13 December 2014

Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Sleep Aid Set
Recently, I have been trialing Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Sleep Aid Set. I am not an insomniac but I have moments when I find it hard to switch off and my sleep pattern is affected. I am sure I am not alone in feeling this way as life can often be stressful. I believe aromatherapy products can provide comfort and relaxation when our bodies go a little haywire. It may be the essential oils reducing symptoms or the simply the process of taking time out.

Bloom Remedies sleep set contains a pulse point roll on and pillow mist. The blend of essential oils in these products is Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, Lavender and Patchouli. I have been gravitating towards the pillow mist more than the roll on. I enjoy spritzing on bedding before getting into bed or simply using to freshen up my room during the day. I was pleasantly surprised by the scent as I normally dislike Ylang Ylang but the combination with other oils seems to be working for me. The pulse point roll can easily be slipped into your handbag and applied on the go for times when you are feeling overwhelmed. It could come in handy whilst battling your way around the shops if you are doing some last minute Christmas shopping. I obviously can’t guarantee results but it could be worth a try.

Personally, I think Bloom Remedies have a wonderful range of gift sets which out shine other natural and organic brands. I am more than happy to recommend the Serenity Slumber Sleep Aid Set. It is ideal for everyone and definitely worth considering this Christmas, especially if you know someone who finds the Festive Season stressful.

Sarah x


Disclaimer - *PR sample, links are not affiliated

10 December 2014

Labelling EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation 14 Allergens

Back in September 2013 I wrote about the preparations companies were making for new European labelling aka Food Information for Consumers Regulation No. 1169/2011. It finally comes into force this weekend (13 December 2014). These new regulations affect the way allergens are labelled on pre-packaged and loose foods.

When I first heard about the changes I was initially critical. I think my reaction was understandable. I have been reading labels in a certain way since the day I left home (long time ago!) and here I am now having to re-learn my ways. Of course as with most things you slowly adjust and I have become familiar with recognising new labelling. Whilst I still think there are issues which need ironing out, on the whole I can see the reasoning behind the new rules. I still think that some brands need to work on how they highlight the allergens as there are occasions when the font colour or style just isn't clear enough for me. 

The new legislation also affects restaurants, deli counters, cafe, basically anywhere selling unpackaged/loose foods. These types of businesses must be able to provide allergen information to customers. Sadly, judging from social media this particular element of the regulations has not been warmly accepted by some. Many appear to be critical about the added cost to their business and the leg work involved. Lets remember the regulation did not come in over night, this has been on the table since 2011 so people have had plenty of time to prepare. On Monday, BBC Breakfast aired a segment about labelling changes and invited a conversation on their Facebook page. Sadly, the thread was full of "nasty" comments directed at people with allergies and coeliac disease. For a brief overview the conversation has people without allergies saying they are paying the price for the new regulations, people with allergies should stay at home and not eat out, allergies and gluten free are fad diets, no one had allergies 40 years ago blah blah blah. Someone who makes /sells sandwiches left the following comment

Barbara Kent - "I make sandwiches for the general public in a small store , apparently I will have to list all ingredients , this means buying some kind of posh labeling machine that we can ill afford . We will probably stop making them ,thereby stopping all the locals who rely on us for their lunch , they will have nowhere to go . They say that 2 million people have food allergies , that leaves a huge amount that don't and now we are all penalised . Is it too much to hope that people take care of themselves and leave the other 58 million to eat in peace?" (BBC Breakfast - Facebook page)

What puzzles me is why chefs/cooks (and sandwich makers) seem to be struggling with the concept. Why is it so difficult for them to be knowledgeable about the ingredients of the meals they are making? Is it really that difficult to breakdown the allergens in a ham, cheese and pickle sandwich? There is no need for posh labelling machines, just a requirement to know if a sandwich contains one or more of the 14 allergens*. The advice from the FSA is "... information on any of the 14 allergens used as ingredients will need to be provided for foods sold without packaging or wrapped on site. This information could be written down on a chalk board or chart, or provided orally by a member of staff. Where the specific allergen information is not provided upfront, clear signposting to where this information could be obtained must be provided."

As for the concern that the new regulations are penalising those who don't have allergies I am lost for words. Seriously, I don't get it, would someone like to explain how this is affecting non-allergy folks? I'm guessing most won't even notice the new changes as they go about their daily lives. I bang my head against the wall with some attitudes. I hope this is just a small portion of the population who appear to have no common sense. Saying that, these are probably the same people who make a fuss about it being their human right to eat peanuts on a flight.

As far as I'm concerned, from Saturday I am hoping to sit down in a cafe or visit a deli counter and have confidence in ordering food. No longer will wait staff be able to say they don't know the allergens and can't advise me. If you can't cater for me, I have no issue with that, there are a number of places that are capable of accommodating my dietary requirements. For the businesses that see this as an expense, I would ask them to see this as an investment for the future. Think of the number of new customers you are about to receive. People with allergies/intolerance/coeliac disease are a supportive group who rely on one another for recommendations of safe places to eat. I am confident you will be rewarded with loyal customers who will shout about you from the roof tops.

If you would like to help promote awareness about the new allergen information, join the FSA's (Food Standards Agency) Thunderclap campaign.

Sarah x

*The 14 Allergens are - cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphur dioxide, lupin and molluscs

8 December 2014


Sugarpuffish Skincare Routine Cleanser & Toner

When it comes to my facial skincare, I stick to the motto cleanser, tone and moisturise. I try and resist having too many products on the go at once because my skin just does not cope with constant change. I tend to only switch products when existing ones have run out. I thought I would give you a sneak peek into my bathroom and show you the products I am currently using.

I rotate my cleansers depending on mood and how my skin is behaving. You will spy the Odylique Silk Touch Cleanser in my next empties video as it ran out this morning. I like the formulation, it starts as a gel and when you add water it transforms to milk. Sadly, the scent is not to my personal taste so I would not repurchase. I have already written a review for Gaia Cream 2-1 Coconut Mousse Cleanser. I like this soft buttery balm and it works well for my skin.

Not everyone sees the value of toners and I always feel like they are missing out on this important step. For me toners help refresh, soothe, cleanse and balance my skin. I opt for ingredients which help with sensitivity so I have had Nourish Soothing Toning Mist and Balm Balm Chamomile Floral Mist in rotation for several months. I highly recommend both and have repurchased several times.

Sugarpuffish Skincare Routine Moisturisers & Facial oil, serums


I am fickle with moisturisers. I have firm favourites which I go back to time and time again, like Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream but I also like switching things up. I was gifted Benecos Day Cream* and Herbfarmacy Pure Hydration Serum* in a goody bag. As a standalone product, Benecos cream certainly offers value for money but at this time of year it’s not rich enough for my skin. In order to boost the product, I have been applying the Herbfarmacy Serum underneath. It’s a nice combination which appears to be working well for me. During the winter I am prone to small patches of eczema around my eyes and on my chin. In these situations Balmology Comfort Balm* is currently my go to product. 

For the evening I like to switch from cream to oil, especially in the colder weather as I feel my skin needs some extra TLC. My much loved Odylique Superfruit came to an end so I am currently using up what I had in my stash. Depending on my mood, I’m alternating between The Rose Tree Radiance Facial Essence Rose & Marula* and Bodhi & Birch Desert Rose Facial Oil*.

So there you have it folks, a quick look into the products I am currently using. It goes without saying that since I’m a beauty addict, my products are always changing. Have you tried any of the beauty items I have mentioned here? I’ll be looking to replace the Odylique cleanser now it’s finished. Do you have a cleanser recommendation?

Sarah x


Disclaimer - Products marked with an asterisk * are PR samples, links are not affiliated

3 December 2014

Mad Cucumber Vegan Lounge, Bournemouth

The other week I had some vacation time and took a trip to Bournemouth. The aim of this little adventure was to seek out a Vegan meal at one of several restaurants/cafes which I have been hearing so much about on Twitter (@Dorset_vegan is the one to follow). It was a toss up between Zoukinis or Mad Cucumber with Zoukinis being the loser since it is closed on Mondays.

Excuse the fuzzy ipod pictures but I forgot my camera and it was a grey and wet Monday. Mad Cucumber is a reasonable sized, light and spacious cafe, with homely furnishings. Staff were friendly and the menu presented on chalkboards on the wall behind the counter. After I distracted myself from eyeing up the cakes on display, we ordered enchiladas. 

My boyfriend and I both enjoyed our meal. The enchilada was full of veggies, beans, "cheese" and the accompanying side salads were delicious. When dining out dessert is usually not an option for me so I could not resist ordering a slice of Peanut Butter bar. It reminded me of PB cups and went down a treat. I did ended up sharing it with my other half because it was rather rich and indulgent.

If you find yourself hungry in Bournemouth and you like simple, homely vegan food in a relaxed environment, then I recommend a visit to Mad Cucumber. I liked it and I would happily return for another meal and a slice of cake.

Sarah x

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