10 July 2018

Travel Holiday Natural Organic Skincare Hand Luggage Only
(includes gifted PR samples)

Travelling light with cabin only luggage is something I am slowly getting used to but the liquid allowance sends me into meltdown when it comes to my skincare. I make the separation anxiety a little easier by decanting favourites into 100ml bottles but sometimes that’s not practical due to the natural of the product. I’ll often top up on small samples or travel sized skincare and products which are multipurpose. Just for fun I thought I would run through a list of everything that came with me to Italy. Full disclosure I do take over my husband allowance he’s minimal with skincare and just uses mine.

Pictured above are the products that qualify for cabin allowance so they are 100ml or less. On this last trip we were trailing Green People sun creams so I have the scent free range of SPF 30 sun lotion (for body), facial cream and lip balm. I opted to take cleansing oil as balms don’t hold up well in the warm weather. I’m currently using Myroo (fragrance free) so that came along for the trip. I personally think oil cleansing is a great all rounder which easily removes daily grime without stripping the skin. I picked up Antipodes Skin-Plumping Minis simply for the Rejoice Light Day Cream as it’s one of my favourites. A little goes a long way with this cream so the 15ml size was ample and we didn’t use it up. I did travel with my Everyday Minerals powder foundation but also took along my Madara CC cream. This contains SPF and evens out skin tone; it simply gives me a little more confidence to go makeup free. I really liked how this stood up against the heat and I look half decent in our holiday photos. I also packed Ere Perez Carrot Pot in Harmony for cheek and lip colour but didn’t end up using it but that qualifies as a non-liquid so takes up no room or allowance. Lastly, I love that Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic are available in 15ml travel size and chose argan as a suitable all rounder. I know I can use this on my hair, face and body so if one of my other products runs out or I need additional hydration I’m covered. 
Travel Holiday Natural Organic Skincare Hand Luggage Only
My favourite products (shown above) were the ones I decanted into smaller bottles. You all know I can’t be without my Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo but my 500ml bottle isn’t travel friendly. My Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner also came along for the trip. Both my husband and I are currently using Sukin for Men body wash and you can see that’s another super size bottle only suitable for the bathroom. I was not about to part with my Evolve Organic Daily Defence Moisture Mist so that was a must have. I also included Green People Scent Free Body & Hand lotion as a good all purpose cream but truth be told I didn't end up needing it.

What are your travel essentials? Are there any beauty products you can't be without on your holiday?

Sarah x

21 October 2012

My favourite travel accessories
I'm someone who enjoys travelling but for some people the task of packing can often be daunting. Over the years I've pick up a few tips and tricks that make holiday planning a little easier. There's the obvious suggestions like roll your clothes for more space in a suitcase, shower caps are useful for covering soles of dirty shoes, take spare plastic or canvas bags for shopping/dirty laundry, carry a re-usable water bottle to refill in the airport and ziplock bags are a lifesaver for all sorts of occasions. I'm addicted to travel accessories and find them very useful. My collection is forever expanding so let me talk you through the items pictured above.

17 August 2014

A selection of Travel Trial Sized Kits for Weekends Away
Weekends away and short breaks are the perfect excuse to indulge my passion for travel sized skincare. Does anyone else get excited about mini toothpaste or is that just me? When travelling through airports there are restrictions on liquids. Containers must hold no more than 100ml and should be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which measures approximately 20cm x 20cm (click here for UK guidelines). The rules are different if your toiletries are packed into luggage which is checked into the aircraft hold.

Yes, you can easily decant your favourite skincare into smaller bottles but lets face it we all like an excuse to do a little shopping and try something new. I am planning a short break in Spain and have been browsing for pre-packaged skincare kits. As I was noting down products to buy, I thought I may as well share with you what I had my eye on. I have pictured above the following kits - Balm Balm Mini Organic Facial Kit, Nourish Mini Kits, Spiezia Organic Facial Starter Kit, Pai Essential Travel Kit, Trilogy Rosehip Collection, Living Nature Skin Minis, John Masters Organics Travel Kit, Antipodes Moisture Boost Minis and Dr. Hauschka Face Care Kit.

I was asked on my YouTube channel where I buy my products. When possible I try to buy direct from brands but there are plenty of websites that specialised in natural and organic skincare. I usually start off with Big Green Smile, MyPureOnly Naturals and Naturisimo. If you browse the Gift, Travel or Sample sections of these sites you will find some of the products I selected for this post. Also, keep an eye out for sites that sell individual samples or freebies with orders because you can put together your own personalised kit. It is stating the obvious but shop around because prices vary across websites. 

Sarah x

18 May 2013

Wanderlust is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world (Wikipedia)

I love to travel and was bitten by the bug in my teens. I have visited cities in American, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This is why the Wanderlust Tag appeals to me so I hope you enjoy watching - click here.

The questions for this tag are -
Your most treasured passport stamp?
Can you recite your passport number from memory if asked?
Preferred method of travel; planes, trains or automobiles?
Top 3 travel items?
Hostel or hotel?
Are you a repeat visitor or do you explore new places?
Do you read up on your destination or do you wing it?
Favourite travel website?
Where would you recommend a friend to visit?
You're leaving tomorrow, money is no option, where are you going?

If you are interested in catching up my travel blog posts, you can click through to read about these cities - AmsterdamRome Part 1Rome Part 2CalaisGran Canaria.

Sarah x

22 October 2022

Italy Rapello Portofino Santa Margherita Sestri LevanteI love Italy with its beautiful scenery, pizza and gelato. I recently was asked if it was expensive to holiday in Italy and my response is simply as with any destination it can be as cheap or luxurious as you want to make it. To travel around by train always feels affordable compared to home and a Marinara pizza usually sets me back five euros.

A few weeks ago we flew into Pisa and hopped a train up the coast to Rapello. The Italian Riveria is truly beautiful. Using Rapello as our base we visited Santa Margherita, Portofino and Sestri Levante. The weather was perfect, we ate plenty of pizza and gelato and had aching feet from wandering picturesque towns.

Next stop was Genoa where we embanked on a completely new to us travel experience; a cruise ship! We had found an cheap last minute deal and booked three nights/four days with MSC on board the Poesia. I always like to focus my travel stories on how I managed as a vegan with mild food allergies. I was absolutely worried about how I would cope on a ship but knew our time was short and I could always eat well when in port.

After booking the trip I complete a Special Needs form and the reply received was....

"Please note that on board you will find in all the menus in the bars, main restaurants, buffet, speciality restaurant a little note close to the list of food where is specified if food is Vegan, in case of any doubt do not hesitate to contact the personnel in the dining outlet and they will give you all the information required."

I felt that my allergies had been overlooked in the email which was disappointing. We boarded the ship at lunch time so we unashamedly made the lunch buffet our first stop. We scoured every inch of the buffet but there was never an indication on signs to state an item was Vegan. The hustle and bustle of onboarding was overwhelming. As a typical Brit, I struggled with having to catch the attention of staff to inquire about suitable food. You're also face with the most enormous buffet and I felt embarrassed to hold up a queue to ask questions. 
vegan food onboard MSC cruises
Our first formal evening meal was a bitter disappointment. The menu arrived with only one dish marked vegan; a main course. I spoke to the waiting staff and mentioned my allergies first followed with "I'm also vegan". There was a difficult moment where milk allergy was misunderstood and reference was made to lactose intolerance but I keep stressing the difference. As you may know these are two very different dietary needs. I was surprised that by registering a special needs form that staff didn't seem informed ahead of time. You are assigned a table where you are sat every evening so it wouldn't be impossible to do this, maybe? Once I stressed the fact I was also vegan I was told it counteracted my allergies because after all vegans exclude milk and eggs. With a heavy heart I sighed because cross contamination does matter. It's hugely important and my biggest risk is a stomach ache for others it could be anaphylactic shock. Moments later I proved that point when I couldn't select any bread from the basket because one of the choices available was a cheese topped roll.

What happened next was comical, keeping in mind I was also on a table of strangers. I had requested a salad for starter. It was an attempt to veganise an existing dish on the menu that evening. Out came quarter of an iceberg lettuce with tomato, carrot and possibly radish with no dressing. I was then served two bagels which were cold to the touch, as if they had been defrosted. I requested balsamic and olive oil in an attempt to make the salad more exciting. My main course was the only labelled vegan dish of Tuscan style stewed legumes. I skipped dessert as I was only offered fruit platter or lemon sorbet. After four days of vegan cakes, croissants and ice cream in Italy, a fruit platter was the most boring things I could be offered (not to mention my OAS).
dinner menu msc cruise poesia
Our waiter advised me to pre-order for the next evening informing me that they could adapt dishes. To keep things easy I opted for the vegetarian starter minestrone soup followed by the vegan dish of spinach, quinoa and potato burger. For the third evening we ended up skipping the formal dining last minute but my choices had been carrot & ginger soup and Tofu morsels (stir-fry).

I'm not much of a breakfast person and with the hurdles of an unlabelled buffet I stuck to the classics. Fruit was readily available and I cobbled together some beans on toast. I did manage to hunt down plant milk but it was only upon request.
travel, Italy, Spain and France
As I found the level of food onboard to be average at best I made the most of my time in port. I had gelato from Amorino in Marseille. In Palma de Mallorca I ate some wonderful empanadas at Las Muns, a giant cookie from Anita Cakes and ice cream at Rivareno. We left the boat in Barcelona and I had a late lunch at Green & Burger. 
vegan food in Palma, Marseille, Barcelona
I'd like to think that other cruise companies may handle allergies and a vegan diet better but it's unlikely we will cruise again. It wasn't just about the food but we actually didn't enjoy the experience of this style of travel. I certainly wasn't disappointed with the ship or our room but I hated being stuck with so many other people. You really noticed the volume of tourists when three cruises come into port at the same time.

I don't expect the world to accommodate me all the time and I understand I'm fortunate to have never experienced anaphylactic shock. However some foods make me really sick and it ruins a holiday to be caught out. If you can't accommodate my needs just be honest and I'll make sure to pack lots of snacks. 

Sarah x

Note: MSC should also reconsider their formulation of body wash and shampoos, although permitted the inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was not welcomed by me.

30 April 2020

Ohelo leakproof bottles and travel cups
(this is not sponsored content)

As you may have noticed I have been trying to offer my support to brands as we go through lockdown. I don't earn my living through my site and I choose to share products and brands that are of genuine interest to me. Today I would like to introduce you to Ohelo, a family run business based in London, who produce high quality insulated reusable bottles and tumblers.

6 November 2018

Christmas Gift Guide, SueMe, The Ethical Gift Box, Love to B, Thought Clothing, Slice of Green
Disclaimer - contains affiliate links & sponsored/ad content

As I wander around the shops I’m mindful of how much plastic packaging can often be found in fancy gift boxes. This year my Christmas Gift Guide will focus on environmental matters.  If there is one thing we all take away from the year it’s the devastating images of a turtle with a straw in its nostril, the seahorse carrying a cotton bud and the miles of floating waste in our oceans. I want to offer alternatives which could go a little way to have a better impact on our future.

Reusable items could reduce on the number of single use plastic items a person uses so how about the gift of a bottle or cup. There are many options for coffee cups but I’ve chosen the rCUP Black & Mustard Reusable Coffee Cup because it’s made from 40% recycled paper cups. For those that travel or are not coffee drinkers then a stylish bottle might be an option. I’ve had my eye on Chilly's Bottle for their bold and trendy designs and S'well bottles are elegantly understated.

I take my own lunch to work every day so I’ve been looking at alternatives to Tupperware. Check out Slice of Green stainless steel lunch boxes which come in different size and shapes. For those that eat lunch out you have the option to ditch the takeaway plastic cutlery for a stylish Bambu reusable cutlery set made from bamboo. For the ultimate reusable gift, Content Beauty has a Zero waste set which includes straw, lunch box, cup, cutlery, reusable food wraps and cotton carry bag. 

I don’t know about you but pants (underwear) and socks are a long time Christmas tradition in our household I don’t recall a single year without receiving one or the other. My husband has been trialling SueMe “tree trunks” which are made from 95% Beech Tree pulp, the fibre Modal is manufactured in Austria. When I removed them from the outer packaging I was surprised how silky soft they felt to the touch. There is care and attention to the design in terms of the waistband and placement of seams. My husband says he finds these trunks very comfortable to wear. I also like that a small packet of beech birch and wildflower seeds are included with your purchase. Womens underwear (Beech Shorties) also available and if you want to pair them with some novelty socks then I picked out Snowman Christmas Bamboo Socks from Thought Clothing.

As a beauty lover I’m all about the gift of good skincare and with natural and organic brands you are pretty much guaranteeing a better ethos for the environment. For those keen to avoid plastic bottles trying opting for glass packaging like Bodhi & Birch The Superfood Series Mini Discovery set or Pure Thoughts Ritual Kits contain a combination of bath salts, soap, body oil and pulse point or candle tailored to an aromatherapy mood. A Tutti Frutti soap from Love to B would make a great stocking filler for kids. For the eco-conscious makeup lover Kjaer Weis is the ultimate luxury product. The stylish and stunning compacts are not only beautiful but also refillable. For anyone with sensitive skin refer back to my Gift Guide from last year, products and brands featured are still available.

Family and travel are at the heart of the Ethical Gift Box having established the business through a years travel across Asia with three children. The Ethical Gift Box brings together carefully curated items many of which are handcrafted from recycled or renewable materials. I think this is the perfect gift idea for those who enjoy giving and receiving products that are artisan, unique and ethical in comparison to what you may find on the high street. You can shop by occasion, budget and ethics (vegan, British made, fairtrade, recycled etc). The Ethical Gift Box offers tailored gift sets to suit everyone and there is the choice of pre-made boxes or create your own. As there are so many beautiful gift sets it's difficult for me to chose a favourite box but I particularly like the For Him Vegan Wash Box which contains Mens Upcycled Innertube Wash Bag, Bamboo Charcoal Soap, Botanic Man Balm & Beer & Bay Shampoo Bar and The Office De-Stress Box with a Handloomed Fabric & Wood Elephant Paper Clip Tidy/Diffuser, Eucalyptus, Geranium & Peppermint Essential Oil, Keep Going' Sustainable Rubberwood Coaster & Graze Snack.

Post Christmas check out Buengo a marketplace for good where you can sell things you no longer need and donate the proceeds to a charity of your choosing. Alternatively if you’ve decided to have a minimalist Christmas and skip presents Buengo offer virtual products (a sleeping bag for a homeless person or a year of schooling for a student in Kenya) so you could ask people to donate on your behalf.

Happy Shopping everyone!

Sarah x

25 July 2011


UPDATE 2018: The travel kit I was speaking about no longer exists and the closet one available is pictured above.

Madara Eco Cosmetics is a brand I know and love. I recently won (via Twitter) the new travel/trial kit which was perfect timing for my trip to Amsterdam. For those of you that have not heard of Madara it is a natural and organic skin care and make up brand which originates from Latvia. You will not find any chemical nasties in this product range.

The kit retails for £6.95 and contains 5 items - delicate cleansing milk 25ml, deep balance toner 5ml x 2, deep moisture fluid 5ml, regenerating night cream 5ml, eye repair cream 3ml.

It is the perfect way to try these products or if you are already a fan then it saves you the hassle of de-canting your larger sizes. I do not have a bad thing to say about this brand. Also, I can recommend for sensitive skins as I have had no problems with irritation. My favourite product from this collection is the cleanser not only does it perform well but the smell reminds me of marzipan, which I adore. 

Has anyone else tried Madara? What did you think?

Sarah x

26 November 2013

Review Mel Millis Organic Daily Travel Trio
A while ago I wrote an introduction article about Mel Millis. Tracey, the founder, was kind enough to send me the Organic Daily Travel Trio which contains cleansing oil, toner and moisturising oil all wrapped up in an elegant plantable seeded paper bag. The trio is available in 3 different combinations; the variation is the toner and moisturiser so you will have a choice to make when ordering.

Cleansing oils work well for my skin type and I enjoy using them to remove the daily grim. It will come as no surprise to some of you when I say I am enjoying using this product. I think it is very hard to fault cleansing oil as long as you find a good combination of ingredients you are on to a winner. Mel Millis only have the one cleansing oil which should suit all skin types. It contains Jojoba which is chemically similar to human sebum, avocado oil which is renowned to have healing and regenerating properties, Apricot oil which is an excellent moisturiser and Pomegranate oil which promotes skin firmness and protects against skin-damaging free radicals.

The toner is available in neroli, chamomile, citrus and geranium. I always find a toner is handy to use with cleansing oils or balms especially if you think they are a little heavy. Toners help wipe away any residue, makeup you may have missed and prep the skin for moisturiser. Neroli isn’t my favourite fragrance but Mel Millis wasn’t to know that. It’s not a reflection on the product it is purely personal taste. 

I am gaining an addiction to using facial oil as a night time treatment. You can apply during the day if you wish but I like to let it work its magic overnight so I can wake up looking ten years younger. Even though I jest, the Rose and Pomegranate oil is lovely and my skin appears to appreciate the ingredients. This is a good product for mature, dry or irritated skin.

All three products are certainly enjoyable but do have strong scents which may not be to everyone’s taste. If memory serves me correct, the fragrance of the Rose & Pomegranate moisturiser reminds me of Bodhi’s Desert Rose. One minor criticism is the website only lists INCI ingredients, which is a requirement but I think customers could benefit from an English version alongside. 

I would regard Mel Millis as a high end brand but I do feel you are getting quality ingredients for your money.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR samples, links are not affiliated, 100% my own opinion from testing products

31 May 2016

ten 10 summer holiday essentials vacation
I am looking forward to my Summer holiday and whilst chatting about it with Amber of Amber's Beauty Talk, we decided to write a collab piece on our summer holiday essentials. Here are my ten picks for your suitcase this summer.

1. Suncream
We all know the importance of using SPF but in the past I have found some natural formulations too heavy or sticky and ended up with prickly heat rash. Saying that I have found over the years natural SPF formulations are improving and I often use Lavera

2. Lip Balm
Sometimes we forget to protect the smaller areas of our bodies like mouth, ears and bottom of our feet. The latter are worth protecting when dangling them over the edge of a boat on a sailing trip. For lips I’d suggest Hurraw Sun Lip Balm which is vegan and uses non nano zinc oxide for sun protection. 

3. Hair care
Sunshine, swimming pools and the beach can often have a negative effect on my hair so I like to protect my colour and limit the frizz. I find hair oil is a great way to add softness and moisture. I’m currently loving Evolve Nourishing Hair Elixir which is available in two sizes – 30 ml & 10ml – the smaller size is handy for travel and airport security. 

4. Skincare - Facial
Tinted moisturisers are great for summer days and warm evenings. There are plenty of natural and organic options with or without SPF. I like the Madara Moon Flower Tinted Fluid but if you want a product with SPF then I know the Green People Age Defy SPF15 DD Tinted Moisturiser is popular. 

5. Skincare – Body
If you have spent time in the sun your skin should receive some extra pampering and an aftersun product is essential. Your favourite body butter or lotion is a great place to start but if you have caught the sun and need soothing then the old faithful aloe vera is a must have. You might like to try Sukin Aloe Vera Gel.

6. Travel stress
Some of us find travelling stressful and at times like this I rely on aromatherapy products. I am never without my Bloom Remedies Serenity Slumber Pillow Mist which also comes in a pulse point roll on which is pocket/purse friendly. Check out the Bloom Remedies Wellness Therapy range which also includes Peaceful Mind, Clear Vitality and Deep Release.

7. Insect repellent 
Exotic locations might mean you have to protect yourself against pesky little biters. Try Odylique Mosimix a body oil with a lemony aroma or Intelligent Nutrients Bug Repellent Serum.

8. Nails
I don’t know about you but flip flops need some glamorous toes to shimmer and sparkle at the pool. Little Ondine is a firm favourite. I love the fact that you can change up your look quickly because these polishes simply peel off (also one less product to carry as you don’t need nail polish remover). Use my *code ASC10 to receive 10% discount on orders.

9. Wet Wipes
I always have a pack of wet wipes to hand. They are great for sticky fingers and freshening up at the beach. I discovered the Yes To range on my last trip when I grabbed a travel pack in the airport. Even though these are facial cleansing wipes I have used to clean my hands. Yes To’s ingredients were a better choice in a Boots store when compared to other brands available.

10. Hair removal
If you are someone who opts to shave rather than wax then Bathing Beauty And Personal Ladies Shave Oil contains calendula and hypericum to calm and soothe the skin when shaving. For the men there is the Up Close shave oil. 

Sarah x

14 July 2011

travel sugarpuffish adventure map photo
I am so ready to put the out of office on at work and ditch this place for an adventure. There is nothing I love more than to travel. I've had the bug for some time now. We travelled overseas as a family when I was younger but my biggest solo adventure was a working holiday for 12 months in Australia. After I finished University I really struggled to fit back into home life and settle into finding work that I was passionate about. No one prepares you for the sense of loss I experienced after graduation. It was with a heavy heart that I returned home to the UK and I backpacked on and off for months but eventually I faced the fear of settling down with the promise to never stop travelling. 

July is my birthday month and my partner has booked us a trip to Amsterdam. I look forward to switching off from life and feeling that sense of adventure once again. Along with new sights and sounds, I'm looking forward to browsing a supermarket, does anyone else love that? There is nothing I love more than finding a few hidden free from treats that I can bring back in my suitcase.

If you have any suggestions of what we might see and do in Amsterdam, then leave me a comment below. For all my beauty lovers, I will be back next week with a new review and I'll be talking about the Suti cleansing balm.

Take care and don't miss me too much

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

22 June 2011

I have already mention that the Boyfriend and I are on holiday so yesterday we took a day trip to Calais, France.  I guess it is one of the excellent things about living in the UK you can be in Europe in an hour.  It was a fun day out and something that we had not done since we were kids.  I think the days of the cheap supermarket shopping have long gone but you can get more variety with well known brands e.g. all the different Haribos (I am such a kid).

The fun part of the day (least favourite for the BF) was the French chemists and Sephora.  Here I could find brands that we have in UK but the difference is you can find the entire range not just select products as is often the case at home. Prices were not necessarily any cheaper but you obviously save on postal/shipping charges.  I recognised brands such as Klorane, Melvita, Nuxe, Caudalie, Bioderm, L'Occitane, Yves Rocher, Vinchy, Avene, La Roche-Posay, 

Sadly, my budget did not allow mass spending but I did treat myself to a Caudalie travel pack (8/9 euros).  I have always wanted to try this brand so I thought a mini collection was a good place to start.  The pack contains cleansing water, face cream, body cream, shower gel and shampoo.  Caudalie is a brand which is free from  parabens, mineral oils, SLS, artificial colours, phthalates and phenoxyethanol. Another great discovery at the Hypermarkets was finding everyday brands in the shampoo and shower gel aisles that were labelled free from certain ingredients and at the very least no parabens.  

I picked up a shower gel for less than 3 euros. It is not 100% free of junk but does not have parabens, colourants, phtalate, or phenoxyethanol. I chose the Mango fragrance and it smells amazing. 





My photos include Calais Town Hall, Calais Theatre, French Beach Huts and our Hypermarket haul. 

Sarah x

21 April 2016

Sugarpuffish Honeymoon in Venice, Italy
I love Italy and Venice had been on my travel list for quite some time so I was super excited when it fell into place for our Honeymoon. I had read that visiting in the Spring was the best time to go and I would have to agree with that. 

3 July 2011


Travel Green, Natural and Organic Beauty Brands from USA
Now I know you are all celebrating your independence from the British but I wanted to wish my American followers a Happy Fourth of July. I hope you are all having a great weekend and enjoying your celebrations? I think the USA is a fascinating country, so much so that I have a degree in the subject (no jokes BA Hons!). There is so much more of the country I want to see and so far I've ticked San Francisco, Yosemite, LA, San Diego, Washington DC, Boston and Florida off my list. I took the above picture and it's one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley. From here you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall with Half Dome in the background. The landscape is breathtaking and this truly was a magical experience to be surround by nature on this scale.

When it comes to natural and organic beauty, the US has a number of brands to choose from and it's a growing market. Labelling and safety regulations do vary from the EU so that's something you need to be mindful of especially if you have allergies. In theory any product being sold here in the UK should be complying with our cosmetics regulations but I know from experience sometimes that isn't always the case. If you are ordering direct from indie brands through sites like Etsy, then you may notice a difference with ingredient labelling.

Probably one of the most ionic brands available is Dr Bronner's, their castille soaps are legendary. It's certainly a product that I can't be without and affordable too. Other brands to look out for are 100% Pure, Indie Lee, Josh Rosebrook, Kjaer Weis, Kypris, Badger Balm, Leahlani, Meow Meow Tweet, Soapwalla, Acure Organics, Rahua Haircare and Tata Harper. As the popularity for natural and organic skincare continues to grow, I am sure we will see more US brands step into the UK/EU market.

To shop these brands from the UK then I recommend visiting sites such as Naturisimo and Content Beauty and Wellbeing.

Sarah x

27 October 2012

Travel Rome Italy
Travelling is one of my passions and once you get the bug you really can’t stop. I am fortunate to have seen many cities around the world and this week I visited Rome, Italy. I guess this blog post is the modern equivalent to popping over to my place for nibbles and a holiday slide show.

Let me start with a few basics details which could be useful for planning your own trip. We ended up catching a bus from Fiumicino airport to Termini Station. There were a number of shuttle companies competing for our Euros. You simply buy tickets from booths in the terminal. We paid €5 each with TAM and on our return journey we picked up the Atral coach for €4 each. 

We stayed at The Blue Hostel which is “a hostel with hotel style rooms”. It is situated near the Termini Station in a typical Italian apartment block. We were in a flat that had been converted into a couple of double rooms. I can not fault the accommodation it was clean, modern with en-suite, TV, free WIFI and air conditioning. There were a couple of minor issues which I think are worth mentioning. You have to be prepared to trek up three flights of stairs not an easy task after a day of sightseeing and we had a couple of power cuts during the night. It only became a problem for us because it kept tripping a burglar alarm which woke us up several times. I would advise taking a torch we did return one evening and had to climb the stairs in the pitch dark. 

Our Hostel owner suggested we buy Roma Passes for €30 each. It allows you free entry to the first 2 museums or archaeological sites, reduced ticket prices at other museums/sites and free use of public transport. It was worth every cent when it came to the Colosseum as you get to jump the long queues. Like most cities in the world, Rome has a petty crime problem. Unfortunately, pick pocketing is common place along with beggars and peddlers. You just need to be sensible. Be aware of your belongings; don’t carry valuables or large sums of cash and a money belt is definitely advisable.

That’s the practicalities now on to the fun part. We had four days in Rome and the weather was amazing, a very sweaty 26 degrees. My feet were very sore and I gained a few blisters but I still enjoyed myself. We visited the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican City (Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica), Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The food was delicious and I found it relatively easy to follow my dietary requirements but I shall do a separate post about my experiences. 

Until next time - Arrivederci

Sarah x

11 November 2012

Spirit of Christmas Fair 2012
How is everyone doing? Since getting back from Rome I have not been up to much. Generally I am not someone who gets excited for Christmas but last weekend, thanks to a free ticket from Abahna, I visited the Spirit of Christmas Fair. I had to travel to Kensington Olympia and I met up with one of my cousins.

I was so busy shopping I forgot to put my blogger hat on and take lots of photos. I hope you don't mind but I am not going to show you my shopping. I know the people I brought presents for read my blog so I don't want to spoil any surprises. I have to say I thought this fair was better than the Ideal Home Show at Christmas which I went to last year. It wasn't as overwhelming and the exhibitors were familiar to me. It was nice speaking to brands I love and have reviewed such as Elizabeth's Daughter and Jane Maddern. 

Pictured below was my weekend haul from my local health food store. Most of these are regular favourites. The Vegusto Mediterranean slices were new to me. I used them as a topping on a home made pastry slice. They worked well and I enjoyed the flavour but I do think they were a bit expensive. 
Pictured above is a Vegan banana chocolate chip cake I made. I send thanks to my fellow dairy free friend Nicola as she introduced me to Chef Chloe. Her cookbook is now on my Christmas list. This weekend I am dog sitting. I've been catching up with my friend and indulging in a curry which I picked up from Cook, I had forgotten how much I like their Roasted Vegetable & Chickpea Curry. There isn't a huge choice for Vegans but what I have tried has always been delicious. So that's all folks. Let me know what you have been up to in the comment section below.

Sarah x

24 July 2018

review Love Lula, Antipodes, Sukin, Ere Perez, Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic
(I participate in the Love Lula Blogger Programme and can select products from their site, I am not obligated to review)

Last month I had travel on my mind. Since we were only taking cabin baggage to Italy I was on the look out for products below 100ml. I chose the Antipodes Skin-Plumping Minis simply for the Rejoice Day Cream which is one of my favourite products. I first reviewed it back in 2012 so I hope that goes to show how genuine my love is for this moisturiser. I adore the sugary vanilla scent and how it feels on my skin. It's super hydrating without feeling heavy. In the Skin-Plumping Minis set you also receive Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum, unfortunately as it contains linalool I have to pass it on to someone else to use.

Rosehip is one of my all time favourite ingredients so a travel sized Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic Rosehip Cell-Regenerating Face Oil was an easy choice. I had a last minute change of mind when packing and I actually ended up taking their Argan oil away with me but either way Ooh! is a good brand. I've used their oils many times before and would always recommend you check them out.


swatch ere perez olive oli lipstick in cocktail
I'm totally rubbish at picking makeup colours online and Ere Perez Olive Oil Lipstick in Cocktail wasn't exactly as I envisage. It's described as "Earthy Rose" which makes sense now I see it in person. Cocktail is a colour you can swipe for tint or build for intensity. At first I was a little unsure but it's growing on me. I prefer a hint of colour so apply gently. The formulation is very easy to wear and non-drying, in fact I often forget I'm wearing it which is unusual for me. You know I love Ere Perez as I've reviewed numerous products from them and rarely do they disappoint me.

My final product is Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub. Lets just get it out there that I exfoliator once a month. The only variation on this might be on my summer holiday if my sun cream leaves me feeling greasy and overloaded. I'm a firm believer that most people over use exfoliators which contributes to skin issues and micro damage. That being said when I do buy a facial scrub it has to be very gentle, I can't stand anything which scratches or feels overly gritty. The Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub ticks all the right boxes. The exfoliating particles are held in a lotion and it feels gentle and soft on my skin. Up until this point my exfoliator of choice has been Antipodes Reincarnation but Sukin has impressed me as a budget friendlier alternative.

If you are interested in any of the products mentioned I've linked to brand websites or online stockists.

Sarah x

23 September 2014

Dr Bronner's Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray
Dr Bronner's castile soap has been a staple part of my routine for a long time. I have recently started to branch out and explore some of their other products. When I travel, I like to carry with me a hand sanitiser. Normally I favour wipes but this time I decided to buy Dr Bronner’s Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray because it comes recommended.

Pardon the pun but I found this sanitiser spray very handy. I am not a fan of public toilets, you are guaranteed a lack of hand soap and loo roll. A hand sanitiser obviously does not compensate for properly washing your hands but at least it gives peace of mind in these awkward situations. I was concerned the spray may dry out my skin but I did not notice any problems. It's mildly moisturising probably from the glycerine (Ingredients: 62% Organic Ethanol, Water, Organic Glycerin and Organic Lavender Oil). I am a huge fan of lavender so I love the fragrance. I also ended up using the spray as an air freshener and bedtime sleep aid. When travelling with cabin allowance it is nice when you can make a product multifunctional.

I think Dr Bronner's Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray is a great product for a good price. It would be lovely to see it available in more fragrances because I know not every one is keen on Lavender.

Sarah x

16 March 2012

I have spent the past week with my friend in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria. We had great weather, nice accommodation and delicious food.  The only downside to the resort was it was geared towards the Brits abroad.  I hate the English restaurants offering fry ups and chips with every meal.  I never understand why some Brits bother getting on a plane if they refuse to eat the local cuisine.  My friend and I did manage to seek out a couple of authentic Spanish restaurants which were away from the resort centre.  I filled my belly with Papas Arrugadas and Mojo.  For those that do not know this is a traditional Canarian dish of small potatoes which are cooked in salted water then baked so the skins become wrinkly.  They are then served with a pepper sauce called Mojo.


I thought I would share with you some of the skincare products I took with me on my travels.
Bodhi Palmarosa Verde Body Wash
Lavera After Sun
Elizabeth's Daughter Intensive Moisturiser
Dr Organic Rose Otto Hand cream
Macadamia Nut Oil
Dr Organic Manuka Face Scrub
Alva Pimple Stick
Crazy Rumors Amaretto Lip Balm
Lily Lolo Natural Lip Gloss in English Rose


I also took away some new products which I had been sent.  Once I get back into the swing of things then I will be doing full reviews.  In the meantime here are a couple of holiday pictures.
Pictured above is the view from our apartment balcony.  We stayed at the Cala Nova.  Puerto Rico is built into the cliffs on either side of a valley 

We took a ferry to the neighbouring resort of Puerto de Mogan (pictured above) which is dubbed "La Venecia de Canarias" (the "Venice of the Canaries").  

Sarah x

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