17 July 2017

The Boost Box Company gifts for people facing illness or surgery
UPDATE 2021 - Sadly this company is no longer trading, an alternative suggestion for you is The Natural Gift Company

(Gifted/unpaid)

You may have seen me mention The Boost Box Company on my social media a few months back. They offer gifts for cancer patients and anyone who may be undergoing surgery or facing an illness. It's a wonderful concept because it can often be a struggle thinking of practical presents when people are facing side affects from illness and treatments.

Nadia, the founder is very kind, I previously chose to write about her company over social media because it speaks for itself and product reviews didn't feel necessary. Recently Nadia contacted me again after reading about my surgery and wanted to send me a box under no obligation to review, just as a thank you and to wish me a speedy recovery. I accepted because that first week of recovery was rough. I had no other experience for comparison so I was in the dark how hard it would hit me.

I received the Cup & Tea box which was beautifully presented in a sturdy gift box wrapped with a blue ribbon. Inside there was a soup mug (good size for soups or tea) golden turmeric honey, herbal tea from Joe's Tea Company and The Beginnings gingerbread. As someone who rarely drinks herbal teas I've drank a bucket load of mint green tea during recovery as I became super bored of water and squash. The huge mug is really great because from my experience getting up and down for drinks isn't easy so I always pick my biggest glass or mug. Turmeric and honey are healing ingredients so I appreciate the thought behind its inclusion in the box. 

I think I counted 20 box options on the site so something to suit most people and situations. Now I've been through recovery I can fully appreciate the service offered by The Boost Box Company and I recommend you visit their website.

Sarah x

13 July 2017

Love Lula Green People Pure & Light Pure Chimp Odylique
(Gifted PR samples)

Here we are again another round of trialling skincare selected from Love Lula. June product testing has been full of hits and misses as you will read.

Green People Organic Children Smoothie Berry Bath & Shower
Green People are a reliable well known brand and it’s nice to see Love Lula as a stockist. Most of you know I stick to fragrance free body wash but it does get a little boring however finding a suitable product free from linalool feels like mission impossible. I was delighted to discover that the smoothie berry range was suitable and already bought the conditioner from the range a few months back. I enjoy the aroma as I like food scents so raspberry and apple is very appealing, it’s not overpowering and very pleasant. Whilst the Smoothie Berry Shower gel is linalool free I still have to be mindful of other ingredients as I’m protecting myself against triggering dermatitis. You get a very good lather from this body wash because it does contain sodium coco-sulfate. I enjoy using the Smoothie Berry wash but my only criticism is with Green People’s marketing. I’ve mentioned this many times over the years and I will always be disappointed to see “no nasties” on the front of the tube.

Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub
If you adore the scent of coconut then this scrub is for you. Combined with the Green People shower gel it reminds me of sugary desserts and cupcakes. I am head over heels in love and no word of a lie that has NEVER happened with a scrub before now. I shy away from these types of products because of my delicate skin. The other day my dermatitis was super itchy so I took the plunge and very gently scrubbed. Wow not only did I feel relief but I’m certain that the coconut helps my dermatitis because of the beneficial properties to this ingredient. What I love most about the candy scrub is it’s not swimming in oil, simply the perfect amount which doesn’t leave greasy residue on skin or a slippery bath tub. Worth every penny, Odylique has done it again with another gorgeous product and that comes from someone who body scrubs once a year!
Odylique Coconut Candy Scrub
Pure Chimp Lemon Matcha Green Tea - 20g Pouch
A great size to try without too much commitment. Always nice to support smaller companies so worth a try if you enjoy green tea. Other flavour options are available.

Pure & Light Organic Essential Family on-the-Go Cream 
After reading the blurb I thought this cream might be a good one for my problem skin areas however I’ve been an idiot. I forgot that based on past experiences I think my skin doesn’t like tea tree. I want to be totally honest and testing hasn’t gone to plan. Despite this don’t let it put you off just be careful if you’re a delicate flower like myself. I can see how this on-the-go cream might be handy in your bag or medicine cabinet. I’d perhaps like to explore more from Pure & Light in the future.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts on them? If you didn’t see my May choices then follow the link - Inika, John Masters Organics, Madara, Rossi

Sarah x

11 July 2017

Wax + Wick Green Tea and Almond Soy Wax Candle
I bought this Wax + Wick candle back in April after seeing Sasha (Balanced Beauty Bristol) mention the brand in a video. Sasha certainly influenced me with her enthusiasm because I rarely buy candles. There were a number of reasons why Wax + Wick appealed to me which I want to share with you.

I love the idea of taking wine bottles and repurposing them into candles. It's not only zero waste but also adds to the uniqueness of the design. My jar isn't perfect and has a couple of raised edges (they are sanded down so not sharp). The ingredients are simply soy wax and oils (local & organic when possible) there is no palm oil, artificial or synthetic colours and they are vegan friendly. I also feel that at £18 these candles are affordable in comparison to competitors and the burn time is stated as 45 hours.

The scent collection stands out with interesting aromas, to name a few Smoked Tobacco & Salted Bourbon, Amber & Mineral and Lavender & Bay Leaf. I was certainly curious about Green Tea & Almond as a scent and whilst it wasn't as I imagine it is still beautiful but don't ask me to describe it as I wouldn't know where to start!

If you love candles and embrace recycling and repurposing then check out Wax + Wick. I've also noticed that they have added vases to the website, these are also made using wine and spirit bottles.

Sarah x

8 July 2017

Winners announced in sixth Free From Skincare Awards

I'm taking it easy at the moment so forgive the laziness of relying on press releases but my brain isn't properly back in gear following my surgery. My goodness it was a trip on the pain medication but I'm off them now and feeling a lot better.

So anyway, I'm here to give a shout out to my favourite awards. Yesterday the winners were announced for the Free From Skincare Awards, finally I no longer have to keep that secret as I knew the winners in some categories from helping with judging. I dragged my bum off the sofa put on some proper clothes (jeans not pajamas) and roped in my hubby to drive me up to the Love Natural, Love You show so I could see the presentation.

Benecos’s Classic Lip Balm won the Overall Award for Best Free From Skincare Product which might be a little surprising to some but I was on the panel judging this category and my thoughts mirror those of Alex Gazzola, Awards’ Co-ordinator “Judges were impressed with the product’s free from qualities, it has no beeswax, essential oils, nor food allergens, making it a great choice for vegans, allergy sufferers and those looking for fragrance free options.”

Cornish body and skincare brand Bloomtown took the prestigious Best Free From Brand Award, while Honesty’s Protect Nourishing Cleanse Balm won the Free From Achievement Award.

Among the 14 category winners were Rosalena’s Beauty & The Beast Face Oil, Green People’s Scent Free Shampoo, Living Naturally’s Oat Milk & Calendula Soapnut Soap, and Nyasa London’s Pure Glow Cleansing Balm.

A full list of all Gold, Silver and Bronze winners can be viewed on the wesbite. I definitely recommend taking a look as I regularly use it as a shopping list for finding new products. I already have my eye on a few!

I won't be writing up about the Allergy & Free From Show this year as I only spent about half an hour there before closing. My hubby did a whizz round and stocked me up with some of my favourites. I didn't want to push myself plus I'm suppose to be careful about lifting things, like I said it was my first day off the sofa exactly a week from my operation.

As always I love your comments, let me know if you visit the shows over this weekend or if you have spotted something on the winners list to buy.

Sarah x

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