weekend. I have a general rule not to put it up before 1st December not sure why or when I decided that but that is how I've always done it. Anyway, this year I found myself a dairy free chocolate advent calender. Now this put a big smile on my face. I always had the boring picture calenders as a child and my sister got the chocolate one, it was so unfair and yes after 20+ years I still hold a grudge (ha ha). I purchased the calender from Sainsburys. I think it cost less than £3. The chocolates are free from dairy, gluten, wheat and egg.

This month I entered a competition run by Thea Skincare. I was not lucky enough to win but as a runner up I was sent a sample of Super Nourish Hand & Body Beauty Butter. Thea skincare is free from parabens and artificial fragrance, contains organic ingredients, cruelty free and vegan friendly. I am really impressed it is a rich body butter but it absorbs well and leaves my skin feeling super soft and moisturised. I particularly like using it on my hands.

I have another new love at the moment - Cauldron Aduki Bean Kievs. I shop at Tesco and found these in the frozen food aisle (vegetarian section). They are free from dairy and eggs but do contain wheat and gluten. The kievs are made from aduki beans seasoned with Indian spices with a mango chutney filling.

I have also seen Thai Bites & Butternut Squash Quinoa Bake which look tempting but unfortunately not suitable for me due to containing some of my allergens (bites & bake links). I have one other food love at the moment and that is Merchant Gourmet Puy Lentils with Sun Dried Tomatoes & Basil.

These cost £1.99 and I've seen them in Tesco & Sainsburys. They are very convenient as you simply heat in the bag in the microwave. The packet serves 2 people but you can keep in the fridge once open so you can heat one serving and keep the rest for another day. They are suitable for Vegans (dairy & egg free) and the only allergen listed is celery. Also look out for the Wholesome Grains which is a ready to eat blend of wholewheat, red quinoa, toasted soya flakes and lentils.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend? If you have any hauls or free from foods to share leave a comment below and links to posts. I would also love to hear if anyone has tried the products listed above.

It's another Cleanser review!

2011-11-25T08:10:00.000Z

A few months back I purchase REN Ultra Moisture Cleansing Milk. When my Tropic cleanser ran out I dusted this one off and set about using it. REN products do not contain petrochemicals, sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrances or colours, TEA, DEA, glycols, silicones, PEGS. REN are against animal testing and the Ultra Moisture cleanser is dermatologist tested and approved.

REN offers a wide variety of products for different skin types and this cleanser falls within the Dry Skin range. It is described as “A cleansing milk formulated to gently yet thoroughly cleanse dry skin without leaving it dehydrated or tight”. I was surprised at the creamy texture because in the past when I have used cleansing milks they tended to be runny. The fragrance is very gentle and naturally sourced.

So what do I think? Recently I have been reviewing balm cleansers so it felt strange to go back to milk cleanser. I think I prefer the richness a balm offers me. I have found this cleanser comforting as it has not left my face dry nor has it irritated my skin.

REN cater to various skin types and there are another 7 cleansers to choose from (click here), one of these is a balm. The Ultra Moisture cleanser costs £18 (150ml pump dispenser bottle). I purchased from Beauty Expert using my Tesco Clubcard Vouchers (Click here for more information).

I do not dislike this cleanser but I do not love it either. I think it’s fair to say I sit on the fence with this one. I will not be re-purchasing as I definitely prefer the Tropic cleanser (which by the way is cheaper at £14.95 for 170ml).

Has anyone else tried REN skincare? What did you think?

Comfort Balm

2011-11-23T10:11:00.002Z

I have fallen in love with using balms on my eczema and dry skin. They provide the intensive moisture boost that my skin craves. When I was contacted by Balmology asking if I would like to try their Comfort Balm I jumped at the opportunity.

The Comfort balm contains fantastic organic natural ingredients including calendula and chamomile which are known to help soothe itchy, sore and irritated patches. These are ingredients that may benefit those of us who suffer from eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. The consistency is as you would expect from a balm, rich and thick but melts in contact with warm skin. My skin loves this product, how do I know? Well it sinks in and does not leave me feeling greasy. I recently put this balm to the ultimate test when I broke out in an itchy rash under my chin (seriously do not know why that happened I'm just a freak of nature!). This new mini rash flared up quickly so I immediately applied the balm and the itching sensation was soothed. Over time (an hour or two) I believe it helped reduced redness. The great thing with this product is I find it can calm itching for several hours therefore it is not necessary to continually reapply. I have eczema patches on my back so it is not always feasible to apply lotions and potions throughout the day as I need assistance.

If you have itchy or overly dry skin I recommend you invest in a natural balm, for me it makes the world of difference in providing some relief to sore skin. I highly recommend Balmology it has become a firm favourite. Give it a try.

Balmology products are 100% natural. A 30g jar of Comfort Balm costs £12.50 or £20 for 50g. Other products in the Balmology range include Neroli & Basil Cleanse Balm and Neroli & Frankincense Nourish Beauty Balm.

P.S - don't be shy leave a comment below - do you have a favourite balm for dry skin? Have you tried Balmology? Any feedback on my review style or blog?

Disclaimer – I was sent these products free of charge, all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to do this review or to promote the website/product.

Guest Interview - Coeliac Disease

2011-11-21T10:03:00.000Z

Strange dietary requirements are the norm in Sugarpuffish's family. I've mention my sister on here before as she often helps me out with product reviews. What I haven't told you is she suffers from Coeliac disease (pronounced see-liac, spelt celiac in other countries). My sister agreed to share her experience on my blog.

What is Coeliac Disease?

"Gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye triggers an immune reaction in people with coeliac disease. This means that eating gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Other parts of the body may be affected." www.coeliac.org.uk

At what age did you get the diagnosis of coeliac disease?

I actually self diagnosed myself. At the age of about 15, I noticed that I was bloated after every meal and had an upset stomach - in fact for most of my life I had these symptoms. It progressively got worse and by the time I was 19, I decided to go back to basics. I ate rice and chicken for a while and then slowly introduced different foods in my diet. It was when I introduced wheat back in, that my stomach bloated and the cramps came back. With the help from my mum, we investigated into this and came to the conclusion that I had intolerance to wheat.

What types of symptoms were present that led to the diagnosis?

Armed with this information, I went to the doctors. Test, prods and intimate examinations later, I was diagnosed with severe IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which was being bought on with the intolerance to wheat and gluten. I could never be medically diagnosed with being a coeliac due to eliminating it from my diet for so long that tests would not be able to pick up on it!

What were some of the major and minor changes that had to happen in order manage your symptoms? (diet, exercise, etc)

The major change I faced was changing my diet. This was the hardest part. Back 10 to 15 years ago, Coeliac disease was not widely known and in fact IBS was always thought of as a myth. There were limited food in the supermarkets and so I literally had to learn the ingredients of everything. Exercise also played an important part in order to manage my symptoms. Gentle exercise helped with my digestion and also I had to teach myself to eat little quantities but more often.

Where do you buy your gluten free food? What are some of your favourite brands of gluten free food?

To be honest I don’t have a favourite brand of GF foods - I kind of go with the flow when shopping and if I see something I like, then I buy it. Different supermarkets have different stock, so it really does depend where I shop that week. However, there is one brand of bread I can’t live without - Genius. I have spent years of eating dry, tasteless bread that you could only toast - and the size of a large cracker. Now I can make my favourite sandwich without toasting the bread first. The multi-grain is the best.

What other sources did you use to learn about celiac disease? (websites, books, groups, etc).

The website I can’t live without is www.coeliac.org.uk - this is where I obtained their food and drink directory which gives the allergy list to 1000’s of brands. They also provide great publications from magazines to cookbooks. I also like dietary card.com. You can order handy cards in most languages that list your allergies. I recently used mine in Prague and had no problem at all.

How do you handle eating out?

Eating out was hard to begin with - you were frowned upon. Nowadays, a number of restaurants are aware of this allergy and some highlight it on their menu. Most restaurants have an allergy list or you can contact head office for this list. There are websites that help you choose restaurants, like gluten-free-onthego.com. I also love the fact that Marks & Spencer and Starbucks sell Gluten Free sandwiches - so much easier than searching high and low for something to eat on the go.

What about at social events like holiday dinner and birthday parties?

My friends are great and do not make it an issue. Of course they check before hand but never have they left me feeling the ’awkward’ one. I love going to my friends’ house when they cook as I often get treats that I wouldn’t normally buy. Thanks gals! It is still sometimes difficult to go round somewhere unannounced or where someone doesn’t know of my food intolerances but to be honest I usually go prepared.

Please feel free to leave comments about your own experiences with Coeliac Disease or any other dietary illnesses.

Picture sourced from www.coeliac.org.uk

Ideal Home Show at Christmas

2011-11-19T17:16:00.002Z

My sister and I have very sore feet today. We have spent the day at The Ideal Homes Show at Christmas. I thought I would share some pictures and links to products. The last day of the exhibition is tomorrow (20th November) at Earls Court, London.

If anyone has been watching River Cottage Veg do you remember the episode when they took the mobile caterers to a building site? We were very excited to come across Whole Food Heaven and ordered a Buddha Bowl. Simply the best Vegan lunch I have had in a very long time.

I spotted the Tropic Skincare stand and stocked up on Cleanser. I was also able to try out their new eye cream.

We purchased some unique decorations from Emily Readett Bayley Ltd

Here are some links to gifts that caught our attention

www.sweettreebyrivera.co.uk - Handmade 'Trees' made from Sweets
www.nomliving.com - Handcrafted sustainable products for the home from Vietnam & Cambodia

www.orchidlivingltd.com - Handmade jewellery using real orchid blooms captured in resin.

www.junkjewels.co.uk - cute and girlie vintage style jewellery

Udder Shower Gels are available

2011-11-18T10:59:00.002Z

A while ago I blogged about natural products I had found at TK Maxx (click here). I mentioned purchasing a body wash from The Jersey Cow Company. This brand caught my attention because it does not contain parabens, SLS, silicones, petroleum, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances & suitable for vegetarians.

I had picked up the fragrance 'Unwind' which is described as “contains 100% natural essential oils of Jersey Lavender to soothe and relax and exotic Ylang Ylang to balance the mind and ease tension”. It truly is a beautiful fragrance which makes you want to breathe in deeply when using it. I really like this shower gel. It produces a fantastic lather considering it is SLS free. I have not experienced any irritation nor has my skin felt dry after showering.

The only negative for me is the price RRP is £15 (300ml bottle). I’ve said it before and I will say it again. No matter how brilliant a shower gel is £15 is a ridiculous amount of money to spend for something that washes down the drain. Since I bought it at TK Maxx I only forked out £4.99 a price which I am more comfortable with.

I’ve checked out The Jersey Cow Company website and unfortunately the Beauty section is empty and there is a message “Please bear with us while we are making some changes.“ I am unsure where else you may find this range. My advice is if you spy this brand in your local TK Maxx grab it while you can, especially at their prices.

P.S My BF came up with the title for this blog (ha ha). Jersey Cow also sell homeware and gifts so check out their website.

Update 15/12/11 - I have discovered Jersey Cow is no loner available in the UK.