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Lavera - Sweet Moments Body Lotion & Body Wash

We’re well aware of how difficult the quest can be to find effective, organic and sustainable skincare products. That’s why, at The Amazing Blog we’d like to reacquaint you with one of our favourite brands Lavera, which is an organic, vegan and 100% certified natural skincare.  Regular readers will know how much we love this brand, with many of their products featured here. Their mission is a simple one, and we particularly like that they practice what they preach.

The founder of Lavera, Thomas Haase dedicated his life to achieving his vision of producing organic and natural beauty. Over forty years on, it is still a family run business with their production in Germany. The range now has over 300 plant-based products, with organic ingredients sourced from all around the globe. Lavera is a multi-award-winning brand, which serves as a testament to their hard work and success.

We were very kindly sent their latest collection of Sweet Moments Body Lotion & Body Wash which we tried, tested and loved by all. The elegant duo pack comprises of a refreshing Body Wash as well as a nourishing Body Lotion. As we’re into the winter months, they couldn’t be more perfect to help nurture and protect the skin from the cold weather. Enriched with organic plum and vanilla, our skin felt pampered and healthy - the warm, inviting and subtle fragrance is an absolute treat for the senses. Both products nourish the skin, the Body Wash gently cleanses, while the Body Lotion quickly absorbs giving the skin suppleness. Also to quickly to mention with both these products, a little goes a very long way. Why not treat yourself or your loved ones to this body care duo this Christmas, at a very affordable £15.95 see here to purchase.

La Sultane de Saba - The Rose Facial Set & Pouch

La Sultane de Saba walks you through the timeless beauty secrets of women who have passed these down through generations of mothers and daughters. This French spa brand has been created around ancient and proven beauty rituals, thus creating the perfect alchemy between beauty, wellness and authenticity. Here at The Amazing Blog, we discovered the enchanting properties of this brand when we reviewed their popular trio of products in their  Hammam Ritual Kit last year. With their range of products, La Sultane de Saba takes you on a ‘journey’ harnessing rare and precious ingredients that are sourced from all over the world.

The founder, Vanessa Sitbon inherited these beauty secrets from the Hammam that belonged to her family at Fes, in Morocco. She has carefully curated her brand, where each of the ingredients used is based on its unique and magical authenticity. We love that this natural skincare brand delivers products with a multitude of scents, colours and ingredients. And that it has been a recipient of a number of awards including the reputed CosmetiqueMag Award, The Beauty Shortlist Awards and the H. Pierantoni Innovation Award

Today we are reviewing The Rose Facial Care Pouch it harnesses the subtle yet mesmerising essence of rose, with a collection of skincare that helps to plump, repair and intensely moisturise the complexion. It includes three beautiful products, the BB Rose Bride’s Day Cream, Rose Night Balm and Bride’s Elixir. The BB Rose Bride’s Day Cream works as both a beautifier and a concealer for all imperfections and promotes an all-day healthy glow. With ingredients such as shea butter to nourish and heal, the sweet almond oil feeds and softens the skin with the vitamins A, B & E, while the rose offers calming, soothing and toning. The Rose Night Balm blesses the skin with a comforting and rich yet silky texture with sunflower oil, sugar and Damas rose essential oil all revitalising and nourishing. This product penetrates through the skin easily leaving it feeling reinvigorated until the next morning. Last but not the least, the Bride Elixir is a spritz to promotes a clear and glowing complexion courtesy of its natural ingredients which include rose geranium for balancing, calming and acts as gentle astringent, while the orange blossom is refreshing, hydrating, toning, anti-inflammatory. The combination simultaneously leaves an enriching rose fragrance on the skin and can be sprayed directly onto the skin or on cotton wool then applied.

This is an artisan brand with natural and certified organic products, they assemble each product by hand, and wherever possible they are packaged in glass.  All products are free from parabens, silicones or microbeads and are cruelty-free.  La Sultane de Saba also prides itself on working primarily with fair trade co-operatives. We think that The Rose Facial Care Pouch is the perfect gift for this Christmas to give to a loved one, or even to yourself! Its magnificent effects will leave you feeling pampered and looking your very best this festive season. This is one of our favourite gift sets and can be purchased for £79 here or each of the products can be purchased singularly.

Friday Favourites with CBD brands

We don’t know about you, but we’re intrigued by the wave of CBD products that have suddenly appeared. This is a topic often discussed at The Amazing Blog and something that we’re just starting to bone up on and today we hope to enlighten you a little too. We have three different cannabidiol (aka CBD) brands to talk about, and review. As far as we can gather the benefits of CBD are numerous and they need to be demystified in regard to the belief that they contain psychoactive properties – they don’t! The critical thing to look for is a brand that has good manufacturing practice.

As a rule of thumb, there two major types are of CBD which are either ‘full spectrum’ and ‘broad spectrum’. The full spectrum contains a tiny quantity of tetrahydrocannabinol (aka THC) which less than 0.2%; which gives the ‘entourage effect’, (meaning the benefit you get from ingesting multiple components of the cannabis plant) which is driven by all the natural cannabinoids and terpenes. These can assist with a range of conditions such as anxiety, inflammation and sleep disorders, whereas the broad spectrum has a process that reduces the cannabinoids and eliminates the THC. This type proves a popular choice with athletes or those in the public sector who may be subject to random drug testing, and don’t want to have any ‘false positives.’  Often there is a choice of 'filtered oil’ which is softer on the palate and easier to take, or a 'raw oil' which is processed by C02 extraction (no heat). The raw oil is best used for pain relief as it has an increased ‘entourage effect’ with the increased plant nutrients such as terpenes, flavonoids and phytosterols offering more plant matter and giving it a thicker consistency. The disadvantage of this raw version is that it has a very strong flavour (slightly more bitter and earthy tasting) and this extraction method is costly for brands. 

Let’s start with Brown’s CBD; founder Laurence Brown set up the company after experiencing the holistic power of CBD for the first time at university. This inspired him to forge ahead, start his own company and to offer great pharmaceutical quality CBD products at market leading pricesBrown’s CBD has a great select of CBD oils (full and broad Spectrum, filtered and raw) and they also have ‘water-soluble’ CBD which is ideal to be mixed with food, drinks or protein shakes plus up to 4 times more effective than the oil when ingested. 

We were sent their Golden CBD Hemp Oil 1000mg 10% CBD.  This is filtered oil and full spectrum made with organic hemp cannabis sativa CBD oil which is reliably sourced from in the EU.  It contains cannabinoids such as CBDACBDVCBCCBN, CBG & THC (0.2%). Although this is a filtered oil it is actually extracted by the C02 extraction method used for raw oils but this undergoes an extra filtration process which gives it a smoother taste and more of a golden colour compared to other filtered oils.  All of their bottles come in small dark UVA proof black bottles with a pipette. We strategically took this at night time to help aid relaxation and sleep. Using the pipette, we put 3 or 4 drops for sublingual absorption (under the tongue) and held it there for up to 60 seconds before swallowing. We have to say, from our experience, this is the first 10% CBD oil that we’ve found to be palatable and quite pleasant tasting. Did it help to take the edge off our day? Yes, I can confidently say that our tester’s sleep patterns definitely improved when taking it regularly.  You too can buy Brown’s CBD  Golden CBD Hemp Oils here starting from £39.99 for 10ml.

Next brand is CBD ONE  who have been at the forefront of launching CBD here in the UK. They offer a variety of CBD products ranging from oils, topical creams, and water-soluble products. They sent us their AbsorbPure+ this is a little different from the CBD oil and is in the form of a water-soluble paste that has a  mixture curcumin, vegetable glycerine, triglycerides, terpenes and bioavailable cannabis paste. Absorb has three products in the range, all of which are water-soluble and are for single daily use only. The key ingredient here is the ‘bioavailability cannabis paste’ which refers to how much of the active ingredient your body can use – here they say 99%. This product also contains THC with levels below 0.2% with the actual CBD content at 800mg making this Pure+ a high concentration paste with over 50 servings per 10ml syringe and delivery 16mg of CBD per dose. They claim that this is 10 times more effective than an equivalent oil-based product.

We used this by mixing it with water or fruit juice and have to say that the paste was a tad spicy and earthy and perhaps not the most delicious taste, but with the curcumin, it helps add a double whammy for those looking to aid from joint and muscle pain.  They also say that you can pump one dose straight into the mouth and swallow (we weren’t that brave!) One of us dosed up on this regularly in the mornings, prior to going to the gym. They have had various ongoing joint pain and did find with taking this regularly that there was a certain amount of relief. If you’re looking for a high concentrate water-soluble CBD then this is for you see here for 10ml £69.99amd 20ml £128.78.

Finally, meet Hemptouch a Slovenian brand that we’ve had our eye on for a while having first discovered the brand when they won a prestigious Wellbeing Award from our client The Beauty Shortlist for their CBD Spray Chocolate 300mg  and CBD Oil Amber 500mg. Silvija Špehar is the co-founder biologist and herbalist who has used hemp in her formulas to enhance, balance and nourish from the inside out with both the sublingual, ingestible formulas and her skincare. Ethical practice and sustainability are at the heart of the brand where they use locally sourced butter and hemp in their ingredients.

They very kindly sent us several of their products, the first of which is their Water Soluble CBD Spray – Lift & InspireIngredients here are glycerine, water, matcha extract, hemp extract (cannabis sativa L) vitamins E, D and natural orange flavour. It is free from gluten dairy or sugar and contains no THC. There are 150 sprays in the bottle and each spray contains 1.3mg of CBD. This Lift & Inspire is designed to enhance focus and sharpen the mind. The CBD here helps to lower fatigue and protect from inflammation, the matcha helps to support energy levels and vitamin D is a natural mood booster.  We could taste the orange and matcha which takes the edge of the earthy hemp. It needs to be taken orally and we had 3 or 4 sprays daily under the tongue (they say that you can also spray on the inside of the cheek) and hold for a few seconds.  When we’ve been flagging, it gave us a much-needed spurt of energy and is perfect for keeping on the desk when you’re having a bad day and are in need of raising your spirits. For £31.99 you can buy this 20ml spray bottle here.

The other two CBD products are skincare and applied topically. We loved the Intensive Lip Balm, with its ingredients of raw hempseed oil, beeswax, vitamin E and cloves. NB: This raw hempseed oil has no THC. This tastes deliciously of cloves and is silky smooth on the lips, plus when applied we found that it lasts and lasts. Perfect for these winter months to keep handy in your coat pocket to protect lips from the wind chill factor. Available here in a 4.5ml tube at £7.99. 

The Balancing Face Cream is specifically designed for rebalancing oily and blemished skin and ideal for those who have breakouts or with very sensitive skin. It’s a botanically based with key ingredients of  CBD oil, hemp hydrolate, chlorella, orange flower hydrolate. The hemp hydrolate is a precious extract from the hemp plant, is and is what makes this cream unique. It improves microcirculation and leaves the complexion smooth and supple. With 2% in 50 ml of 5% CBD this gentle formula is dermatologically tested and proven to reduce the secretion of sebum. It has a subtle fragrance and when applied absorbs quickly barely leaving a trace. Great for using on face, neck and décolleté, morning and night, to help heal, purify and tone. Available here for £32.99.

We hope to have given you a bit of a starters guide to CBD. We’re certainly still learning, and in future weeks and months will be covering more from this extraordinary hemp cannabis sativa plant.

 

 

 

Red Love Apple Juice by Biddenden

Classic, refreshing, delicious; three words that come to our minds here at The Amazing Blog when we think about The Biddenden Red Love Apple Juice.  Biddenden is a family run vineyard based in the garden of England, Kent. They have gained their experience over generations from producing award winning wines and by using this expertise in viticulture, they launched in 2015 their non-alcoholic drink made from pure red apple juice. Biddenden Vineyards are the first to create a naturally red apple juice in the UK.

The Red Love Apple Juice is a freshly pressed with a rosy coloured hue, sweet and zesty unlike any other apple juice that we've tasted! Red Love apples are a variety originally grown in Switzerland which are distinctive with their sweet, crisp and delicious rounded flavour. The apples are cultivated in East Malling and bottled at the Biddenden vineyards. The juice is a refreshing and fruity beverage with no added colourants, chemicals or sugars, it is just sweetened naturally by the Red Love apple themselves.

The Red Love Apple Juice is simply delicious and was gulped down greedily when it first arrived. We think that it makes a great key ingredient for Chritstmas cocktails, think an Appletini: Red Love Apple Juice (1 part), Vodka ( 3 parts) and Cointreau (1 part) all shaken, not stirred and  served in chilled martini glasses, garnished with a single red apple slice. Perfect! The Red Love Apple juice is a very light and fruity drink with a balanced acidity and sweetness  giving it versatility and making it the a great partner for lots of different food pairings. We are not the only ones to be won over by this apple juice, as it has also been awarded a two star Great Taste award in 2016. The Red Love Apple Juice is a non-alcoholic drink and is suitable for anyone who enjoys a high-quality fruit juice. However, let's not forget that this apple juice also come with the added benefits of high levels of anti-oxidants and lots of health benefits. Purchase this delicious apple juice here for £3.70 for a 1 litre bottle.

Friday Favourites: Tipples With a Twist

Whether you are a cider lover, live only for gins, or a wine aficionado, here are some flavourful and delicious must-have drinks to have in your possession. If you're bored of the usual drinks on offer, we at The Amazing Blog have a selection of some traditional drinks with a unique and interesting twist. 

 

The Fifty Pounds Gin is produced by a family owned distillery located in London. It is traditionally made with the finest grains spirit distilled four times. The gin is produced using a method that is centuries old, known as Batch Process Distillation, which Fifty Pounds Gin hark as the best way to get the purest gin possible. It is thrice filtered, making sure all impurities are removed. It is self-proclaimed as the 'smoothest gin ever' and we have to agree. The method they adopt is delicate and painstaking; however, we reckon it is worth it. The botanicals selection, a combination of herbs, spices, fruits and flowers, makes it extremely delicious and nuanced in flavour. Where most gins focus on the juniper berries (the ingredient that makes gin a gin, and which can be a bit heavy or resinous), Fifty Pounds Gin have made the more mellow coriander seed their hero ingredient. Angelica root then contributes a lovely earthy and spicy flavour.

It is a classic, smooth, rich and fresh drink that goes well with a good tonic and a lemon zest. A special mention should be made for the design of the bottle that is inspired by the first ever gin bottles, giving them a beautiful vintage appearance. 

You can purchase the Fifty Pounds Gin 70cl bottle here at £34.99.

 

Cider Lovers are going to love the Cranes Cranberry Cider. When twin brothers Ben and Dan decided to go into the business they thought that cranberries should be the key ingredient of their drinks and they thought well!

Cranes cranberry ciders are a mixture of the finest cranberries and apples which makes them very refreshing, light and tasteful. The ciders are naturally light as the sweetness comes from the fruits used during the production rather than additional sugars, and therefore they have 30% fewer calories than brand leaders. You can enjoy these sweet ciders guilt-free! These delicious cranberry ciders are available in three sublime flavours.

The Cranberry & Lime is one of our favourites; it is crisp, light and ideal for an afternoon refreshment. The second flavour is Blueberry & Apple; a perfectly sweet pairing. The third flavour is the Raspberry & Pomegranate, which is as fresh and invigorating as the first two but with that little delightful fruity taste that makes all the difference

A case of 12 Cranes Cranberry Cider can be purchased here at £27.60.

 

 

Famous for its alcoholic drinks, the Republic of Ireland will be soon renowned for its fruit wines. Móinéir wines are luxurious artisan fruit wines made in Wicklow Way Wines, the first ever Irish fruit winery. The wines are made from 100% Irish fruits.

The Blackberry Wine is a delicious blend of blackberries and wild elderberries; an Irish plant that was foraged in the Wicklow Mountains. The wine is intensely flavourful and fruity but with a light body making it easy to drink.  The Móinéir Blackberry Wine is a perfect choice for a light aperitif and goes wonderfully well with red meats.

The brand’s Irish Strawberry Wine is created with juicy, delicious handpicked Irish strawberries gently pressed to capture the most of their flavour. It is an aromatic, slightly sweet and crisp wine that will satisfy the palate of wine lovers. Here at The Amazing Blog, we love combining it with some dark chocolate, a real treat! We love that these are a little taste of Ireland captured in a bottle.                                                

Both wines are suitable for vegans and are unique gifts to offer to your loved ones.

You can purchase the Strawberry Wine here at 21.99€ and The Blackberry Wine here at 24.99€. Fortunately, you can buy the products in GBP by using PayPal.   

 

Sloane Home has found the way to our hearts with the Lone Stag Spirits: the LONE STAG SPIRIT Raspberry and Lime Gin Infusion and the LONE STAG ZESTY Clementine, Lemon and Lime Vodka Infusion.The drinks are traditionally produced in the heart of the British countryside with only the finest ingredients. Bottled, packaged and labelled by hand they are more delicious and savoury than any spirit made by machines. 

The spirits offer an excellent tasting experience; you can taste and identify all the ingredients used during the production. The sweetness and acidity are well balanced making the drinks taste natural, delicate and aromatic. The Lone Stag Spirits come in a fabulous case with cocktail ideas, transforming you into the new cocktails master. It is also a great gift for your friends and family.

We are very fond of these flavourful spirits, and we are not the only ones. Indeed, the LONE STAG SPIRIT Raspberry & Lime Gin infusion was awarded a Great Taste Award by the Guild of fine food August 2017 and the LONE STAG ZESTY Clementine, Lemon & Lime Vodka infusion won the same award in 2016.

If you want a taste of these delicious spirits, you can purchase a Sloane Hamper including both bottles here at £45.00.

We here at the blog can no longer have a dinner or go to a party without one of these drinks. This great selection of diverse and unique drinks will be a show-stopper at any dinner party.