Sugarpuffish: October 2012

31.10.12

Sophyto Purifying Silken Cleanser

When you are impressed with one product in a brand's range the temptation is there to try more. Testing out Sophyto Tocotrienol Super Skin Concentrate (review link) gave me the desire to purchase the Purifying Silken Cleanser.

Sophyto’s range is organic, anti ageing, cruelty free, gluten free and free from synthetic ingredients. The Silken Cleanser is recommended for all skin types including men. "This product's mild acidity helps keep bacteria at bay and regulates sebum secretion which is more common in men due to testosterone dominance. Use as a pre-shaving treatment (leave on skin up to 10 minutes) or whenever skin needs extra conditioning if dry."

The main ingredients promoted are hazelnut oil and honey propolis. In case you are wondering propolis is a resin mixture that honey bees collect from botanical sources. I've discovered that some people can experience allergic reactions especially those who are sensitive to bees so caution is advised. In hindsight it was a bit risky purchasing this cleanser but I have not experienced any problems. I'm not allergic to bees but obviously I have other allergies/sensitivities.

As the name would suggest this does have a silky texture and feels lovely massaged into skin. The scent is very mild with a hint of honey. The packaging suggests removing with a cotton pad soaked in Sophyto toner but I have been using a damp muslin cloth. This cleanser does remove my foundation effectively. When I follow cleansing with toner on a cotton pad I find very little traces of make up. It does claim to be an effective eye make up remover but I cannot vouch for this as I do not wear mascaras or eye shadows. I do feel that this cleanser leaves my skin soft, glowing and never tight.

I have been using this for a month. I am impressed and would happily repurchase. In terms of value for money I paid £13 from Beautybay.com. I probably have another week or two left before the tube is empty. At the time of writing this post, Beautybay is not listing the cleanser on their site. I've had a browse and you can purchase from naturisimo.com and amarya.co.uk.

So what do you think? Is this a cleanser that you might like to try? Have you purchased any products from Sophyto's range? What did you think of them? Leave a comment below and tell me your experiences.

29.10.12

Pizza & Gelato - Rome Part 2

We all know Italian food is delicious but when it comes to food allergies, namely milk, eggs and those of you who can’t have gluten, it’s not easy. Add to this not eating meat and you are looking at eating salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner or so I thought. Before heading out to Rome I spent some time researching. Guide books are doom and gloom when it comes to being a non meat eater with Vegetarians having it easier than Vegans. I discovered Happy Cow website (click here) on which you can search by city for veggie restaurant/cafe recommendations. It was good to have this information for back up but I ended up not using it. I also found a useful blog post on www.walksofitaly.com. This gave me an idea of the kind of foods to look out for.

So how did I cope? I admit I spent four days eating pizza. It turned out ordering pizza without cheese was an easier task than expected. A pizza marinara is tomato sauce based without cheese with oregano or garlic. I was confident enough to order Vegetarian pizzas without cheese. The waiters had good levels of English plus you just need to say “senza formaggio”. I must admit ordering pasta was more daunting and I did not pluck up the courage to raise the issue of egg. I did spotted a couple of restaurants offering gluten free pasta so it's worth doing your research before arriving. Failing that if the pizza or pasta gets boring then salads (insalatas) are readily available on menus.

Sugarpuffish Pizza & Gelato - Rome Part 2

Aside from pizza and pasta you have to eat Gelato. I had a list of suitable places to try from Happy Cow but I did not need it. Turned out L’Orso Bianco which was next door to our Hotel had dairy free options, soya and fruit sorbets. I think I had seven flavours to choose from and I tried soya vanilla, soya chocolate, mango and fruits of the forest. Also this place was good value for money three flavours €2.50 cone or €3 cup. We also stopped at Blue Ice Gelaterie near the Trevi Fountain, which was on the Happy Cow list. I had a soya pistachio which was nice but did not rock the taste buds. It was also more expensive.

Another discovery which made me smile was pistachio chocolate which I picked up in a supermarket. Its gluten free and has a “may contain traces of milk” label. I have been enjoying this treat and wish I had picked up more than one bar to bring back with me. If I had been in Rome for more than 4 days I would have found my diet limited and dull. The important thing was I managed. On the whole I don’t have issues with cross contamination so I was not concerned about tackling this issue with waiters. I ended up having bigger problems with food at Gatwick and Fiumicino Airport. In fact I had nothing but a bag of crisps. I really don’t understand why these places are not catering for allergy sufferers.

FYI - not all the food pictured above is dairy free or Vegetarian

27.10.12

Buongiorno Rome

Travelling is my passion and once you get the bug you can’t stop. I am fortunate to have seen many cities around the world. This week I visited Rome, Italy with my Boyfriend. I guess this blog post is the modern equivalent to popping over to my place for nibbles and a holiday slide show.

Let me start with a few basics details which could be useful for planning your own trip. We ended up catching a bus from Fiumicino airport to Termini Station. There were a number of shuttle companies competing for our Euros. You simply buy tickets from booths in the terminal. We paid €5 each with TAM and on our return journey we picked up the Atral coach for €4 each.

We stayed at The Blue Hostel (website link) which is “a hostel with hotel style rooms”. It is situated near the Termini Station in a typical apartment block. We were in a flat that had been converted into a couple of double rooms. I can not fault the accommodation it was clean, modern with en-suite, TV, free WIFI and air conditioning. There were a couple of minor issues which I think are worth mentioning. You have to be prepared to trek up three flights of stairs not an easy task after a day of sightseeing. There were a couple of power cuts during the night. It only became a problem for us because it kept tripping a burglar alarm which woke us up several times. I would advise taking a torch we did return one evening and had to climb the stairs in pitch darkness.

Our Hostel owner suggested we buy Roma Passes for €30 each. It allows you free entry to the first 2 museums or archaeological sites, reduced ticket prices at other museums/sites and free use of public transport. It was worth every cent when it came to the Colosseum as you get to jump the long queues.

Like most cities in the world, Rome has a petty crime problem. Unfortunately, pick pocketing is common place along with beggars and peddlers. You just need to be sensible. Be aware of your belongings; don’t carry valuables or large sums of cash and a money belt is definitely advisable.

That’s the practicalities now on to the fun part. We had four days in Rome and the weather was amazing, a very sweaty 26 degrees. My feet were very sore and I gained a few blisters but I still enjoyed myself. We visited the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican City (Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica), Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The food was delicious but I shall do a separate post about my experiences. I did not get time for shopping but I picked up a few trinkets. My inner tourist always has to buy a tacky fridge magnet.

I browsed a beauty department in a store and discovered I Provenzali products (website link). With a bit of guess work I figured out this was 100% natural and cruelty free brand. I picked up Coconut Body oil which I am looking forward to using. In brief that was my trip so here are some holiday snaps.

Until next time - Arrivederci

25.10.12

Thea Perfect Me Face Cleanser

I have been debating for a long time whether to blog about this product. It’s not necessarily a negative review just a cleanser that has left me a little deflated and sitting on the fence. I usually love the products I test so I do feel on occasions it is important to throw a negative into the mix.

Quite some time ago Skinsmatter.com sent me samples of products that had been short listed for the Free From Skincare Awards. You may have seen my less than favourable review of Abees cream click here. I also received Thea Organic Enriched Skincare Natural Harmony Perfect Me Face Cleanser. Thea is a brand I am familiar with. I had previously won a sample size hand & body cream (click here for review). Products are 100% natural, organic and free from parabens, sulphates, and artificial fragrances. It is a cruelty free brand and suitable for Vegans.

Thea’s product line is large and the Perfect Me cleanser is from the Normal/Combination skin range. The ingredients include organic aloe juice, organic lavender, organic rooibos & white tea, calendula and Vitamin E. You are advised to use this morning and night, on dry skin and remove with a damp muslin cloth or cotton pad. As for the results you should see, Thea claim “smooth, hydrated and replenished skin with a beautiful, dewy glow”

The bottle was second hand so it wasn't full, not that this is an issue it just meant I only had a couple of weeks supply. Turns out I only ended up using this a handful of times and putting it to one side. It's not bad but it did little to impress me. I realise from researching the product this cleanser is not for my skin type (I am dry & sensitive). This cleansed my skin without tightness but I didn't feel I achieve a “dewy glow”. I know fragrance is very much down to the individual but this did not float my boat. I like cleansers that wake me up or soothe with a calming scent. To me this is bland and reminds me of a cold cup of tea. Yes, I know bit of an odd way to describe it but that’s what popped into my head.

I certainly would not discourage anyone from taking a look at this skincare line. They have a lot to offer and cater for many skin types. Prices are reasonable as this particular cleanser costs £8.95 for 50ml.

Disclaimer - PR sample, 100% my own opinions, links are not affiliated

23.10.12

Review: Eat Natural Bars

I enjoy Eat Natural bars and I have been a fan for a long time. I always have cereal bars in the cupboard. They come in handy for taking out with me. I have them on standby for occasions when my allergies get in the way of enjoying a snack. I regularly buy a box of snack bars in dark 70% chocolate, brazils & apricots. Not only are these bars tasty but this flavour is free from milk, gluten and suitable for Vegetarians (contains nuts & soya).

The other week I tweeted that I was eating a bar and the company got in touch. I knew there was a wide variety of flavours but I only ever see the ones coated in yoghurt and milk chocolate. Eat Natural told me 5 varieties are milk free and offered to send me some. That was an offer I could not refuse.

My box of treats arrived with the following varieties -

100% Organic Brazils, Hazelnuts & Sultanas

Brazils, Sultanas, Almonds, Peanut & Hazelnuts
Peanuts, Almonds & Hazelnuts

Dates, Walnuts & Pumpkin Seeds

Hazelnuts, Apricots & Vanilla

I am still working my way through them and I love the variety, in fact I am a bit of a nut addict. They are all tasty but of course there are some bars that stand out more than others. I love dates so the sweet hit is delicious and one I would naturally gravitate towards. Some bars are not as chewy as others, particularly the peanut, almond & hazelnut.

I really can't find fault and highly recommend them all. You do need to check individual flavours to make sure they are suitable for you. None of the bars are suitable for Vegans as they contain honey. Fear not Vegans I recommend to you my other snack of choice, Nakd bars. I wrote about them when I first started my blog click here for my review.

Disclaimer - I was sent products free of charge but I was not asked to write a review. 100% my own opinions and links are not affiliated.

21.10.12

Favourite Travel Accessories

Packing for a trip can be stressful but here are my favourite accessories. These are items I have collected over the years that make my life a little easier when travelling.

My travel wash bag was a freebie from Paul Mitchell a number of years ago. It's one of those that rolls out with a hook at the top. The section you see labelled "Hair" is removable and is secured with velcro tabs. My Bombay Duck travel wallet was a gift. It is great for keeping passports and tickets in one place whilst in the airport.

I brought these Coco Rose London foldable ballet pumps at the Vitality Show a couple of years ago. They are expensive but I got a very good discount at the time. They come in handy for many occasions. You can't walk miles in them but I like to use them when pottering about in Hotels.

A TSA lock (Transportation Security Administration) is a good investment especially when travelling to the USA. These locks can be opened by the authorities with a key. Years ago USA customs were know to break into suitcases when conducting searches. This often left people with damaged luggage. These locks should prevent this from happening. The Really Tiny Book Light (yes that is what is called) is self explanatory. The light is very bright. Also ideal as an emergency torch. I admit I wanted the Diva Temptation Mini Hair Straighteners because they were cute and pink. I have short hair and whilst these are no where near as good as my GHDs they are adequate for short trips. I think a brightly colour luggage strap is a great way to ensure you can spot your suitcase on a conveyor belt. Finally the Laundry Bag, okay well this isn't a must have travel accessory as a plastic bag would do but it was cute and cheap on Ebay so I had to buy it.

17.10.12

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Pressed Powder

Back in September I blogged about finding Physicians Formula pressed powder at TK Maxx (post link). I knew of the brand from American bloggers. I love the fact that this is 100% free from harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, paraben, GMO's, synthetic colours, synthetic fragrances and cruelty free.

The packaging is functional and unique. The case is made of paper with a perspex lid. One side opens up to access the powder and the other side has a mirror and a small brush, similar to those in the Benefit powders.

The powder is fine, soft and silky and the two shades work well together. I am very happy using this to set my foundation. I just wish the brand was available in the UK. Looking at the website and seeing other blogger reviews this is very much a make-up brand that appeals to me. I highly recommend grabbing these products if you see them in TK Maxx. I paid £4.99 for this powder.

15.10.12

All Natural Soap Review

I accepted samples from All Natural Soap. Their soaps are free from synthetic ingredients like SLS/SLES, parabens, petrochemicals, palm oil, artificial colours and fragrances and animal products. Soaps are made by hand using the ‘cold-process’ method and suitable for vegetarians and vegans (the exception is Goats Milk soap).

As you all know I have extremely sensitive skin so All Natural Soaps sent me their most popular unscented soaps. I received Shea Luxury, Goats Milk and Calendula, Coco Castile (the heart shaped soap) and two delicately scented varieties Lavender & Rosemary and Avocado & Cedarwood. A soapourri bag was also included containing shreds of soap.

For the last couple of weeks Shea Luxury and Lavender & Rosemary have been side by side in the soap dish in my bathroom. As you know I am a huge fan of shea butter so have been enjoying using this soap. As we head into Autumn the weather takes its toll on my hands so I am always looking to replace moisture. I am very happy to report that Shea Luxury appears to keep my hands nice and soft. Of course I still apply hand creams but I certainly do not notice any tightness immediately after washing. Most importantly I have not experienced any noticeable irritation on my skin. The same goes for the Lavender & Rosemary. I have yet to try the other soaps so will have to report back at a later stage. I am certainly very impressed with the quality. These haven't turned to mush in the soap dish. Even though these are only samples there was attention to detail with the packaging which was a nice touch.

I recommend you take time to browse the website as All Natural Soaps offers a wide variety of soaps including a bespoke service. I love the idea of having heart shape soaps for Wedding or party favours. The gift boxes are beautiful and definitely worth considering now we are all counting down to when Santa visits. Click here for link to website.

Disclaimer - PR Samples, links are not affiliated, 100% my own opinions after testing products.

14.10.12

Sunday Catch Up - Pom Bear & Ice Cream

It feels wrong to write a Sunday Catch Up without Free From Food so here are this week's purchases.

My Boyfriend discovered Pickled Onion Pom-Bears, a Halloween Special Edition and dairy free. If you follow me on Twitter you will know this has been the highlight of my week. They have a mild onion flavour and I assume that's because they are aimed at children but I still have enjoyed eating them. It's a welcome change because flavoured crisps nine times out of ten will contain milk.

Tesco Meat Free Caribbean Sweet Potato Roasts sounded so promising. Dairy and egg free but they do contain gluten and wheat. These were overly spicy for my taste buds. I don't mind a hint of chilli but this was just overboard. It's a common problem with veggie food. I will never understand why manufacturers feel the need to over season.

Dairy Free Baby & Me (blog link) tweeted that dairy free advent calenders were on the shelves at Sainsbury's. My lovely Boyfriend tracked one down for me. This is the Choices calender which is dairy, egg, wheat and gluten free. Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans. I managed to get hold of this one last year.

I'm addicted to Rubicon Pomegranate. I usually try my best to avoid fizzy drinks but I can't resist the occasional can of pop. I buy this at Tesco in the World Food aisles.

Next is an intriguing product, Mizzumint chocolate mint infused water. I picked it up whilst shopping at Holland & Barratt. I was feeling a little thirsty and adventurous so it ended up in my basket. It does taste of mint chocolate and it is not unpleasant.

Hooray for Bessant & Drury Dairy Free Ice Cream launching all three flavours into Waitrose. It's currently on special offer for £3.69. I am so happy about this as I prefer the Lemon and Tesco is only stocking chocolate.

Finally, I am preparing for my trip to Rome so have purchased the Lonely Planet guide. I backpacked for a few years after university and always favoured these guide books. The main issue on my mind for the trip is food. Italian cuisine has a tendency to be cheese filled and fresh pasta is made with eggs. However, Google is my friend this weekend and I have learnt that I should not starve. Apparently pizza without cheese is more common than you think. I've printed off a list of Vegetarian/Vegan restaurants and marked on the map the best dairy free Gelato in town so I am feeling confident. I have always been determined not to let my allergies ever stop me from seeing the World.

11.10.12

Organic Surge Sugared Almond Shower Gel

We all know I like Organic Surge Moisture Boost Shampoo (click here for my review), it’s a repeat purchase for me so when the website had a sale I picked up a tube for £3. I also decided to buy Sugared Almond Shower Gel. This shower gel is normally priced at £4.07 for 250ml but is currently on Sale price for £3. I have previously reviewed Peach Passion click here.

Organic Surge products are free from animal derived ingredients, SLS, parabens, artificial colours and fragrances. They are also against animal testing and suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Ingredients for the Sugared Almond Shower Gel are Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Extract*, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Glycerin (Veg), Parfum, Maris Sal, Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Oil, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Limonene. *ingredient from organic farming. Naturally occurring within essential oils.

You will notice that this product is not completely sulphate free as it contains ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate). You can find cleaner and greener products on the market but for a high street brand, I commend the efforts to eliminate some nasty ingredients.

The Sugared Almond contains organic almond and palmarosa essential oils which are nourishing and softening for skin. The fragrance is beautiful and delicate. Sometimes it reminds me of Bakewell Tart or my Vegan Red Velvet cupcakes. If you like a shower gel that is zesty and wakes you up this is not the one for you. I have not experienced any noticeable problems with using this on my eczema. My skin does not feel tight after showering. I genuinely love what this has to offer and I can see myself buying this again.

The downside is I wish Organic Surge was available on the high street. For a while it could be found in Boots and Waitrose but it seems to have disappeared or maybe that’s just my local stores? You can sometimes come across products in TK Maxx. Alternatively they are available to buy online from the Organic Surge website which offers free UK delivery if you spend over £20.

Have you tried Organic Surge? What products from the range do you enjoy using?

9.10.12

Surviving the Cold Season

I think the whole of my Twitter timeline including me caught a cold last week. I thought I might share some tips on how I manage the germs as I rarely reach for Lemsip or Beecham. In recent years off the shelf cold remedies have been making me feel a little fuzzy headed and I can't deal with that and going to work.

Sore Rudolph noses are best treated with a natural balm like Balmology. Don't get out the Vaseline for reasons which I explain in another blog post. If you have to go to work and feel a plonker with a shiny nose I find applying a generous layer of balm overnight will often see me through to the next day and repairs damage from day before. Often breathing through your mouth dries out lips so have a natural lip salve to hand. My current favourites are Crazy Rumors Amaretto and *Badger Balm Madagascar Vanilla. I do not purchase Balsam Tissues because I tried them once and ended up with my face covered in eczema. I very rarely have eczema on my face and I certainly didn't have any prior to using the tissues.

If I have a sore throat I've abandoned the Strepsils in favour of Ricola. These are Swiss Herb Drops that come in a variety of flavours. They are suitable for vegetarians and do not contain artificial colours or flavours. You can find them in Supermarkets (in the same place as Strepsils) or at Holland & Barrett. Alternatively, a spoonful of honey will help coat a the throat and may ease symptoms.

Usually at the first sign of illness I start taking Echinacea. It might not cure you but I am convinced it lessens the severity of my cold. Studies into Echinacea have not drawn any firm conclusions about its effectiveness so I guess it's a personal choice to take it. Echinacea is easy to find at Boots, Supermarkets and Holland & Barrett.

Stuffy noses can often be eased with Eucalyptus oil. You can add a few drops to a bowl of warm water, cover head with a towel over the bowl and take deep breaths or add drops to a tissue. Most shops have Aromatherapy sections where you will find essential oils. I also recommend Olbas Oil it's a family favourite and my Mum always used this on us when we were little. I have also found aromatherapy benefits with my Mint Thé Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy. The peppermint helps open up a blocked nose whilst showering.

I see no reason to subject yourself to the vial taste of Lemsip. Aside from the paracetamol I do not feel they offer any more benefit than having a hot drink. The key to any illness is taking in plenty of fluids. It helps soothe a dry throat, replenish body fluids and flush out germs. Taking paracetamol and having warm drinks in my opinion does the same job.

Remember to be a polite sick person. Cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough. Wash your hands regularly and throw away your snotty tissues into a bin. Please feel free to share any natural remedy tips of your own in the comment section below. I hope you feel better soon :)

Diclaimer - this post is not intended to replace medical advice, read medication labels carefully for guidance on correct doseage & allergy advice, *GWP from O.N.G

7.10.12

Sunday Catch Up - Vegetarian Sweets

I must admit I have had a lack of inspiration for my Sunday post since visiting Brighton. I have been saving my pennies as I am heading to Rome at the end of this month. Here are some items I have been enjoying in recent weeks.

Panda Strawberry Bears are Vegetarian & Vegan and yummy. I can't remember who tweeted/blogged about Veggie Colin Caterpillar sweets but thank you, they are nicer than Percy Pigs. I no longer have the packet but I think the label said not suitable for milk allergy due to the manufacturing processes but I took the risk. I discovered Prestat chocolate in Tesco (£2.20) I think it's delicious, not too bitter for me. Labelled as may contain milk, nuts, gluten and egg (does contain soya). You might think I'm bonkers but I am liking Tilda Kids rice for my lunch. It's the perfect size for me. There are four flavour options sadly this is the only one that does not contain milk. Currently on promotion at Tesco for £1.

I finally finished my tube of Antipodes Rejoice Cream which I reviewed back in May (click here for my review). At some stage I will repurchase this as I am very impressed with how it makes my skin feel. I have pretty much used it once a day since I got it so it's good value for money.

5.10.12

Review: Antipodes Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli Cleanser

In my life a new cleanser is the highlight to an otherwise dull day. Regularly buying cleansers is an addiction that I manage to curb but then I started my blog, say no more. I was very excited to order Antipodes Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli Cleanser. It contains 100% natural ingredients of avocado oil, Macadamia nut, lime and kawakawa leaf. I have spoken many times about my love for Rejoice Day Cream and Resurrect Toner. I think the brand is amazing for ingredients, performance and quality. I definitely think it is worth the extra pennies.

The cleanser’s scent is strong and exotic from patchouli. It possibly might not be to everyone’s taste. It is thick and creamy and a pleasure to massage into your face. Instructions are that you remove with warm water using a facecloth. It promises to revitalise the skin surface, purify, uplift and suitable for most skin conditions. The first time I used this cleanser my cheeks turned bright red and felt sore, like spending a day at the beach when it’s blustery and cold. I put it to one side, left it for a week and then decided to give it another try. Second time around I did not encounter any problems, strange but not unusual for me. I've continue to use this on and off during the month. My theory is I can’t use this at, dare I say it, "that time of the month". I have talked openly on my blog about my hormonal issues and it is certainly having an effect on my skin. I am not sure if it’s the lime, patchouli or me being weird but I just can not get on with it. One minute I love it and at other times I dislike it.

It really has frustrated me. I do love how the cleanser feels and smells but I won’t be buying it again. I will let you make up your own mind about this cleanser just be wary if you are sensitive like me. I think Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser would be a better purchase for my skin type.

If you would like to buy Antipodes products visit *Lucy Rose.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *affiliate link

3.10.12

Dairy & Egg Free Cheesecake

I have fond memories of cheesecake despite it being 20+ years since I took my last bite. It's probably only been within the past 5 to 10 years that dairy free cheese alternatives have become available to buy. It is certainly an up and coming part of the free from market. Now please don't bother to tell me dairy free cheese is disgusting because I am getting tired of hearing it. Yes there are brands that I dislike (Vegusto & Tesco & the latter was giving me stomach ache) but there are others I am fond of Cheezly, Tofutti and Sheese. I shed a tear the first time I was able to have cheese on toast that is how important these alternatives are to people like me.

In recent months I've become more aware of dairy free cheesecake alternatives. I've tried Inspiral and Food Heaven which were pleasant but the gluten free base was a let down with the latter. I have a collection of recipes off the internet but am slightly reluctant to experiment for fear of disappointment. It seems Original Tofutti is the cheese substitute favoured in most recipes.

At the weekend I had great plans to whip up a treat but was feeling under the weather. Also I needed to go into town to get some Tofutti and frankly after several hours in Tesco, tearing my hair out as usual, I could not be bothered to make the effort. It just so happened I had bookmarked the recipe Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cheesecake - No Bake & Vegan (click here for link to recipe) and most of the ingredients were in my cupboard. Technically this is not a true cheesecake as there is no cheese involved. I set about experimenting and this is what I came up with. Clearly I will not be winning points on Master Chef for my presentation skills.

The first thing I changed was the base. The crust in the recipe sounds lovely but I cheated and crushed up digestives biscuits. The topping was almost a disaster, I only have a hand held blender and I almost killed it. I recommend mixing in a professional blender or putting in some elbow grease with a wooden spoon. I did substitute honey instead of maple syrup and caster sugar instead of stevia. The original recipe suggests setting the topping overnight in the freezer but I didn't bother. I simply assembled the puds in ramekins and popped into the fridge.

Tesco does not sell the bars of Kinnerton dairy free chocolate (Sainsbury's does) so I had to rummage in the "normal" chocolate aisle. Not as easy as it sounds, many dark chocolates will contain milk. I discovered Castle Chocolates and was very pleased at how lovely it tastes, not too bitter.

What I like about the recipe is it is for one serving. I managed to get two ramekin size portions from the mixture. As lovely as it would be to make a regular sized cheesecake I am the only one eating it. How does it taste? It's not bad, I did get a hint of avocado but the chocolate and peanut butter add sweetness. It did remind me of a peanut butter cup (previous post link). I think there is room for improvement and it is not something I would make on a regular basis but it was fun to experiment.

1.10.12

Dr Organic Aloe Vera Mouthwash

You may remember I mentioned using Sarakan mouthwash (review link) on a regular basis. The last time Holland & Barrett had a ‘buy one get one half price’ offer I picked up Dr Organic Aloe Vera Mouthwash (500ml £5.69). For those not familiar with the brand, Dr Organic is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, against animal testing and free from synthetic ingredients.

Ingredients

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Aqua, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Cetraria islandica extract, Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) extract, Centella asiatica extract, Menta piperita oil, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Aroma, Xylitol, Melaleuca alternifolia oil, Arnica montana extract, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, CI 75810.

Obviously I am not a dentist so you have to trust that this mouthwash is doing as it claims - "A natural and protective formulation to help maintain strong, clean teeth, healthy gums and minty-fresh breath." I have to say I am not a fan of the flavour and prefer Sarakan. I struggle to describe the taste but it is not the minty flavour I desire. I do like that the bottle comes with a dosing cap. I always think it is unhygienic using the cap when saliva can pass back into the bottle. I will not purchase this again and will continue to use Sarakan.

Do you use a natural free from mouthwash?