12 October 2014

TOTM organic cotton period products tampons pads
(Gifted PR Samples)

Lets chat about a topic which often we only speak about in hushed tones, Periods. I have blogged about my lady problems before and mentioned I wanted to learn more about having an eco-friendly period. Most Green Bloggers will promote menstrual cups as a replacement for tampons but I am turning my attention to pads and liners as these are the products I prefer usingI recently was approached by TOTM (Time of the Month) they offer 100% organic cotton pads and tampons. TOTM products are free from cellulose pulp, perfume, viscose, rayon, chlorine, dioxin and 95% biodegradable. I have received samples. I won’t be reviewing right away but I wanted to bring TOTM to everyone’s attention.

A little research into familiar brands of tampons and pads reveals some thought provoking facts about the ingredients and materials in these products. I have always been concerned about the environmental impact on landfills but recently started to wonder if my problem periods could be linked to toxic ingredients. I have noticed a trend for fragrance pads and that's not ideal for sensitive skin and allergies. It drives me crazy that manufacturers feel my natural bodily functions are so repulsive that I need to scent them with air freshener. Do I really need my underwear to like smell alpine fresh? 

TOTM offer a subscription service via their website. You can receive monthly deliveries of the products you need, on a date chosen by you. Packaging is sleek and discreet which makes a pleasant changed from all the lurid floral designs. Are love heart supposed to make my period more enjoyable? When Aunty Flow visits next month, I will update you on how I got on with the pads. Until then, do check out TOTM’S website for further information. 

Have you switched to eco-friendly period products?

Sarah x

9 October 2014

Chilly B Mint & Rosemary Restoring Foot Butter
UPDATE: 2017 - Chilly B rebranded & are now known as Love to B

I am preparing my feet for winter. My dry skin battles during cold weather are never ending so I want a head start before the frost and snow arrives. I mentioned in my September Favourites that I had purchased Chilly B (now known as Love to B) Mint & Rosemary Restoring Foot Butter. It has been working out great for me so I wanted to share a review with my readers. 

As the name suggests this is a rich butter packed with fabulous ingredients which should help keep tooties smelling fresh and feeling soft. Ingredients: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Peppermint, Vanilla, Rosemary, Eucalyptus. This is definitely a product that needs applying in the evening before heading off to the land of nod. I often will treat myself and recreate a spa pedicure by simply adding bath salts into a bowl, soaking my feet and then apply a generous layer of foot butter. This extra attention makes all the difference for me and hopefully I'll survive winter without my feet snagging my tights and socks (oh yes I went there).

Chilly B products are handmade in Dorset and free from undesirable ingredients. I think prices are affordable, the foot butter will last you a long time and costs £7.50 (50ml jar). I think it's fair to say that Chilly B is fast becoming one of my favourite brands.

If you looking for other recommendations, check out my recent Chilly B bath soak review.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - I paid for the foot butter but Chilly B have sent other products free of charge, my own opinions from testing, no affiliated links

7 October 2014

Amy's Kitchen Chinese Noodles & Veggies and Breakfast Sandwich
Before you all shout at me for eating ready meals, I don't live on them, they simply provide an occasional convenient solution for lazy evenings. I am a big fan of Amy's Kitchen because they offer Vegan products which provide me with a safe alternative to take away meals. Over the past few years more of their products have been creeping into the supermarkets. It does depend where you shop as stores are favouring the gluten free and cheese filled products rather than Vegan ones. The good news is Tesco have started stocking Chinese Noodles & Veggies and Breakfast Sandwich, both are Vegan. 

Lets start with the Chinese Noodles & Veggies dish. I love the taste of this one, it has a creamy cashew sauce and is packed fully of vegetables. We all know ready meals never look as glamorous in real life compared to the picture on the box but I think this one is pretty good. It comes out of the microwave looking edible. I have already bought this meal again to stash in the freezer for emergencies. On the other hand, The Breakfast Sandwich is a disappointment. I enjoyed the meatless sausage and tofu scramble but the bun was a gluten free disaster. It has a strange texture, goes hard in places (I heated exactly as per instructions) and is far too sweet for my taste buds. I also feel at £2.49 you don't get much bang for your buck. The breakfast bun is a little on the small size but perhaps I am just greedy?

I do have one complaint to direct at Tesco. They have removed my much loved Amy's Kitchen Red Thai Curry which really peeves me off. I don't understand why it could not remain alongside the two new options.

Sarah x

4 October 2014

Pure Chimp Super Soap
I volunteered to test Pure Chimp Super Soap. I pretty much feel in love with the scent before I'd unwrapped it. Oh boy, this smells freaking awesome, I adore the banana. It makes me smile every time I reach for the soap dish. Don't panic you won't be smelling like Banana Man all day long. I find this soap leaves a mild scent on the skin and it doesn't last long but enough to lift my spirits for a few minutes.

The ingredients are a pure as you can get, not a single one you can't pronounce and each of them offering skin nourishing benefits. The soap is on the soft side, I was able to break it in half without a struggle. The only downside to this is ensuring you have a draining soap dish because the soap can become very mushy if left in a puddle of water. Super Soap doesn't produce lots of lather but remember bubbles are fun but they don't clean your skin.

Pure Chimp Super Soap
Pure Chimp is a quirky little brand with honest, simple and Vegan ingredients. I would suggest that the product line could be beneficial for those with sensitive skin and/or eczema. All ingredients are visible on the website so that makes life a little easier if you have allergies. I consider prices to be affordable, Super Soap costs £3.95. A sample service is also provided.

Have you tried Pure Chimp Super Soap or any of their other products?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR sample, no affiliated links, my own opinions from testing product

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