vegetarian

31 October 2021

Pumpkin skincare for glowing skin
(not sponsored collated from research)

Pumpkin season is upon us and if you don't fancy carving them up for Halloween consider looking out for this ingredient in your skincare. The nutrients in pumpkin are mighty. It's full of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (omegas) and zinc which are ideal for dry, mature and damaged skin. If this sounds like an ingredient you need, then here is a little selection of products with pumpkin in their formulations-

Angela Langford Skincare A Little Lift - this plumping and firming serum contains electric daisies, frankincense, pumpkin seed, argan and hyaluronic acid to nourish, refine and hydrate skin.

Awake Organics Frankincense Brightening Serum - this is said to target fine lines and discolouration because it's contains Vitamins A, C and E found in Sea Buckthorn, Carrot Seed, Rosehip and Pumpkin.

By Sarah London Hero Facial Oil - a nourishing formulation which includes Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil that can be used day or night, all year round. It's also free from fragrance and essential oils so for me that makes it perfect for sensitive skin.

BYBI Acid Gold AHA Resurfacing Face Mask - an exfoliating face mask packed with natural AHAs to banish dulling, dead skin cells. The pumpkin enzyme in this mask derives from pumpkin flesh, a by-product of the pumpkin seed industry and usually gets thrown away.

Nourish Radiance Firming Facial Oil - formulated with omega-rich oils to lift, firm and hydrate the skin. Improves elasticity and reduces fine lines. It includes pumpkin seed for toning and protecting the skin.

Pai Pomegranate & Pumpkin Seed 2-Step Stretch Mark Oil A fragrance free stretch mark oil and cream duo to support you through pregnancy and beyond.

Skin & Tonic Inner Glow Face Oil - packed with vitamin C, alongside rosehip oils to rejuvenate your skin and pumpkin seed oil for skin-loving vitamin E and nourishing omega oils.

Sarah x

24 October 2021

Review Bowe Organics, Green People, Odylique, Organii
(Purchased/Gifted/Unpaid)

I thought it might be interesting to provide a re-cap on products previously featured on this blog. In fact some of these have been repeat purchased since initial reviews were written. I am a creature of habit and whilst I enjoy testing out new products you should know that in the background I have firm favourites.

Bowe Organics Versatile Hair Oil Fragrance Free - I reviewed this hair oil back in April and I'm still using it on a weekly basis. Out of all the hair oils I've tried this is the one I gravitate towards. It doesn't feel greasy, it conditions dry ends and fingers crossed over the long term it helps maintain healthy hair. To the eye you may not see a huge change in your hair but to the touch the performance is noticeable. I take comfort in the fact that I feel like it makes a difference to me and that's what counts.

Green People Neutral Scent Free Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream - this product featured in 2019 and I've been through several bottles. I've always been a fan of Green People's Scent Free range as it supports people with fragrance allergies, alongside offering affordability and trustworthy results. As much as I love using facial oils, to be honest I often feel that my skin responds better to creams. I'm not a skin expert or scientist but I wonder if water based products help because I am prone to eczema. Whatever the reason I just find the 24 hour cream offers me exactly what I'm looking for. I don't need fancy branding or miracle claims, I just need relief from dryness to get me through the day.

Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser - my original review for this cleanser dates back to 2013. At that time I wasn't reviewing for Love Lula and Odylique was known as Essential Care. Regardless of this back story Creamy Coconut Cleanser has featured multiple times which I hope demonstrates that it has stood the test of time. I've been through many bottles because it's an all-round reliable product. Yes I adore balm and oil cleansers but there are times when I enjoy the simplicity that comes from using cream based products. For me Odylique is a trusted brand and you'll know I'm a fan of several of their products. They understand people with allergies and eczema and I find that hugely comforting in a market saturated with brands.

Organii Shea Butter Shower Gel - this featured in a review back in 2018 and it's now the only shower gel I use. I battled for years finding a decent, affordable body wash which didn't contain linalool but had a pleasant aroma. Organii hit the spot for me and has certainly stood the test of time. It does the job and doesn't irritate my delicate sensitive skin and I can't ask for much more than that.

Sarah x

8 August 2021

Review Lily & Rabbit Coconut and Salted Coconut Soaps
(gifted/unpaid)

Truth is I haven't always been a fan of solid soap bars. Of course bars are a great way to help reduce plastic waste but they can be a bit messy on the bathroom sink. I finally over came this annoyance by investing in soap dishes with an integrated rack. It makes such a difference on containing drips and gives longevity to the soap as it can dry out been uses. It also pays to invest in a quality soap as from experience I have found many differences between brands.

Talking of quality, you may recall last year I wrote about Lily & Rabbit soaps. Goat milk is a core ingredient in their products but I'm excited to announce the launch of their Vegan range. The key ingredients in the new soaps are coconut oil and coconut milk.
Review Lily & Rabbit Coconut and Salted Coconut Soaps
The current vegan range consists of Coconut (unscented), Lemon Coconut Smoothie, Lime & Coconut and Coconut Ice plus their Salted soap counterparts. Lily & Rabbit Salted soaps have a swirl of Himalayan Pink Salt. Soap makers include salt for the benefits of exfoliation and acne prone skin may benefit from minerals naturally found in this ingredient.

As you can see Lily & Rabbit kindly sent me the Coconut and Salted Coconut soaps, both of which are fragrance free. We currently have the Coconut soap on the go in our bathroom for handwashing. It's holding up beautifully with no cracking or sogginess. I find this soap gives a lovely creamy lather and doesn't feel drying on my skin.

If you would like further information about Lily & Rabbit products then I recommend you check out their website - lilyandrabbit.co.uk

Sarah x

6 June 2021

The 2021 Free From Skincare Awards Finalists are Announced
It's been a bumper year for the Free From Skincare Awards with around 250 products making it through to the Final stage. The Finalists were decided by a team of independent testers, each with sensitive or problem skin, or with an interest in non-mainstream skincare products, who have been putting entries through their paces.

I'm a supporter of these awards because they are dedicated to celebrating cosmetics 'free from' ingredients which consumers, such as myself, choose or need to avoid. You'll spot some familiar brands on the list of Finalists, their products often feature on my blog - Annwyn, Balmonds, BAO, Eden Days, Ermana, Lily & Rabbit, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Lyonsleaf, Maison Meunier, Minimalist Skincare, Odylique.

Never in ten years have we had higher average scores in the Awards than this year,” says Awards director Alex Gazzola. “The vast majority of products performed well or exceptionally well, and it has been an almost impossible task to narrow the field down. All finalists deserve their places.

Amongst the familiar names are lots of 'new to me' brands which I've included in the photo above - Cacao Pow, Black Palm, Soft Paws Cosmetics, So Natural, The Natural Beauty Pot, Zero Soap

Finalists now go through to judging sessions, with panels made up of leading industry figures, including beauty journalists, bloggers, consultants, brand owners and formulators. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all 16 categories — plus additional awards for Best Free From Skincare Brand, Best Free From Achievement, and of course Best Overall Free From Skincare Product — will be announced online at the beginning of July.

If you'd like to browse the List of Finalists it can be viewed at the Free From Skincare Awards site.

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

20 August 2020

Review Lily & Rabbit Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender Soap
(gifted)

Lily & Rabbit had three soap shortlisted in the Free From Skincare Awards and they came away with a Silver for Sea Kelp with Rosemary & Spearmint and Bronze for Nettle with Spearmint. This adorably named company are handcrafting soaps in North Yorkshire. Lily & Rabbit have focused on their favourite ingredients olive oil (inspired by Italian soaps) and raw goat milk. They are mindful of sensitive skin and use natural colourants, exfoliators and essential oils. For fellow vegans, Lily & Rabbit are in the process of creating suitable soaps and so you may wish to follow them on Instagram for launch information.

Here's some feedback from the testers for the Free From Skincare Awards -

“Still rock solid after a month’s testing … didn’t go soggy, break or lose fragrance … An extremely gentle, non-drying soap that lathers lightly over the skin and leaves hands feeling clean and refreshed” (Sea Kelp with Rosemary & Spearmint)

“Really enjoyed this product .. Lather wasn’t excessive, but worked efficiently without drying out skin … cleansed effectively, leaving clean, fresh and reassuring fragrance, which wasn’t lost throughout month long use … It delivered constantly and I would buy it again” (Nettle with Spearmint)
Review Lily & Rabbit Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender Soap
Lily and Rabbit kindly sent me three soaps - Naked, Bee Naked and Lavender. It's my husband who has carried out the majority of testing and we have started with the Naked soap. This one is a simple gentle soap with no scent and formulated with goats milk, olive oil and castor oil. In comparison Bee Naked includes the addition of oatmeal and honey. It is these two soaps that I would recommended for sensitive skin and some people may find oats beneficial for skin prone to eczema.

I agree with the testers in that Lily & Rabbit soaps are solid and don't go soggy. Over the years we've had soaps that turn to mush almost instantly but these hold up to daily use. The lather produced is gentle and just enough (to be expected from a product free from SLS). As I'm prone to dry hands the Naked soap hasn't worsen this condition and leaves skin feeling soft and not stripped of moisture. I've been impressed and as for my husband he's commented a few times on how he is enjoying using the Naked soap, how it holds up well and feels nice and solid.

If you would to explore the full soap range from Lily & Rabbit then please consider visiting their website - lilyandrabbit.co.uk

Sarah x

15 April 2020

My Skincare Routine for Dry, Sensitive, Mature Skin prone to Eczema
(some of the items featured have been purchased by me but I have linked to past reviews where product many have originally been a Gifted PR sample)

I haven't updated you on my skincare routine in a while so let me share what I am using in lockdown. This is a good time to use up products I have laying around and a great excuse for additional pampering sessions, I'm now someone who uses face masks on the regular. If you are new here then to recap my skin type is prone to eczema, dry and sensitive (I have allergies) and I'm 43.

Let's start with cleansing which I do morning and evenings. I've been trialing the Lucy Bee Reviving Cleansing Cream but also using up Handmade Naturals Face Cleansing Oil. This cleansing oil is a long time favourite of mine. It has some super lovely ingredients and smells divine however it is free from essential oil allergens. Next up I will moisturise and in the mornings I'm using Green People Anti-Aging 24 Hour Cream. I think I'm on my third tube of this now. It just seems to suit my skin really well at the moment. I've really struggled finding fragrance free creams so glad this ones is working out for me. In the evenings I tend to apply oils so I'm currently using Myroo Super Boost Buriti. This is one of three Super Boost serums and I have loved them all. Buriti oil is great for protecting and brightening the skin, it defends against environmental stressors and is the richest source of beta-carotene.

Additional treatments over and above cleansing and moisturising don't tend to be a regular part of my routine. As I said lockdown has changed that and I want to use up products that were otherwise being neglected. I'm working my way through Odylique 3 in 1 Maca mask and Nature's Kitchen Gentle Care Face Mask. Both are great products which I enjoy using and seem to suit my skin very well. I always have Odylique Spot on Serum in my collection, it's a great all rounder for little emergencies so this often gets used on hormonal pimples, cuts and bites. I thought I'd throw in a mention for my Madara City CC cream because it adds some benefits and makes me feel human again thanks to the added tint. The SPF is useful for protecting the skin for brief moments outside. I would apply a separate sun cream if I was spending longer in the garden or at the beach, Green People was my go to last summer.

Sarah x

13 April 2020

Natural Soap Bars for Hand washing
Washing hands is at the forefront of our minds at the moment and stocks in the supermarket have been wiped out but there are lots of independent soap makers on the internet. Solid soap bars have become even more popular in recent years thanks to the zero waste movement. If you are still struggling to find soap then I would suggest turning your attention to smaller business and supporting them through this difficult time.  With that in mind I have put together a quick list of soap makers and retailers for you to browse and maybe place an order with them.

18 February 2020

Review Odylique Lemongrass Body Wash and Ultra Rich Balm
(features gifted items/unpaid, links to Odylique are not affiliated)

Odylique have been in my life for many years ever since I was introduced to the Gentle Herb Shampoo. Before I found this shampoo I was battling eczema and an itchy scalp, it changed all that within a week and I've been banging on about it ever since. Odylique is a family run business set up by Abi and Margaret. I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with Abi over the years and her knowledge of ingredients and formulations is inspiring. I choose Odylique not only for their products but they understand skin conditions such as eczema and formulate without lanolin, wheat, dairy and soya derivatives, salicylic acid, peanut oil, common allergen tree nut oils and more.

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. 

15 October 2019

15 natural skincare brands with fragrance free products
(I have linked my reviews which include PR gifts & affiliate links are marked *)

For me the term "fragrance free" isn't just about artificial ingredients it also includes essential oils. I am someone with a sensitivity to linalool which is one of 26 fragrance allergens which needs to be declare on labels (when applicable to the formulations and present at a specific percentage). I thought I would offer readers a little recap list and recommendations for fragrance free products I've tested. I hope that some of you will find it a useful resource. As a heads up there is a mix of vegan and vegetarian friendly recommendations.

1. A'kin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser - one of the first brands I discovered on the start of my 'green' journey and to this day remain a reliable source of fragrance free products. The range includes hair, body and face products.

2. Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser - a firm favourite of mine for many years for it's simplicity because this is coconut oil with no added ingredients. Balm Balm also have some balms and a body oil which are fragrance free

3. Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream - worth checking out if you experience skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. A number of products are fragrance free and suitable for Vegans

4. Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm - just one favourite from the amazing Superfoods series, totally free from essential oils but magically scented with the natural formulations, luxurious and beautiful.

5. Ere Perez SOS Marmalade & Green Booster Serum & Cranberry Lip & Eye Butter - I think (don't quote me) that majority of the Ere Perez skincare line is free from essential oils. The SOS Marmalade balm is a dreamy product and a total lifesaver when it comes to my eczema.

6. Ermana Soothe Mama Body Oil - the Soothe range is formulated without fragrance and includes balm, body oil (my personal favourite) body wash and lotion.

7. Ethically Organic Radiance Glow Face Soufflé - there are a couple of fragrance free options in the range,  this is a super rich formulation with simplistic ingredients of shea butter, baobab and jojoba. 

8. Green People Scent Free - probably one of the few brands that offer customers an extensive range of fragrance free products to include hair, face and body care including sun cream. Over the years I've reviewed a number of products from this line (moisturiser & hand cream review).

9. Handmade Naturals Unscented Plum & Avocado Face Cleanser - like A'kin this was one of the earliest brands I discovered and I've purchased from them many times over the years. Several of their products come in a fragrance free version. Alongside this cream cleanser the Face Cleansing Oil with Organic Coconut, Monoi de Tahiti, Japanese Camellia & Rice Bran is one of my all time favourite cleansing oils.

10. Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil (Unscented) - I found Lyonsleaf in 2013 and was one of the first to blog about them, they have done so well over the years and I love to see the growth in popularity. This facial oil contains a lovely blend of ingredients and feels rich and luxurious on my dry skin. This is not the only fragrance free product available there is the Calendula & Marshmallow Balm, Zinc & Calendula Cream and the newly launched unfragranced Beauty Balm.

11. Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil & Balm - an ethos to use six ingredients or less and whilst that sounds simple enough it makes for an interesting formulation. Both products are fabulous and offer the consumer fragrance without essential oil allergens.

12. Myroo - offering fragrance free versions of their products, also free from top 14 food allergens, it's a personal favourite which I will have recommend to many of you. It's difficult to pick one favourite but I'd probably say the Superfood Balm and the new Super Boost Drops(UPDATE 2022 - MYROO IS NO LONGER TRADING)

13. Nature's Wish Cleanse Unscented Facial Cleansing Oil - It’s a good product which removes makeup and daily grime without disrupting the delicate balance of my skin. This is a good all rounder. Nature's Wish also have an unscented facial oil which I am yet to try.

14. Odylique Aloe Vera Bodywash - I've been using this body wash on and off over a number of years, this gives creamy foam and feels good on my delicate skin, I'm pleased that it now available in 500ml bottle. My other favourites which are also free from essential oil allergens are the Superfruit Concentrate, Gentle Herb Shampoo, Ultra Rich Balm, Repair Lotion.

15. Skin & Tonic Naked Beauty Oil - a simple but effective blend of my favourite ingredients - rosehip, pumpkin, apricot oil - I wish Skin & Tonic would branch out more with their essential oil free blends as they do have a lovely ethos when it comes to ingredients. Also worth noting that Skin & Tonic Makeup Remover and Naked Lip Balm are also free from essential oils.

You can shop these products online direct from the brands or at the following online retailers.

Sarah x

23 April 2019

Reviews for Love Lula Jason Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap & Organii Cream Soap Almond
(Gifted PR Samples)

Everyone has heard of the brand Jason right? Is it possible to be part of the Green community and not know them? Jason was established in 1959 in the US and one of the original pioneers for green beauty. For those that may consider the brand name unique, I read on their website that Jason means "healer" in Greek. They have a simple ethos with no artificial colours, no animal by-products, bio-degradable packaging and recycled and/or recyclable containers and all products are certified vegetarian. I believe Jason to be family friendly and affordable so I decided to try the Jason Organic Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap.

Due to my allergies I provide my own hand wash for the bathroom at work. I've been on the hunt for budget friendly options after discovering it was secretly being used by others. No surprises there considering the alternative. The Jason Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap contains Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Aloe Vera, Sunflower Seed and Wheat Germ Oils to help soothe and hydrate the skin. It does contain fragrance (parfum) but there are no essential oil allergens plus it's suitable for vegans. This hand soap lathers up nicely, has a pleasant aroma and doesn't feel overly drying on my skin. I have naturally dry hands so I always struggle regardless. The bottle is a whopping 473ml so great value for a family or shared bathroom. If Aloe Vera doesn't take your fancy this soap is also available in Lavender, Rosewater and Tea Tree.

You'll have noticed that Organii is featuring in a few of my reviews as I'm really enjoying discovering more from this brand. It's another one which I class as affordable and also suitable for Vegans. At home we try to use solid soap bars where possible so when we recently ran out it was a good excuse to try Organii Cream Soap Almond. My husband has taken to using this one as I've made an error and overlooked the presence of linalool (one of my allergies). I have given it a whirl but I can't use daily. Is it odd to say I like the size of this soap bar? I say this because some can be large and bulky which makes it a little harder to circulated in your palms to generate a lather. It's a lovely creamy soap which so far is holding up well in the soap dish, in the past we've had bars that become mushy very quickly. My husband randomly commented the other day that he like the new soap over the old one which trust me is high praise from him. Organii Cream soap comes in a few scents - wild rose, lavender & lime blossom. When we run out I'll probably pick up the "Neutral" which is unscented because that will be more suitable for my sensitive skin.

I think it's fair to say Jason Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap and Organii Cream Soap Almond have been a great success and I'm more than happy to recommend. If you missed my review last month then follow this link - Lovea Ideal Hydration Organic Coconut Fabric Face Mask.

Have you tried these products? What did you think of them?

Sarah x

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.

8 January 2019

"Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. There are many ways to embrace vegan living. Yet one thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey - as well as products like leather and any tested on animals." Vegan Society

Veganuary is in full swing and there are exciting launches happening every where I turn and if you're on social media who knew a vegan sausage roll could cause so much drama (well done Greggs!). Generally I'll avoid officially labelling myself Vegan because my diet is complicated with allergies so I often refer to myself as a "non-meat eater".

If you ever thought having a Vegan or Plant Based lifestyle was difficult then why not reconsider because in the last few years the rise in options has been overwhelming. I now have a varied diet supplementing my vegetable intake with plant milks, ice creams, yoghurts, chocolate, cheese, burgers, pizza and so much more. I don't want to push Veganuary on you but if you are curious about a Vegan/Plant Based lifestyle stick with me as I'm going to share my favourite recipes and cupboard essentials.

Cupboard Staples
I will always have on hand the basics of grains, rice and pasta, tinned chickpeas, lentils, beans and tomatoes. Stir fry and pasta dishes are a quick and easy meals to create from scratch. There are lots of plant milks to chose from and I'm a fan of Almond and Soya milk. I opt for the UHT cartons as it tends to be cheaper and can stock up when on offer. I think you're not truly vegan unless your cupboards contains several tins of Nutritional Yeast (or Nooch as it is affectionately known) it looks like fish food but it's the key to creating cheese-like sauces with a depth of flavour. Crisps can be a little trickier to navigate as you'll find milk and meat in flavourings but there are options, it's also worth checking the Free From section at your store. For my lunch box I generally stick to Pom Bears or the own branded versions usually Tesco Bunny Bites.

Fridge/Freezer Staples
I recently switch my margarine from Pure to Vitalite. Pure was a staple for years but due to recipe change there have been complaints about the new flavour. Violife is my favourite cheese alternative (worth noting all own branded supermarket versions are made by Bute Island) and for yoghurts I opt for Alpro. Currently my favourite option for frozen products is Strong Roots and Fry's. Cooking from scratch is fun but sometimes we need ready meal options and there are ranges available at Waitrose, Sainsburys and Tesco. Everywhere seems to have been expanding product lines so I am sure more are on the way. Most standard condiments are vegan friendly but my favourite mayonnaise alternative is Veganise. I always have tofu on hand, it's excellent in stir frys and I love to make tofu scramble. On its own tofu is bland so the key is to marinate well but that's also what make it very versatile as it will take on the flavours in your dish.

Sweet Treats
I'm totally addicted to Vegan Almond Magnums but also enjoy Swedish Glace and the occasional Ben & Jerry (yes they have vegan options now). I try not to buy too many biscuits but my favourites are Oreos and Party Rings. For snacks on the go I opt for Liva's Kitchen and Nakd bars. When I'm after a chocolate hit my favourites are Ritter Sport Marzipan, Montezuma Sea Dog and Peanut butter truffle bites.

Inspirational Recipes/Cookbooks
If you need resources for recipes then I can recommend some Youtubers, check out Pick up Limes, Avantgarde Vegan, Rachel Ama, The Happy Pear, Madeleine Olivia, Edgy Veg, Sarah's Vegan Kitchen and Jess Beautician. I've a shelf full of cookbooks and would recommend Ms Cupcakes The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town (Mellissa Morgan) and Keep it Vegan & The New Vegan (Aine Carlin).

My go to recipes

Eating Out
Several years ago it felt like eating out was impossible but there are plenty of options and they are growing in popularity. My personal favourites are Zizzi and Wagamama but I think almost every high street chain restaurant has at least one vegan option. For sandwiches on the go you'll find options at Boots, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Starbucks, Costa and I'm sure many others.

I'd love to hear your vegan and plant based product suggestions? Do you have any tips to share for those staring out on their Veganuary journey? 

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.

16 October 2018

Swayed by the promise of sunshine and cheap flights we found ourselves back in Italy for the second time this year. Rimini has the best of both, miles of beach to attract sun worshippers and a cultural centre with Roman remains and a Renaissance cathedral.

We stayed at Hotel Bahama, a little dated in decor but we couldn’t fault the hospitality of the staff. I don’t like to make a fuss with dietary needs but they clearly had their eye on me, eventually asking if I was Vegetarian. I explained I was in fact Vegan (for ease of communication) and next morning at breakfast was presented with a carton of soya milk and vegan croissants. The only downside to our location was we hadn’t realised that some areas of the resort closed down for winter, this meant we had to go slightly further afield to find restaurants open for dinner.

Rimini city centre is typically Italian with narrow cobbled streets and piazzas. The town’s Roman past is still visible with the Tiberius Bridge and Arch of Augustus. Soaking in the Italian architecture is lovely but I’ll openly admit I’m here for the food. If you’ve been following our Italian adventures over the years you’ll know that I can usually sniff out Vegan food relatively easy. In Rimini old town we had an evening meal at Loving Hut (a vegan cafe) and I grabbed Vegan gelato at La Scintilla and Cuor di Cioccolato. Near to the beach the restaurant called Newport had a small vegan menu but I will say my vegan burger wasn’t quite to my taste. We ate twice at Chi Sburoun but by far the best Marinara pizza of the holiday was at Rossopomodoro, although the service was a little patchy, our waiter seemed bored of work, not that I blame him having to deal with tourists.From Rimini we took day trips to San Marino (by bus) and Bologna (by train). San Marino is situated up on a mountain top, is the world's oldest republic and Europe's third smallest state. It’s a beautiful place to amble around the steep streets, taking in spectacular views the higher you climb. We stopped for lunch in Palazzo Pubblico after I spotted the magic word “vegan” on a menu and I had a delicious meal of chickpeas with vegetable gratin and swiss chard.
In June we had flown into Bologna but didn’t stop before making our journey to Florence. It’s a decision with hindsight that we regret. Bologna is beautiful and exactly as you would expect from a busy Italian city. It’s easy to amble around on foot and lunch is a must whilst taking in the wonderful architecture. We didn’t have much of a plan and basically got lost whilst possibly walking around in circles. When our tummies grumbled I was scouring restaurant menus. Traditionally Bologna is known for its Bolognese (Ragu) which is a meat based pasta sauce so I felt super lucky to spot a blackboard advertising Vegan food alongside Vegetarian and gluten free options. I’m pleased to say I had the most delicious lentil soup at Brusce and would recommend this little bistro.

If you image search Rimini you'll see images of miles of beach jam packed with sun loungers and umbrellas. I’m not sure that would be my idea of heaven in the height of summer but for a cheap last minute autumn getaway it was pretty perfect. We still have so much more of Italy we’d like to see so maybe we will be back next year. If you'd like to catch up on our Italian road trip that we took earlier in the year, then follow this link - Florence, Pisa, La Spezia, Cinque Terre and Genoa

Sarah x

11 September 2018

Interview Skincare with Compassion - natural, cruelty free and vegan
UPDATE - SKINCARE WITH COMPASSION IS NOW KNOWN AS WHITE MOON SKINCARE

Back in July at the Just V Show, I came across a brand I was unfamiliar with, 
Skincare with Compassion. I have been keen to share this discovery with readers so I invited Emma the founder for an interview. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your own company, Skincare with Compassion
The idea began about 9 years ago. I became aware of the cruel world of animal testing in the beauty industry and the nasty ingredients disguised in skincare products claiming to be of natural origin. People were not aware of this back then as they are now and natural products that were effective, cruelty-free and vegan were almost impossible to find.

I had started reading skincare labels in my search for the Leaping Bunny certification to find out if the product had been tested on animals and became interested to know about product ingredients and what all those long, scientific names actually were. I then embarked on a journey learning about ingredients and was shocked to realise that the majority of products were loaded with rubbish from bulk fillers and petrochemicals to artificial fragrances, silicones and synthetics which have no nutritional benefit to the skin whatsoever. The desire to create my own skincare company then began. I wanted to create a range of products that were natural, cruelty-free, vegan and with honest company ethics. By working with experts in the beauty industry, it was important that all ingredients used are 100% natural, non animal-derived, contained no nasty ingredients and sourced only from ethical origins.

After years of hard work, passion and determination, Skincare with Compassion launched in 2018. The company received Cruelty-free and Vegan certification which was such a proud moment as this was my dream for so long! We now offer a wide range of natural skincare products for all different skin types and suitability for our customers to enjoy using.

Why is natural, cruelty-free and vegan skincare important to you?
I can talk for ages about this so I’ll keep this one short. Skincare with Compassion was launched out of a passion for truly natural skincare with love and concern for animals. Pure nature provides us with everything the skin needs to be nourished, healthy and radiant without the use of skin irritating chemicals, parabens and other questionable ingredients which are unfortunately disguised in many skincare products today. It’s so important that we understand what is being applied to our skin which is why we explain about the ingredients we use on our website. What goes onto the skin is just as important as what is going into our bodies. This is why we use only the purest, natural goodness in our formulations that deliver effective results to the skin and help to support the sustainability of our environment. We are strongly against animal testing and the use of animal-derived ingredients in all our products. No innocent animal should be subject to cruel suffering and exploitation and has the right to live freely on this earth just as much as we do.
Skincare with Compassion Pure & Gentle sensitive skin
Skincare with Compassion caters for all skin types but here on Sugarpuffish we have a particular interest in products for sensitive, eczema and allergy prone skin. Can you tell us about your Pure & Gentle range?
Our Pure & Gentle range has been formulated specifically for those with skin sensitivities, redness, eczema and irritations and is completely fragrance free. By having sensitive skin myself, I understand this skin type can be difficult to care for and that lots of common triggers can lead to flare ups including artificial fragrances, chemicals and dehydrating alcohols. We have carefully selected the most gentle and nutrient-rich ingredients that will help to heal, strengthen and protect delicate skin types restoring it to a natural, healthy complexion.

The Pure & Gentle range includes the following:

Pure & Gentle Facial Wash - a light gel formula enriched with soothing Chamomile and hydrating Rosehip which gently cleanses and refreshes the skin helping to improve it’s elasticity.

Pure & Gentle Milk Cleanser - blended with nourishing Sweet Almond and antioxidant-rich Kukui that melts away impurities to thoroughly cleanse and nourish the skin.

Pure & Gentle Moisturiser - this is a light, silky moisturiser blended with Organic Aloe Vera and Shea Butter that naturally soothes and repairs the skin replenishing it’s moisture balance.

What is the best piece of beauty advice you’ve been given?

Use the right skincare products for your skin type in order to achieve and maintain a healthy complexion. If you do this, your skin will receive the most benefits from the products you are using.

What does the future hold for Skincare with Compassion?
The company is very new but we want to change the way in which people think about skincare and that natural, cruelty-free and vegan beauty is the way forward. Being a compassionate company we are dedicated to raising awareness of animal welfare, ethical issues and skincare ingredients and we hope to expand our range in due course. By helping people make more compassionate choices in life, we can take a step forward to living in a much kinder world.

......end of interview......

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.

3 July 2018

Florence Italy
Italy is one of my favourite countries; good food and warm weather are a combination I crave for my summer holidays. My husband and I have previously visited Rome and Venice and knew that we had to return for our next adventure. This time we look a bit of a road trip using the railway. We flew into Bologna and caught the train to Florence, Pisa, Lucca (day trip), La Speiza (our base for visiting Cinque Terre) and flew home from Genoa (Genova). We used Airbnb for most of our accommodation which was a first for us.

Florence is a beautiful city but it was jam packed with tourists making sightseeing crowded and not much fun. We discovered quickly that visiting the attractions is made easier if you book in advance but our stop was short and didn’t work with availability. Truth be told my husband and I decided a while back that sometimes dragging ourselves around art galleries and museums isn’t much fun for us and often a waste of our money. We chose to wander the city, take in the architecture, eat gelato and enjoy the views from a different prospective. The heat was intense and the mosquitoes were viscous. 
Pisa Italy
After a couple of days we moved on to Pisa. Train travel was easy and inexpensive considering how much we pay to get into London. Most people day trip to Pisa but we stayed 3 nights and it was an absolute delight. By day it was a little crazy with crowds but when the tour buses left we practically had the city to ourselves. Pisa is a student town so we did have revellers outside our window at all hours but our apartment was a five minute walk to the Field of Miracles where the famous Leaning Tower is situated. Staying so close meant when we bought our day ticket for the attractions we could come and go as we pleased across the day. We joked how it was quicker to walk to our accommodation for the toilet than queue for the ones at the attractions. From Pisa we took a day trip to Lucca, a delightful old town with tiny lanes and piazzas. We meandered around grabbing lunch and gelato on our way. I attempted to climb one of the towers (Torre Guinigi) but the open stair case at the top was too much for my vertigo. The Leaning Tower had been easier because of the enclosed stone steps although I did have jelly legs at the top. 
Cinque Terre Italy
Our next stop was La Spezia, a lovely town in its own right but a convenient base for visiting the Cinque Terre a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of five coastal villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) each with their own unique ambience. It’s easily one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever visited; it took my breath away on more than one occasion. You can access the area by boat or train so we did a mix of the two (Corniglia is the only town you can’t visit by boat). There are hiking trails between the towns but the easier walks are currently closed because of past landslides. You have to be prepared for the crowds, it can be overwhelming and June isn’t regarded as peak season. You can find moments of solitude in the lanes away from the harbours and we only bumped into a few people on our walk through the vineyards in Manarola. My favourite memory on that walk was hearing the thunder rolling in over the mountains across the distant villages, it was magical.
Genoa Genova Italy
Genoa (Genova is the Italian spelling) was our final destination because it has an airport and made sense in terms of the direction we had travelled. We were unsure what to expect because it turns out despite the history and size of the town it’s relatively quiet with tourism in comparison to other Italian cities. We even noticed our guidebook (Rick Steves Italy 2018) didn’t give coverage. We quickly learnt through error that it is rough around the edges and it was the first time we had felt uncomfortable. Unlike Venice I would not recommend taking yourself off the beaten track and getting lost. We preferred to stick to central areas with tourist attractions and keep away from the old town. Genoa is a vertical city and there are lifts and funiculars to help save your legs from epic uphill climbs. I recommend the Ascensore Castello d'Albertis-Montegalletto as a unique experience. You ride in a compact blue box (sadly not the tardis!) which travels through a tunnel before turning into a lift to take you to street level above. The Funicolare Belvedere Righi was a steeper climb than I recall in comparison to Lisbon. There is a viewing platform at the top, a few trees get in the way but you still get a decent view across Genoa. There isn’t much else to do but the simple pleasure of riding this mode of transport was enough for us. 
Eating Vegan food in Italy, gelato, pasta, pizza
With the exception of Genoa I didn’t have any issues managing my dietary requirements. It was clear that the Vegan movement was making waves through tourist areas with most places boldly mentioning Vegano alongside Gluten Free options. I found vegan gelato with little effort even in the Cinque Terre. There are several Italian dishes which can be Vegan by default as long as you love tomatoes (Pomodoro) you’ll be good with spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce (opt for dried pasta as fresh often contains egg), Marinara pizza (doesn’t have cheese), focaccia (with olives or potato & rosemary are my favourites) and bruschetta. I also discovered Farinata, a flat pancake made from chickpea flour, water and olive oil. If you want to move away from the traditional, it was relatively easy. In Florence I found a Vegan burger and Vegan cafe for Gnocchi, in Pisa we found an adorable tiny counter/shop front where I had a tofu sausage sandwich. Genoa wasn't entirely without Vegan options  as the staples were available but I wasn't stumbling across options in the same way I had other places. When travelling I recommend using Happy Cow it's an excellent resources for Vegetarian and Vegan options. 

Italy steals my heart every time so I’m sure our next adventure will be just around the corner. 

Sarah x

Vegan Gelato
Il Procopio (Florence), Amorino (Florence), Gelateria Artigianale Rufus (Pisa), Il Gelato Di Toto (Pisa), Grelia Cremeria (Lucca), 5Terre Gelateria (Manarola), Il Gelateria Del Prione (La Speiza)

Noteworthy for Vegan food
Vegan Come Koala (Pisa), Universo Vegano (Florence), Il vegetariano e vegano di Marcella Bianchi (Florence, upstairs in the Mercato Centrale), Soup in Town (Lucca), the Vegan platter pictured was possibly from Ristoro Pecorino, I can't remember but it was not far from leaning tower on Via Santa Maria.

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