GREK Teas

For those of us who deserve a bit of luxury every now and then, this incredibly delicious infusion has to be a clear front-runner. If like us at TheAmazingBlog, you are used to the delicate flakes of more usual tea leaves, then prepare for a wonderful surprise when opening GREK’s monochromatic, but very stylish boxes. GREK even won an award at the Best of British Awards 2018 for their bespoke packaging design.

Grek are a young British company, specialising in 100% organically certified Greek teas. They ensure that no chemicals, pesticides or harsh substances are used – only nature’s goodness. The whole leaves and flowers are then shipped from Greece to the UK where they are thoroughly inspected, before being stored in climate controlled units, so they maintain their flavour and freshness, ready for further processing.

Whether it’s their Greek Loose-leaf Mountain Tea Whole Flowers or Peppermint Tea Pyramid Bags; you can rest safe in the knowledge that the leaves and flowers are as ‘fresh as a daisy’. GREK enlightened us that the leaves and flowers are picked at the crack of dawn each day, as the temperature is cooler, and thus better for drying bunches of flora in airy barns. Drinking GREK's tea, you can relax and be transported to the serenity of Greece, whilst savouring the notes of leaves, fruits and earthy tones, with a light floral element.

If you like your tea as pure as it can be, then these two delicious teas will be a hit. Our tip would be to avoid hurrying the process, instead steep the loose tea or pyramid bags for a good six minutes, which ensures you’ll get the desired, rounded and smooth taste. Kick back and enjoy some much-deserved pampering in a cup. The brand is suitable for vegetarians, with no artificial flavours, or preservatives. Being naturally caffeine free, and from a company that follows strict ethical production values, GREK tea equates to a cup of all-around wholesome goodness. Proof that we really can just sit back and relax!

I completely loved the Peppermint Tea (boxes of 20 bags for £8.95) and have to say next to fresh mint leaves, this is the best peppermint tea that I've ever had! I even used the bags twice as the flavours were still as piquant, zesty and vibrant as the very first cup. Although £9.95 for 25g of the Greek Mountain Tea Whole Flowers might sound pricey, it needn't just be saved for special occasions. Even for a 'generously sized mug', it only takes 2 teaspoons of these flowers to produce the magic, we can confirm that they were utterly delicious.

It's no surprise that GREK have collected a number of awards in recent months. Their achievements include a silver award at the Best of British Awards 2018 and a gold award at the Food and Beverage Awards 2018, for bespoke packaging design. More globally, they were also awarded a Merit in the ADC 9th Annual Awards, New York! We are certainly won over by this wonderful brand and can’t wait to try even more teas from their fantastic range. We urge you to ‘buy and try’ GREK teas, see here for the full collection.

Sass+Co - Volcanic Sea Salt & Coconut Scrub

Body positivity is crucial, and one we should all take steps in embracing with acceptance and love. Sass+Co’s philosophy is one to live by – 'respect for others and respect for oneself.' It’s as simple as that. In the digital age, it’s hard not to get caught up in comparisons between one another, as many of us have  witnessed the dreadful public celebrity body shaming! We support wholeheartedly Sass+Co’s mantra that 'beauty has no limitations'. The Amazing Blog applauds this company’s dedication to building confident women through this body care product.

Inspired by the earth goddess Pachamama (revered by the indigenous people of the Andes), Sass+Co's natural Volcanic Sea Salt + Coconut Scrub is the perfect bathroom treat for everyone. This Australian brand invites the unconventional and creates products aligned with their mission: Raw and honest. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, contains zero palm oil and nanoparticles, and even has sustainable packaging.

The vital earthy fragrance of the scrub is both light and natural and aids relaxation at the end of a busy day. The sea salt crystals add a gritty consistency to exfoliate, while stimulating blood flow and detoxing the outer body. Additionally, its properties also help heal psoriasis and eczema. The lemon peel essential oil improves circulation and brightens dull skin, and the coconut husk and hemp seed oil moisturise any dry and rough areas. The scrub also reduces cellulite and is anti-ageing. What can't this product do? To learn more about the scrub’s ingredients, and the associated benefits, click here. After using this product, our body felt invigorated and noticeably softer. We think that this could easily become an essential part of our body care routine.

You can purchase a 250g tub from their website for $35, or alternatively, you can purchase the product in a handy 70g resealable pouch for $12 here. For UK customers, there is also an option to pay via PayPal. Happy shopping!

Marina Miracle - Amaranth Face Oil & Night Serum

Skincare is an essential process in our daily regimen. Finding the perfect products that fight impurities, without irritating the skin, can be a challenge. The Amazing Blog noticed that the most coveted products are those created by people who understand our wants and needs from skincare. Marina Engervik, the founder of Marina Miracle, gets it. After being a victim of chemical-based skincare lines, Engervik found the solution with natural ingredients. Her formula treats all types of skin and is 100% natural. The Norwegian brand focuses its efforts on carefully selected ingredients, that are of high-quality, luxurious and safe. Marina Miracle products are both vegan and cruelty-free, and 90% certified organic.

We admired the company’s mission, which strives to be sustainable in all aspects of its business strategy – through the ingredients, packaging and supply chain. All packaging is made up of recycled paper and is compostable.  The company’s suppliers are chosen based on their respect for the environment, animals and people, by advocating to select fair-trade.  Additionally, when possible, products are shipped by sea.

The company’s drive to find natural alternatives, with healthier benefits, motivated us to try both the Amaranth Face Oil and Amaranth Night Serum. Both are anti-ageing and work to revitalise the skin. The face oil is hydrating and improves elasticity. After application, your skin is noticeably softer and left with a lasting glow. The all natural face oil has a soothing fragrance of ylang ylang and grapefruit and is made up of Scandinavian herbs, amaranth and Arctic cranberry extract.

The night serum’s aroma of oranges and flowers is soothing and refreshing. It contains amaranth, Argan, chia and natural fruit acids that rejuvenate and tone the skin. As you sleep, the serum soaks deep into the skin, moisturising and evening your complexion. After cleansing your face, shake the bottle well. Then, drip 4-6 drops onto the pads of your fingers, rub together and apply the product. Their Argan Night Serum recently won the 2018 Beauty Shortlist Awards Editor’s Choice. You can purchase the 28ml  Amaranth Face Oil here for £63 or the 28ml Amaranth Night Serum here for £87.

Equinox Kombucha

Micro-breweries appear to be popping up everywhere you look these days. At The Amazing Blog, we’re big supporters of the fledgeling companies who produce innovative and exciting new libations, to tickle the taste buds. One of the most interesting examples of this trend is from the Equinox Kombucha team, who began their story from a makeshift brewery in a Yorkshire bedroom, Hebden Bridge to be exact. Their history reads like a classic success story: friends take off around the world, head to East Asia, try a local tea, bring the concept back to Blighty, and embark on a whirlwind business, which grows and grows. It has not always been plain sailing for the team, particularly when the floods of 2015 threatened their future. Commendably, they have picked themselves up, dried themselves out, and returned even stronger; with a range of delicious products which can be found online, on their website, from other online retailers and in many supermarkets.

Green Tea fans will love the diverse flavours available. Our ultimate favourite is the Ginger infusion, closely followed by Raspberry and Elderflower. Both provide a fresh and unique alternative to common sparkling drinks, with a zing that could brighten you up even on the dullest of days. All of the ingredients are natural, and the fermenting process creates plenty of bubbles, to add some sparkle to the palate. There are two further flavours, the original, which compromises of simple, yet delicious flavours; and wild berry, which has a refreshingly fruity taste. Whichever you choose, however, you'll be safe in the knowledge that you are consuming a drink that is delicious, yet packed full of goodness.

Each bottle is priced according to the number of units purchased; however, a 12 pack brings the price to just £1.83 for a 275ml measure. Check out the Equinox Kombucha website to choose your favourite flavour. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, or if you're unsure of which delightful flavour to try, then there is also the popular option of a four elements tasting set. This compromises of 4 bottles, each in a different flavour, and can be purchased here for £7.99.

It's no surprise that Equinox Kombucha are picking up awards left, right and centre; having claimed two Great Taste Awards in both 2016 and 2017. Count us into the Equinox Kombucha revolution!

Esse - Repair Oil

Scaring of any size is a mark of life, but it’s no biggie to want to minimise their appearance. The trick is to find the right product. We prefer a natural product that will be gentle on the skin. Luckily, The Amazing Blog team discovered a Certified Organic treatment by Esse Probiotic Skincare, sure to reduce scarring on all skin types.

Esse was founded by Trevor Steyn, in South Africa, in 2002, after the formulating was complete. The company’s focus is on the probiotic microbes living in and on the skin. Their products create an environment on the surface that caters to the growth of beneficial microbes. Most importantly, Esse does not believe in harming skin in the quest for short-term results. As well as being Organic, Esse is vegan and cruelty-free. They also support fair trade and are a carbon neutral company. What’s not to love?

Esse’s Repair Oil is for all skin types, night treatment, and scar tissue repair. We’ve found that it does not leave excess residue on the fingertips after it’s been applied elsewhere. The golden hue of the oil disappears after it’s been rubbed into the skin, but the faint flower scent sticks around much longer.

We don’t know about you, but natural, readable ingredients get us excited. The Repair Oil contains a nourishing balance of omega fatty acids found in flax, marula, and rosehip. RegeMarula Oil includes anti-oxidants meant to strengthen and protect, as well as heal (as does rosehip oil). Not only does it contain fabulous omega fatty acids, but vitamin E is included in high doses to stimulate cell regeneration. Other advantageous oils include kalahari melon oil, which is high in omegas, and yangu and manketti, which are also high in omegas and omega-3s and demonstrate UV protective properties. Hello, healthy, stronger skin!

You can purchase Esse Probiotic Skincare Repair Oil 15ml for £36.00 here.