dairy free

13 November 2021

12 Christmas Gift Ideas including sustainable stocking fillers and secret Santa gifts
(Unpaid/previously gifted items included/from Press Release or my own research)

Butterwhips Christmas Gift Set (Purple)
A duo of balms to help you relax and unwind. Warmly Relaxing is aromatic with bergamot and lavender to relax the body and Planted Feet contains peppermint and black spruce to ease tired feet and soften skin.

3 x Caroboo bars packaged in a bright cracker cardboard case. A treat for all but especially those with dietary requirements as these carob bars are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

A luxury brand with results driven skincare using ethically sourced and organic ingredients. The recyclable Miron glass packaging looks beautiful but also protects the integrity of the ingredients. The range consists of two facial oils, an eye elixir, powder-to-foam cleanser and a facial steam. I personally can recommend the Soothe Facial Elixir as I've tested it for myself, it has been formulated for dry, sensitive and inflamed skin.

A new conditioner bar to complement the fragrance free shampoo bar, The Sensitive One. It can be purchased full size, as part of a gift set (with the shampoo bar) or discovery size (30g - great for a stocking filler). Kind2 bars are vegan, plastic free, palm free, UK made and they plant a tree with every order.

Nourish have launched a beautiful new collection of gift sets. I have choosen to mention The Antioxidant Duo caught. This set contains Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm a cleanser, mask and intensive moisturiser and Antioxidant Peptide Mist, a make-up primer, hydrating skin protector and night-time soothing skin repair boost. Products are presented in a reusable fair trade organic cotton bag from Freeset.

As a skincare enthusiast with sensitivity to perfumes I'm often told I'm tricky to buy for, well not any more, it seems people forget that Fragrance Free is always an alternative option. This Body Care gift contains Fragrance Free Body Butter and 2 x 65g Oatmeal Handcrafted Soap slices

An adorable stocking filler and plastic free alternative to Kinder Surprise. Each box contains organic chocolate (which is vegan, dairy, nut and gluten free) plus a 3D puzzle and fun facts card to play with, learn with and collect. You can also purchase their chocolate separately if buying for older children and adults. I'm happy to recommend as I had a free sample at a Vegan Fair, the 'milk' chocolate is delicious and creamy.

A range of gift sets are available from Pure Thoughts. I've picked out the Peaceful Moments Gift Box which comprises of a Peace Meditation Candle, Lavender & Lemon Natural Handmade Soap and Lavender & Sweet Orange Mineral Bath Soak. This set offers a calming blend of essential oils to help soothe a tired mind and body.

The range includes Bamboo Cutlery Set, Bamboo Straw Set and Bamboo Toothbrush. The cutlery and straw sets come with cotton carry pouches available in 8 designs. A total of 20p from every purchase is donated to 100 Tons of Plastic, a charity aiming to remove plastic waste from shores and seas while raising awareness about plastic pollution globally. Bamboo products are BPA-Free, sustainable, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable. A perfect gift for anyone interested in living a sustainable lifestyle.

Formulated with gentle hydrosols rather than essential oils which makes Seilich more suitable for sensitive skin. Over 80% of the ingredients are grown in their wildflower meadow in Scotland, in addition to having Wildlife Friendly Certification. Several gift options are available and I've selected the Treatment Set containing three products which work together - a meadow face mask, meadow face oil and a seasonal hydrosol.

A present that fits through the letterbox is ideal for long distance gifting. The Self Care set contains Bath Salts in a kraft pouch enough for 2-3 baths, lip butter, fragrant wax melts, a Pukka tea bag and Green and Black Dark Chocolate

A discovery I made this year was the Bright Spark Enzyme Oil and it made a long lasting impression. It's a lightweight facial serum to help soothe and balance skin. A brilliant element to Wildefruit formulations is they use upcycled ingredients. This oil includes papaya, strawberry and blackcurrant seeds from jam and juice production that would otherwise go to waste.

Sarah x

14 March 2021

Firetree Rich Volcanic Chocolate dairy free, nut free and vegan
(gifted sample)

I grew up without decent chocolate, the free from alternative was carob and for a child it wasn't a pleasurable experience. Now the options for dairy free milk chocolates are plentiful however I often find dark chocolate features the dreaded "may contain milk" label. 

My taste buds have certainly changed over the years as sweet sugary white chocolate no longer appeals and I enjoy a richer cocoa taste. I was intrigued when Firetree approached me. The beautiful packaging is an immediate enticement but it also meets my dairy free and vegan requirements. I also felt the high cocoa percentages would certainly have the potential to challenge my taste buds and take me out of my comfort zone.
Firetree Rich Volcanic Chocolate dairy free, nut free and vegan
Putting allergies to one side, you may wonder what else makes Firetree unique. The cocoa is sourced from single estates on the islands of the southern Pacific and Oceania. This region is surrounded by a circle of 452 volcanos and known as the 'Ring of Fire'. As you may imagine the soil is fertile and mineral rich so the cocoa trees thrive in this environment and from this derives the wonderful name 'Firetree'. With the expertise of local farmers and craftsman, Firetree produces chocolate in a similar way to making fine wines as each estate has their own unique tasting cocoa beans. 

Sustainability - Instead of dealing with our farmers through agents, we go to them directly. By cutting out the middle man, the farmers get more for their hard work and quality. We pay a substantial premium above the market rate, giving our farmers the chance to provide for their families and commit to high agricultural standards that makes for great cocoa. There are a few reasons we like to pay this premium. Firstly because we believe that if you want a great tasting chocolate you have to be prepared to pay extra for top quality. Secondly, it means that the farmers can afford to maintain high ethical and sustainable standards, and still provide for their families. Finally, this allows us to mutually agree the bean quality.

 

Firetree Tasting Bar Gift Box
I received the new Firetree Tasting Bar Gift Box. This stunning package contains seven single estate 25g tasting bars, ranging from 69% to 100% cocoa. This gift set is an experience which needs to be savoured. Even without prompting I was appreciating the all important 'snap' of the bar, placing on the tongue and enjoying the full bodied flavour. As you open the individual sleeve packaging, it mentions the tasting notes of the bar. As I ate my chocolate I tried to appreciate suggested flavours, sometimes you will agree and other times you won't. 

The Tasting Bar set has allowed me to uncover the unique flavours of cocoa beans from Papua New Guniea, Solomon Islands, Madagscar, Vanuatu and Philippines. I've discovered I'm someone who favours 60-70% cocoa. The 80% has taken me out of my comfort zone with surprising results but 100% was a step too far as I can't handle the bitter taste. This is exactly what you'd want to gain from a tasting collection. 

I am happy to recommend Firetree chocolate. I honestly believe this is a chocolate company that stands head and shoulders above others. This is chocolate which I have shared with my husband, who has no dietary needs and he hasn't said "you can tell this is free from". I would happily purchase Firetree and gift to friends and family (spoiler alert to my chocolate lovers you're getting this for your next birthday!).

Sarah x

28 February 2021

Mother's Day Gift Ideas
(includes gifted samples, paid promotion, affiliate link marked *)

For those of you who would like to celebrate Mother's Day (14th March 2021) then I have put together a little gift selection. As lockdown continues I am sure many of you, including myself are going to be reliant on postal deliveries. These gifts would be suitable for all occasions so it may also be worth bookmarking for future celebrations.

ethically handmade scarves which are all one-off, unique, luxury pieces, made with recycled, organic, ethical yarns where possible as well as ensuring a zero waste policy in the production of the scarves and a no plastic post service. The Not Your Mum Not Your Milk scarf is 100% Organic cotton and could easily appeal to vegans wishing to put across their message.

artisan, hand crafted chocolate that is suitable for almost everyone including vegans and multiple allergies. They work hard to ethically source all ingredients and use eco-friendly packaging. For Mother's Day there is the Limited Edition Pinks Gift Box, choose Dark Raspberry or Strawberry Blonde flavours (or one of each), it's gift wrapped and letterbox friendly delivery.

For those that enjoy a glass of wine how about Mother Rock! an organically farmed estate in Swartland South Africa and the wines are bottled without fining or filtering so suitable for vegans. Mother Rock do a lovely Grenache Noir with 96pts from Jamie Goode (London-based wine critic) and a skin-contact “orange wine” Chenin Blanc

I've introduced my family to award winning soaps from Lily & Rabbit and that's why I believe they would make lovely gifts. With so many of us trying to do our bit for the planet, a solid soap bar is ideal plastic free solution. The Bee Naked bar is formulated with local honey from Harrogate bees and organic Irish Oatmeal, it's an all natural exfoliator without fragrance and suitable for sensitive skin types.

The Super Choc Bundle is a great option. 8 bars of yummy, organic chocolate packed up into a letterbox sized box and you can include a personalised gift note. 

I don't hide the fact that I'm a big fan of Odylique skincare and they have lovely gifts set options so I recommend you browse their website. I can also offer a 20% off using the code SUGARPUFFISH (affiliate link/code)

I think Nourish London’s Relaxing Retreat Gift Set or Sleepy Pillow Mist are perfect for Mother's Day or any other occasion you have coming up.  Nourish products are award winning, organic, vegan and cruelty-free.

Melt 
The Melt Starter Kit is a fun activity you can do at home and a fabulously fruity way to make vegan and cruelty free wax melts. Choose from a range of fragrances including Blueberry, Coconut & Lemongrass, Cranberry, and Pomegranate & Hibiscus. Every kit contains a step-by-step guide and enough supplies to fill your home with scent for up to 180 hours. Use code SUGARPUFFISH when checking out before 15th March and get 10% off your order while stocks last.

A range of beautifully wrapped gifts which can be sent directly to loved ones. Silvan Skincare is suitable for Vegans, they offer stylish sustainable and recyclable gift wrapping with hand written notes plus free UK delivery. 

A beautiful collections of gift options choose between a cleansing balm, hand bam, luxury bath oils or candles, I'm sure you will find something to suit your budget to make Mother's Day extra special

Sarah x

1 February 2021

2021 Free From Skincare Awards to open 1st February
(unpaid/press release)

Positivity is what we need for 2021 so let's celebrate the tenth annual Free From Skincare Awards will open to entries on 1st February. I support these awards because a "free from" lifestyle has been part of me since childhood. I need to avoid pesky allergens some of which are present in skincare. I assume many people probably don't look beyond the matter of food allergies and often forget that skincare can be problematic for some people. You may also fall under the "free from" umbrella for lifestyle choices e.g Veganism or Religion.

I recommend following The Free From Awards on social media as that's where you will locate general news, entrant introductions and eventually winner announcements (in June). The Awards pride themselves on their fairness, rigour and transparency, and have been running a #KnowYourAwards campaign on Instagram throughout January to answer in-depth questions about the Awards, offering ‘behind the scenes’ insights into testing protocols, judging, decision-making and much more.

"No brand should be in the dark about our procedures and processes, nor the principles underpinning them. There are many awards out there, and we feel it’s important that skincare brands, especially in these tough times, have full understanding of what ours actually stand for — and what the many benefits of participation will be - Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola"

There are sixteen product categories this year which includes two new categories for deodorants and toners, waters and spritzes.
 
Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)
* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)
* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)
* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)
* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016) 
* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)
* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)
* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)
* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

Brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe are eligible to participate in the Free From Skincare Awards. The key dates you need to note are 

* Entries close 21st March
* Finalists revealed in May
* Winners announced in June

And for information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter, visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

7 November 2020

Ethical Christmas Gift Ideas for 2020 featuring Natural Skincare, Jewellery, Toys and Vegan Chocolate
(includes PAID placement/gifted Ombar chocolate)

As we go into another lockdown I think many of us will be shopping Christmas presents online and I would encourage you to support local independent businesses. There are so many wonderful eco-friendly sellers out there that it becomes impossible to feature them all. I've put together a small selection of brands offering beautiful handcrafted gifts which I am sure many of you will love and cherish.

Beth the founder of Bao handcrafts natural skincare in Dorset. When visiting the website make sure you select the 'Christmas' tab to discover a beautiful collection of gift boxed products. I am sure you will find something to suit your budget. I can recommend the Brightening Hand Wash and Cream, this certainly has been a tough year on our hands so I sure this combination would be a winner for your loved ones.

This year the gift of hand sanitiser might be the perfect present for some. If you know of anyone experiencing eczema or they're prone to dry skin then Balmonds is brand I recommend. 

Delicious biscuits which are handmade in a variety of themes, available as selection sets, individual cookie cards, letterbox sets and suitable for Vegans

A beautifully curated website which supports artisans, they incorporate the principles of fair trade to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers. Harfi has a collection of unique handcrafted quality products which include jewellery, towels, accessories and homeware. Using the 'Gift' tab you can filter according to your budget. The Sylvia Ring and Earrings are eye catching, ethically handmade jewellery with azurite gemstones.

A lovely business based in Hampshire making handmade skincare to include soaps, lotions, soaks and gift sets. Love to b Skincare is now stocked in some of the South West’s finest spas, hotels and boutiques. 

Discover Nourish London’s natural, organic, vegan, ethically sourced and cruelty-free Seasonal Gift Sets powered by plant-based ingredients that are kind to the skin and our planet. The Antioxidant Duo Gift Set is a vegan and organic stocking filler to hydrate and replenish the skin. It contains Nourish London’s Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm (15ml) and Antioxidant Peptide Mist (15ml), encased in an organic and handmade toiletry bag from Freeset.

When you have allergies, it's no fun watching everyone tuck into the Quality Street so make sure you don't forget dietary needs this Christmas. Ombar chocolate is vegan and free from dairy, gluten, soya and refined sugar (not recommended for nut allergies). 

Seekology
An independent beauty and wellbeing with a wide selection of products. On the site click "trending" and select the Christmas Gift Sets option, here you will find curated gift sets. I'm a fan of Evolve Beauty and would select the Candlelight Glow Collection which contains Radiant Glow Mask and Serenity Candle. The Bowe Organics set contains their popular brow oil and our nourishing lip rescue balm.

Marian is the founder of Silvan Skincare, her ethos is to create gentle skincare that is natural and doesn't irritate or harm the environment. The product range includes balms, face oils, creams, lip balms and body oils. Depending on your budget, you could choose individual products or select the 'Gift' tab for skincare sets. As 2020 has been such a rough year for everyone I feel as if the Silvan Soothe Duo gift set could be a perfect gift as it includes a full size Face Oil and a Sleep Balm. 

Beautiful soaps that are handmade using traditional cold pressed methods, formulated without palm oil and using certified organic ingredients. Explore the website because the range includes individual bars, soap dishes, bundles and gift box sets. I'm sure there is something to suit most budgets and Vegan options are available.

If you are looking for fair trade toys and gifts for children then visit Weaving Hope. Toys are made by artisans in Sri Lanka, working within a guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organisation. Products are made from cotton woven on traditional handlooms. The toys are vegan friendly, plastic free and coloured with non toxic dyes and compliant with safety regulations (CE mark). Check out the latest addition to the range which are cute food baskets, for a play kitchen.

Sarah x

1 November 2020

10 Vegan and Free From Advent Calendars for 2020
(no paid/sponsored advertising)

At the moment I think there is an advent calendar out there for most dietary needs. The selection this year is very exciting and so I put together this list. Please remember to check with the individual manufacturers to ensure their products meet with your individual requirements.

A flat packed advent tree for you to build, contains 4 x 48g bags of Wild Strawberry, Sour Watermelon, Tropical Mango and Blueberry Bliss sweets (at least 1 sweet per day)

24 gorgeous rice milk chocolate shapes including reindeer, santas, stars and Christmas trees. Chocolate is certified vegan, free from nuts, dairy, gluten and wheat

Cute festive figures made from 70% cocoa, vegan friendly however all chocolates are made in a factory that handles tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, milk and soya and therefore may contain traces.

Behind 24 festive doors are mini packs of Joe & Seph’s handmade popcorn in 8 unique, vegan flavours, including Joe & Seph’s popular Vegan Salted Caramel and Vegan Toffee Apple & Cinnamon

Dairy free and vegan, chose between 'milk' or white chocolate, the tray inside is made from recyclable material which can be recycled along with the rest of the packaging. The Moo Free factory sends 0% waste to landfill and the Moo Free Team includes several amazing people with autism. Available in supermarkets or online

They say Like No Udder! is as close to milk chocolate as possible, without ever going near a cow. High in cocoa, smooth and creamy, Vegan. May contain traces of milk, nuts and peanuts

24 chocolates made with new vegan Smoove Moove blend, dairy free but May contain traces of Peanuts and Tree Nuts. Also available is the 12 Days of Festive Indulgence with 12 miniature Mummy Meagz chocolate bars

Free from the top 14 allergens, including dairy, eggs and nuts, as well as artificial colouring and preservatives. 24 different chocolates in a range of mouthwatering innovative flavours inspired by the founder’s autistic son

Vegan and free from brand, 24 doors advent calendar with 12 salted caramel and 12 'milk' choc drops, available in supermarkets and online

Vegan advent calendars are available in four varieties: Plamil So free organic Milk chocolate alternative, Plamil So free organic White chocolate alternative, Plamil So free Smooth Salted Caramel, Plamil So free Smooth less than 4% sugars, made in factory which never uses dairy or gluten

Sarah x

7 February 2020

2020 Free From Skincare Awards opens 3rd February
(photo from 2019 FFSA judging panel)

Time has flown by and here I am announcing that the ninth annual Free From Skincare Awards are NOW open for entrants. I think I say this every year but I love these awards as they celebrate the best cosmetic products which happen to also be free from some of the allergens and other ingredients many consumers now wish to or need to avoid. *jumps up and down, waves hands* People like me are their intended target audience. My long list of allergies (to include Linalool and Methylisothiazolinone) and throw in living with Atopic eczema, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Urticaria are what lead me to explore the world of natural and organic skincare. I had a period in my life where I felt I was reacting to every mainstream brand and sometimes prescription creams.

5 November 2019

Ethical, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas
(This article has been put together by me, some brands mentioned have approached me for inclusion but I have not taken product or payment in exchange for placement)

This Christmas I think many of us will be searching for sustainable and eco-friendly gifts. People are mindful of reducing plastic and overall waste so I have put together some gift ideas. Last year we had the dreaded Secret Santa and Bah Humbug to me but I suspect that by New Year most of these gifts ends up at charity shops or in landfill. Last year I opted for a Charity Donation, my colleague was less than impressed but at least I felt good about it. To add a little element of humour I went with Oxfam's Pile of Poo Charity Gift Card

Gift experiences cut down on unwanted items and are a great way to sort out presents for the person who has it all. There are many options available but let me suggest cooking classes with Cookery School London. They are London's most sustainable cooking school and run over 30 different classes and courses from kitchens in Oxford Circus. I particularly liked that they offer a range of vegan friendly classes, including Vegan Winter, All Day Vegan, Vegan Feast of Indonesia and Ferments and Pickles. If veganism doesn't suit then there are a large range of alternatives available and I note this includes Gluten Free classes.

Green Tulip is on my radar at the moment with a wide choice of sustainable products. They have everything covered from home and garden accessories, beauty, kids, stationery and jewellery. Items that caught my attention are the Recycled Bird Cake Kit, Recycled Skateboard Silver Earrings and Oil Cloth Freya Purse. An alternative website recommendation is Wearth London and some suggestions for you would be the Collapsible Straw & Cutlery Combo Set, Christmas Cracker Face Mask Gift and Plastic-Free Shaving Kit

If you are really splurging on a loved one then Ziorva offers a beautiful collection of handcrafted jewellery. They use recycled gold which is sourced responsibly to ensure conflict free minerals, as well as producing in an ethical and environmentally manner. Helen Russell Creations is an adorable gifting site which I recommend visiting. For anyone who loves organisation and stationery I suggest the Flower Blob Weekly Planner. These pads are created using high quality recycled paper and environmentally friendly ink. Another lovely website to check out is Nectar & Bumble, you'll find a range of items available to suit every budget and 10% of profits are donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. 

You know me I can't skip on beauty gifts and many green brands are reducing packaging waste and using recyclable materials such as glass. If you hop across to a previous post you'll find suggestions for skincare brands with zero & low waste packaging. On trend at the moment are shampoo bars and there are many to choose from but I've selected Kind2. This is of particular interest because they offer a sensitive and fragrance free version within their range. Shampoo bars are a great way to help reduce plastic waste and ideal as stocking fillers. Odylique is always a firm favourite in my household and they have a range of gift sets. The Cleansing Bar Trio is ideal for those reducing waste and Glamorous Makeup Gift Set is lovely treat for any all makeup enthusiasts. Buying skincare for loved ones with sensitive skin can be tricky but fragrance free options can be a great solution. LouLouBelle is an aromatherapy skincare brand but they do offer a "Nude" range which is free from essential oils. The Bath & Body Oil sets would make a lovely gift.

Everyone loves sweet treats and a personal favourite is Raw Halo Chocolate. I love the Mylk & Vanilla but there are plenty of other flavour options. You can purchase direct from their website or at Waitrose. Raw Halo is vegan, dairy and gluten free and no may contains or factory warnings for milk (only a nut & peanut warning see website for info). Other firm favourites for dairy free and vegan chocolates include Booja Booja and Cocoa Libre.

I didn't realise for quite some time that wrapping paper is not always recyclable. I'm sure many of us assume it's just paper but glitter and coatings can be plastic. Laura Spring have Fabric Wraps inspired by the art of Japanese gift wrapping known as Furoshiki. These are screen printed in-house onto cotton squares of cloth that have been created by a social enterprise in India whose 'aim is to create sustainable livelihoods for rural women where employment opportunities are limited, to help helping them gain economic independence'. Also check out Laura Spring gift ideas, they also have lavender bags which they make from fabric off cuts. If you'd like to stick to the tradition of paper you can opt for brown paper or check out Re-Wrapped who specialise in environmentally friendly wrapping paper. The paper is recycled, unbleached and printed with vegetable based inks so you can recycle it after use.

I hope this has been helpful and good luck with your Christmas shopping.

Sarah x

29 October 2019

Review Patisserie Valerie Raw Vegan Cake Range
(Gifted Complimentary Voucher)

Until recently I'd never step foot inside Patisserie Valerie as I naturally assumed it was off limits due to my dietary requirements. There have been Vegan launches everywhere on the high street and Patisserie Valerie have followed trend with their Raw Vegan Cakes. These are hand made, plant based cakes that are naturally free from egg, dairy, gluten, preservatives, additives, soy and refined sugar. There is a lovely range of flavour options - Chocolate & Raspberry, Chocolate, Tiramisu, Strawberry, Orange & Turmeric, Peanut Butter, Pineapple & Matcha, Raspberry and Lemon & Blueberry. I think you'd agree it's an impressive selection and a flavour to suit almost everyone. 

17 September 2019

Review Myroo Super Boost Drops Brightening Blackberry, Protective Buriti and Calming Marula
(Gifted/Unpaid)

UPDATE 2022 - SADLY MYROO ARE NO LONGER TRADING, SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE TRY BYBI BOOSTERS

Myroo is a brand I’ve supported and trusted for several years. My faith in them goes as far as to use them in the run up to my wedding, that's how much I trust them to look after my skin. Myroo is suitable for everyone but they also focus on customers with allergies so this puts them top of my list for anyone who is struggling with sensitive skin. I have existing favourites from the product range which includes the Gentle Cleanser (fragrance free version) and Superfood Balm.

Myroo recently expanded their line and launched Super Boost Drops which includes Brightening Blackberry, Protective Buriti and Calming Marula. These are cold pressed oils which can be used individually or together. I've been championing the brilliance of oils for years and truly believe that most people would benefit from using them as part of a skincare routine. Speaking as someone with dry skin, oils can boost hydration and improve the appearance of my skin. I'm already familiar with Marula and Buriti so I focused my attention to Blackberry. 

It’s my understanding that Blackberry is packed with antioxidants, nutrients and a rich source of Vitamin C. This oil may improve, repair and heal skin making it ideal for all but could be most beneficial if you are prone to itchy skin and conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Blackberry also contains anthocyanins which have been shown to promote collagen synthesis and prevent sagging skin. 

I’m really enjoying using this Blackberry serum as part of my evening routine. I can tell that it's an emollient that nourishes and hydrates skin. It doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and tackles overall appearance and dryness. Currently I don’t have eczema on my face but it will probably return in the winter weather. If it does return then I look forward to putting Blackberry oil to my ultimate test and I'm confident it would be up to the task. You can of course use the Super Boost Drops individually but you could also add the drops into other products such as face masks or moisturisers. For instance, if you have a face mask that feels drying or a cream that is too light, pimp it up with a few drops of oil on application. By doing this you may benefit from additional hydration to compliment your skincare routine.

I am more than happy to recommend Myroo Super Boost Drops and I would pay out of my own pocket to replace once empty. If you are struggling with your skin and need a little boost then definitely give Myroo your consideration.

Sarah x

12 March 2019

Natural, Organic and Vegan Mother's Day Gift Ideas(this article includes a PR sample marked *)

I'd like to be mindful that Mother's Day (31st March 2019) can be a difficult time for some and appreciate that I am fortunate to be able to indulge in this celebration. I have collated some gift ideas specific for Mother's Day but the brands mentioned of course offer gifts all year round for every occasion.

5 February 2019

Benefit Chocolate Delicious chocolate with good intentions Vegan
[Gifted PR Samples]

Sometimes a milk allergy makes it tricky to find suitable sweet treats and the dedicated free from brands tend to imitate milk or white chocolate which I've started to find too sweet. My taste buds are definitely changing with old age and in recent years I'm enjoying dark chocolate.

18 December 2018

sugarpuffish natural and organic favourites for 2018
*picture above & referenced within article includes PR samples/gifts & products bought with my own money*

As Christmas approaches I start to think about winding down for the holidays and what better way to draw a close than to look back on my blog favourites. I have felt that this year my beauty habits have peaked since I’m reaching for the same trusted favourites and I’ve reviewed less this year. This is possibly because my linalool sensitivity has limited choices and there haven’t been as many launches which have drawn my attention. My skincare collection isn’t too bad considering the avoidance of this one ingredient; of course everything remains natural, organic and ethical. I have always avoided certain animal derived ingredients (e.g carmine, silk, shellac, bee venom) but this year I think I made a conscious move towards skincare labelled suitable for Vegans.

Top of my repurchase list
It will come as no surprise to most that I continue to purchase Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo as I dare not try anything else. I don’t want to upset my delicate scalp. I’ve settled into a routine pairing my shampoo with Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner and have finished off several tubes this year. For makeup Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid and Everyday Minerals remain my daily go to products. I’ve been pretty fickle with cleansers swapping between handfuls of favourites but my moisturiser choices are firmly stuck on Evolve Daily Renew and Antipodes Rejoice.

Favourite new skincare discoveries for 2018
In March I tested Pure Potions Intensive Hand Cream and it quickly won me over by making light work of my dry skin. This is super rich and hydrating and remains a go to even more during Winter. April saw the arrival of Ere Perez SOS Marmalade Balm and this changed my skin overnight. I had been experiencing dermatitis on my chest for months and nothing seemed to help until I applied the SOS balm, it truly lived up to its name. Myroo is a brand I’ve trusted and discussed for several years and in May it was the Superfood Balm (fragrance free) that stole the show. For me its the formulation of ingredients that provides intrigue with mango, coconut, papaya, avocado, broccoli, cucumber and raspberry. It’s a great all rounder with a soft texture that melts into dry skin patches with ease. In the same month I reviewed Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 and later went on to repurchase. This CC cream is seriously good and it’s a tough choice between this and my beloved Moonflower Tinting Fluid. In the end I decided that since the CC cream contains SPF it will be my go to in the summer months, that way I get to enjoy both products throughout the year. It’s no secret that the Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil is one of my favourite products so in June I was excited to review the Soothe Balm. For anyone who experiences dry skin and fragrance allergies Soothe Balm is a must in your beauty collection. I think the most exciting launch of the year was Bodhi & Birch’s Superfoods Series and I quickly fell for the Avo Bao Cleansing Balm and Super25 Botanical Serum. I didn’t get around to writing a full review for the Super25 serum but trust me it’s beautiful. I believe both products make a difference to my skin in the long term. From my perspective, to create a range that is free from essential oils but still smells amazing is totally genius. So much love and attention has gone into the range and it really shows in quality and performance.

Favourite new free from/vegan foods for 2018
This year has been the year Vegan food has taken off and I for one love it. The Wicked Kitchen range at Tesco has doubled in size and let’s not forget all the pizzas, so much pizza! Waitrose introduced an own labelled product range which I am totally loving and still working my way through. I have developed a serious Vegan Magnum addiction, almond is the favourite. Fry’s Kitchen has arrived in Sainsbury’s and I love this as it’s more convenient for me. Veganise has become an alarming habit and I always have minimum two jars in the fridge, the supply issues experienced earlier in the year at Sainsbury’s were traumatic times (lol) Livia’s Kitchen Brownie Nugglets and Rhythm 108 Sweet n Salty Almond chocolate bars are the reason why none of my clothes fit.

I truly hope that all this innovation continues but the Free From Community has taken some hits this year. The effects of the Pret case are being felt. I hope that my love of eating out doesn’t take a step backwards in 2019. The the allergy and coeliac community are waiting to see what happens next.

I'm looking forward to what 2019 brings but in the meantime what are your favourites from this year?

Sarah x

13 November 2018

Chilled & Frozen Vegan Pizza available in UK Supermarkets
I've been doing this free from food thing now for a long time, like 30+ years long. For those of you who are new to my blog, I'm allergic to milk and eggs and I choose not to eat meat. I'm super excited for all the new vegan products that have hit the supermarkets in recent months especially pizza. I've been making my own pizzas for years but it's such a dream to be able to grab something ready made. I thought it might be nice to show you what is available starting with my favourites.

31 July 2018

Vegan Menu at The White Hart Pub in Pirbright, Surrey
A while back I had to write a bio for myself, not the easiest thing to do and recently those very words came up in conversation with my hubby. I had written “Sarah dreams of a world where dairy free ice cream is on every restaurant menu” and the other day I was thinking my goal no longer feels like a dream it’s starting to become a reality. For too many years when I went out for a meal I watched everyone else eat dessert whilst I missed out but more recently, depending on the location of course, I get to join in. Thanks to the rise in Veganism and the power of Twitter I’m discovering local destinations that are bringing on board dedicated Vegan menus and one such place is The White Hart in Pirbright. No longer do you have to ask for alterations to your meal, these are dishes you can order straight off the menu.

29 May 2018

Nuto Popped Lotus Seeds Vegan & Gluten Free
I BELIEVE THIS COMPANY HAS CEASED TRADING AS THEIR WEBSITE IS NOT LONGER WORKING, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE BRAND THEN CHECK OUT Karma Bites Popped Lotus Seeds

Good morning everyone, today I'm changing things up a little and switching topics to food and in particular snacks. I think we are all looking for healthier alternatives to crisps and when you have allergies I bet you don't leave the house without emergency snacks in your bag. Nuto peaked my interest when I first sampled them at NOPE 2016 and I recently invited owner and founder, Puja for an interview.

3 October 2017

Vegan Food, Ben & Jerry's, The White Rabbit Pizza Co, Booja Booja, Liberty Loves, Norah's Brownies, Livia's Kitchen, Freaks of Nature
Top to Bottom Left to Right - Tesco Free From Mac & Cheese, Ben & Jerry's, The White Rabbit Pizza Co, Booja Booja, Liberty Loves Brownie, Liberty Loves Raw Tart, Norah's Brownies, Livia's Kitchen, Freaks of Nature

It seems in recent weeks that lots of new Vegan products have launched into the major supermarkets, alongside this I've managed to pick up a few more from independent shops. Most of this stuff I post to my Instagram or Facebook but I figure why not share on here as well.

Tesco Free From Mac & Cheese - its nice to see Tesco add a vegan/vegetarian option to their free from ready meal range. Personally, I found the sauce a little on the runny side and the taste was ok, mildly cheese-y at best but it could be better. Before now the only other vegan mac & cheese I have eaten regularly is from Amy's Kitchen and in comparison I think it's richer in flavour.

Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Ice Cream - its been a long wait but finally these have launched in the UK, at time of writing I think Tesco is the only stockist? We've got three flavours to choose from chocolate fudge brownie, chunky monkey and peanut butter & cookies. The latter I got my hands on and it's simply the stuff of dreams, I love it but at £5.50 a tub this is a real treat. The downside is the ethical dilemma that Ben & Jerry's is part of Unilever and I can't decide how I feel about this. I've lusted over dairy Ben & Jerry since it first came to the UK. It's the creativity of flavours that captures my interest. You have to remember that for a long time there was no dairy free ice cream and then there was only vanilla. I can live without the two other flavours but someone from a more ethical brand needs to get on the non-dairy PB cookie so I can buy guilt free. 

The White Rabbit Pizza Co - when news of a Vegan pizza was coming to Sainsbury's I've pretty much been stalking my store. Sadly, I was really disappointed and it was the base that let me down. It was too hard on the edge and soggy in the middle. I cooked it exactly to the instructions. The toppings and tomato sauce were ok. Sorry White Rabbit but I'll continue making my own.

Booja Booja Ice Cream - I've never been a fan of the original ice cream but this new Caramel Pecan Praline is delicious and creamy. The small tubs are fab because it's a little treat on the go. I bought this at Country Foods Health Food Shop in Swanage and enjoyed eating it on the beach. The simple pleasures, normally I watch my husband enjoy a 99 while I cry on the inside.

Liberty Loves from Cariad Wholefoods - Annie opened her shop a year ago and I finally got to visit. Cariad Wholefoods stock organic, natural, eco-friendly and cruelty free products plus everything is Vegan. I've lusted over the instagrams for Liberty Loves so I knew I had to try them. I bought the Raspberry Brownie and Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart. Raspberry and chocolate is my favourite combination so the brownie was an obvious choice and it was absolutely delicious. I found the tart a little too rich for me but tasty. 

Norah's Brownies - I've met some lovely people in my blogging journey and when Emma won a comp (which Nicola had tagged us in) she was such a sweetheart and shared her winnings with us.  My brownies were gluten free and vegan and absolutely delicious, super rich and moist. The Raspberry & Sesame and Banoffee were my favourites from the four in my box.

Livia's Kitchen - I'd heard a lot about this brand so was interested to see Sainsbury's stocking snack packs of Salted Date Caramel Millionaire Bites and Biccy Boms (which I am yet to try). The millionaire bites were a really nice treat, not an exact dupe for the real ones but a close match given the ingredients. There were 3 bites in the packet. These are gluten free and Vegan.

Freaks of Nature - I had previously tried the Mango Fandango and Zingy Thingy and whilst enjoyable I hadn't gone back for more. I thought I'd give Cocoa Loca a whirl and this is definitely my favourite. Reminds me a little of Pudology as it's a rich chocolate ganache. Freaks of Nature desserts are vegan and free from gluten, dairy, eggs and soya. They do contain nuts as made from cashews. I buy these products at Tesco.

Have you tried any of the foods I've mentioned? What are your favourites?

Sarah x

23 September 2017

Travel Playa de Alcudia, Majorca, Spain
Left to Right - Top Row: Our Hotel, Middle Row: Breakfast & Dinner I created from buffet in Hotel & Playa de Alcudia beach , Bottom Row: Puerto Alcudia & Old Town Alcudia

I've been a little under the weather this week, I return from a restful week in Majorca to find myself taken down by a cold. It totally sucks and I can't seem to get rid of it. Anyway this article isn't about my germs instead I wanted to talk about our recent holiday as I enjoy documenting our travels.

My husband and I are usually independent travellers in the sense that we arrange everything ourselves but this time around we were both feeling worn out from life and took the easy option. We booked 7 nights at the Hotel Delfin Azul through Thomson. Package holidays are a means to an end. I enjoy the laziness of hotel pick ups and drop off, a full suitcase is a perk rather than an extra charge but the resort reps with their chipper attitudes just grate on me. Sorry but I don't want to go to the Waterpark or Pirate Shows! We ignore this element of the holiday package and prefer a little more independence once we reach our destination.

I can't fault our hotel. It was clean, modern and a comfortable room. The entertainment was not to our taste and the pool view room had its disadvantages being situated above the loud music. Yes I am an old fart, late nights are not my thing but we got on with it and accepted we could make up lost sleep with afternoon naps on the sunbed. We were half board which was a bit of a gamble considering my dietary needs. On the whole I managed fairly well as it was a buffet style set up. Food wasn't labelled for allergies so you needed to advise staff so that someone could explain what options were suitable. I admit I never bothered, being a non meat eater most hot foods were ruled out anyway. I ate a lot of salad and chips but topped this up with some treats from Lidl (5 mins away where I found soya yoghurts & fake Oreos). I did spot a corner of the restaurant (away from all other food) dedicated to gluten free staples like bread and biscuits. For breakfast I was impressed that every day I had the choice of soya, rice and oat milk. There was a lack of cereal options but since I don't drink fruit juices (it's an OAS thing!) I enjoyed a glass of plant milk each morning. 

Playa de Alcudia is a large resort with miles of beach. I was slightly disappointed that Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut were all within easy reach simply because I wanted Spanish foods, you can't beat good tapas but it wasn't obvious where we'd get some. We ended up getting away from the area by exploring on foot or using a local bus. From our hotel it was about a half hour walk to the original old town of Alcudia which had a lovely authentic feel but a little tourist driven. On Tuesdays and Sundays there is a huge market which we had a wander around but if you don't enjoy crowds you'd be best to avoid the area. As you'd expect there were lots of little shops and cafes so you can easily sit down and people watch. I love patatas bravas but we got ripped off in one place as it wasn't authentic, we were served potato and ketchup which was disappointing. 
Travel Playa de Alcudia, Majorca, Spain
Puerto Pollensa, Majorca

We caught the local bus to Puerto Pollensa which turned out to be a stunning area of natural beauty with a laid back and quiet way of life. There were few large hotels and we got the impression many places were private apartment rentals. We enjoyed strolling around the bay and then sat down for lunch and ice cream (sorbet for me). Only downside was it lacked a good beach, there were small patches of sand but a lovely marina.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't always kind to us and we had several large rain storms during our stay. It was a little tricky to get out and about however come the afternoon the sun came out. One lunchtime we sat down outside a restaurant, ordered food and the heavens opened. Sheltering under the awnings and eating soggy sandwiches wasn't ideal but we laughed about it. We failed at being British, no umbrellas or rain coats, flip flops and short for us.

Reading this back to myself it possibly sounds a little negative but we did have a nice time. I was feeling relaxed and I enjoyed not having a schedule. I read three books on my Kindle which is totally unheard of for me. Our one regret was leaving our driving licenses at home because in hindsight hiring a car might have been a good option for exploring. If I recall correctly this is my third time to Majorca having visited Sa Coma as a child with my family and returning as an adult. I think that childhood holiday might have been the first time I'd ever been on an airplane. Majorca (Mallorca) is a lovely island so don't be put off by the package holiday reputations. Just seek out the parts that are still authentic and away from the nightclubs and Burger King (who don't even serve a veggie burger how rude!).

Sarah x

24 August 2017

Strong Roots Quality Frozen Foods Gluten Free Vegan Friendly
Back in April I discovered Strong Roots Kale & Quinoa burgers at Waitrose and since then repurchased a number of times. I really love the flavour and it makes a pleasant change from the usual vegetable burgers I pick out at Sainsbury's. Coincidentally I was recently contacted about Strong Roots and because I'd already bought the burgers I happily accepted an offer to receive the entire range.

"We’re a new start-up food company from Dublin in Ireland bringing frozen food back from the dead. We’re keeping it simple, tasty and delicious"

16 May 2017

Travel Berlin Germany Vegan Vegetarian Free From Tourist Attractions Sight Seeing
If you follow me on social media you'll know I spent last week in Berlin. I’d previously been to Germany on school trips but my ability to speak the language is little to none. I've two phrases I remember from GCSE and one is laughable - Ich habe ein Meerschweinchen (translates to "I have a guinea pig"). It’s funny how with hindsight you regret not paying attention in school and disappointment that even with an Austrian Grandmother we weren’t taught German at home. When we booked our trip to Berlin it dawned on me I had been in Hamburg at the time the wall fell and I think the significance of that event passed over me as a teenager.

Berlin is a huge city and you could re-visit numerous times and still miss things. It’s a great city to just wander around and take in the architecture. In five days we covered most of the well known tourist stops – Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall (East Side Gallery & Open Air Exhibition) and Holocaust Memorial. There are many museums and we opted to visit the DDR Museum and the Spy Museum (Deutsches Spionagemuseum).

Sightseeing is one small element to travelling and I'm most certainly someone who books a trip based on the food I can eat. If you are new to my blog I should quickly mention I'm a vegan with food allergies (includes milk and egg). Vegan may carry a risk of cross contamination for allergens but on the whole it can take the pressure off menu choices as I'm not asking for dishes to me adapted. I’m probably not the first to say this but based off my travels around Europe, Berlin is easily one of the best cities for Vegetarians and Vegans. There are dedicated Vegan cafes and restaurants but you’ll also find options elsewhere which is particularly useful for us because my husband isn’t vegetarian/vegan. I did notice that sometimes vegan items are marked vegetarian so don’t overlook this when checking menus. If you're interested in where we ate keep reading.
Vegan Vegetarian Food Berlin Germany Free From Allergies
Boussi Falafel - We arrived in Berlin late afternoon so whilst getting our bearings we found the Mall of Berlin which has a large food court. I wasn’t expecting much but found a falafel stand and was ecstatic to see everything listed vegan including a mayo option with chips. Also whilst I think of it the ice cream stand had vegan options (Alteatro tucked in a corner near the lifts and toilets).

Coffee Fellows - if you love Bagels (like I do) then grab lunch here (we stopped in the store near Checkpoint Charlie). The Vegan bagel was a delicious combination of avocado, hummus and salad. I washed that down with an amazing iced lemon matcha drink. There were also several vegetarian options which I guess they may adapt if you asked.

Dean & David - their slogan is "fresh to eat" so I'd describe this place as a health conscious fast food chain (similar to Pret a Manger?). The menu is salads, sandwiches, soups and curries and you’ll find vegan options marked on the boards. I enjoyed the superfood salad.

Back Werk - we spotted these stores at train stations and I’d describe it as the German equivalent to Greggs. They had several vegan sandwiches including a schnitzel one and I noticed some chia and coconut yoghurt breakfast pots. Everything is labelled on the shelf so easy to pick out what is suitable.

Peter Pane Burgergrill - by far our favourite place as we ate there TWICE! We stumbled across this place as we exited the U-Bahn at Friedrichstraße. My husband just assumed it would only have meat burgers but I checked regardless (thanks Katie for that tip to check where you might not think to look). You can imagine my excitement when I spotted vegetarian and vegan burgers on the menu.  I had the Panflote and Weltreise. The ultimate prize for me was a vegan dessert option, chocolate mousse on chocolate biscuit with coconut vanilla ice cream and mango. I also recommend the Blueberry Mojito.

Brammibal's Donuts - a little cafe on a mainly residential street selling Vegan donuts and not just any old boring doughnut we chose chocolate peanut butter, cherry pistachio, salted caramel and banana peanut butter. My husband who is a fuss pot but has no special dietary requirements happily helped me eat the box of four. Yep! we went a little nuts over that, a box was better value according to my husband....clearly it was all a clever plan.

Bio Company & Alnatura – if you are self catering or looking for snack food then both these stores are equivalent to say Wholefoods or Holland & Barrett. There are stores across the city and they also have a little cafe/deli counter so you can grab and go for lunch if you wish.

Veganz (a vegan supermarket) – this is probably the place I knew the most about before visiting Berlin thanks to bloggers I follow. There are three stores in the city and our closest was in Kreuzberg. This Veganz is located on the top floor of an indoor market with a vegan cafe next door called Goodies. Veganz also have their own branded products which we spotted in various shops across the city including DM and Netto.

One of my most sentimental discoveries was Manner Hazelnut Wafers. I remember these were a treat sent to us from Austrian relatives when my sister and I were little. I had absolutely no idea I was still able to eat them and was ecstatic to see them labelled Vegan. 

If you want to have a true German experience with a Currywurst then you can do so as a non-meat eater. Sadly I forgot to note the name of a place we walked past but I did spot Vegan options so keep your eyes peeled and double check stands as you walk around.

We made one slip up on food whilst in Berlin. Just remember to continually check ingredients even if you've eaten there before as I found myself accidentally chomping down on a pretzel filled with cream cheese. I was so caught up in the buzz of safe eating that I took my plain looking pretzel for granted. Also double check your pizza bases for milk because that's a common mistake assuming they are all safe to eat.

For getting around the city we opted for the Berlin Welcome Card, it covers transport and gives discounts on attractions, we bought in the airport which took the hassle out of getting bus tickets to our hotel. If you’re looking for a hotel recommendation we stayed at TRYP by Wyndham Berlin Mitte. I’d say it’s a modern business hotel but easy to get to from Tegel Airport, it’s located in what would have been East Berlin and a short walk from the Natural History Museum (U-Bahn stop Naturkundemuseum). We were also a 5/10 minute walk to Bio and Rewe supermarkets.

Have you visited Berlin or are you planning to in the future? Will you be going for the sights or the food?

Sarah x

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