Vegan Tuck Box

So after a couple of months of eyeing up this subscription box, this was the month that I decided to give it a go and make the purchase.  Although it did take a little longer than I had hoped to arrive in the post, when it did finally get here it made me really excited to find all of the goodies inside!

Tyrell's Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper Crisps 

These are AMAZING!  They taste just like the Sweet Chilli Sensations, but these are gluten free!  My only problem is that the bag was half full, not cool when you open up a bag of half air.  Despite this, I'll definitely buy these again because they are super good and make a change from my normal ready salted.  

Body Me Organic Protein Bar

First of all, I want to say that I love, love, love the packaging of all things – it’s super cute, looks pretty and states all the facts about the snack very clearly on the front, which I really like!  I had actually come across this brand on Twitter about a week before I received my vegan snack box, so was quite excited to get to try this one out!  I also love chocolate orange too, so that was an added bonus too.  I’m not really one for protein bars though, however as this one is organic and packed with plant protein, I decided it would make a good snack for when I’m feeling hungry but trying to be good.  The protein bar itself was really nice, not too overpowering with chocolate orange but just enough flavour to keep you going back for more!  It was a really weird texture, but again one that I actually quite enjoyed.  It almost feels powdery in your mouth as you’re chewing which might be a little off putting to some but I really liked it.  It was also a funky shape too, kind of shaped like an oval which make it easy to eat from the packet!  I really liked this one, and would pick up again for sure if I ever decide to quick myself into gear and get back into the gym life!

Loving Earth Chocolate

I was really excited to receive such a large bar of chocolate, as it’s been a while since I had a decent piece of choccy!  It was only after that I had started tucking into this that I realised that it was made from cashew nuts – however it is really, really nice!  I’ve not indulged in this in the one sitting, instead I’ve been enjoying this square by square – which obviously means that it has lasted me a lot longer – as well as allowing me to actually enjoy the flavours!  The chocolate melts in your mouth slowly in your mouth, and doesn’t leave a bitter or unpleasant taste afterwards either.  I would love to be able to purchase this again, however there are no stockists within a 50km radius that I know of yet!

Chocolate and Coconut Flapjacks

My mum had actually received these in one of her The Vegan Kind boxes that myself and my boyfriend had purchased for her for her birthday.  She offered me one a few times to try when she had them, but I politely declined seeing as these were her treats!  It made me super happy when they arrived in my Vegan Tuck Box, as they’re gluten free too and I could finally try them.  They reminded me of the breakfast bars that I used to eat when I was little at primary school, they’re very nice but also a little sickly.  I couldn’t sit and eat them one after the other for sure – and they’re pretty small bars so that’s saying something!  They make a lovely wee treat with a lovely cuppa – day or night.

I loved having the chance to try out a lot of different bits and bobs that I probably wouldn't have picked up if I saw them in the shop.  Although this definitely won't be something that I purchase myself every month, it will be one of my go to treats in the future.

What's your favourite subscription box right now?

Until the next one,

Inecto Products

We all know that I’m cheap, there is no denying that by all means.  I like to pick myself up a bargain – be it beauty products, hair care or even grub.  I always like it cheaper.  Saying that though, I almost always tend to stick to well known brands – more so for my skincare and hair care.  I’ve never been one to go and pick up just any old bottle of shampoo or moisturiser in the shops, simply because if I don’t know the brand, how can I know if it’s going to be any good?  Since going cruelty free with my cosmetics, there have been a lot of brands that I have come to read about that have been of a lot of interest to me.  Apart from Lush, a lot of my regular go to brands are no longer suitable – so they’ve had to be replaced by new finds.  I never thought that I would find a cruelty free brand so beautifully tailored to my likes, needs and wants in both skin and hair care!

Inecto was brought to my attention about two months ago when my mum spied their products in our local Homebargains store.  My mum is vegan, so she was totally delighted to find that they are a 100% vegan company who source the purest ingredients to make their products at least 90% natural – starting from for just a mere 99p!  I won’t lie, I was more than sceptical when she brought it to me to try – I’m really fussy about cosmetics.  If it’s cheap, it makes me worry that it’s going to irritate my skin – however I gave it a go anyway when my mum wouldn’t stop banging on about it and I had read online about the brand (and discovered that coconuts play a large part in their products… and we know I love a coconut!)

I picked up a large tub of the moisturiser for just 99p the other week, after borrowing my mums on numerous occasions.  It’s a really thick and creamy consistency, however it is totally absorbent and light weight when fully rubbed into the skin.  I’ve been using it day and night on my face every single day since purchasing – and have found it to really effective!  I dries in so quickly when applied, and doesn’t leave my face sticky either – which is great for the mornings as I don’t really have to wait to apply my make-up.  I’ve also been using on my arms, thighs and hands at night before bed, and it really does leave my skin feeling well treated and moisturised.  Even better, I can still apply my coconut oil after using it, without it making me feel like a giant grease ball.  I’ve really fallen in love with this particular product and can safely say that it will be one that will become a regular purchase of mine!

Another one from Inecto that I have recently discovered and again since become obsessed with is their Coconut Shampoo, which you can pick up for just a mere £1.48 at Homebargains right now!  Again, a really thick and creamy mixture, but it lathers up beautifully in my long, curly hair!  It smells totally gorgeous, like a really sweet coconut, and as it is rinsed out it doesn’t leave my hair feeling tuggy or matted before  I apply the conditioner.  Unfortunately, I’ve not been able to treat myself to the conditioner to match yet as my local supplier is all out *cries* however the shampoo works a treat with my Lush Jungle Conditioner for now!  Hopefully I will be able to pick up a bottle of Inecto conditioner soon, alongside the other couple of hair care products that I have since spied on their site.

I’m totally blown away by the quality, price and just the overall standard of products by Inecto!  They smelly fantastic, work brilliantly and allow me to keep my spending to a minimum – which I can honestly say is something that I struggle to do with cosmetic shopping.  I can’t wait to try out all of the other products that Inecto have to offer, as they really have made me so happy with the variety and quality of their goods!

Have you tired out any Inecto goodies yet?

Until the next one,

Original Source Shower Gels

Have you ever picked up a bottle of body wash and thought “holy crap this smells good enough to eat”?  Or have you ever been lathering yourself with your body wash and drifted off into a fruity sensation?  If you’ve not, then you’re definitely missing out!

On my quest to becoming a better vegetarian, I decided to go cruelty free with all of my beauty and personal products and cosmetics.  Although I’ve always been aware that some companies do still test on animals, I was actually very much disturbed to find that a lot of the brands that I’ve been using all of my life are all culprits to this awful act.  I mean if we can be charged for being caught physically mistreating an animal in our homes or out on the street, then why should it be any different for these poor souls who have to endure various different tests on a daily basis?!  It’s really upsetting when you think about it, hence why I’ve made the decision to change my ways!

I was totally delighted to come across a brand that had not only so many fragrances to choose from, but also a fantastic range of goodies to pick from too!  Original Source are a 100% vegan brand meaning that they don’t use any animal produce in any of their products.  They pride themselves in using only the most natural ingredients in their products, hence why they smell so absolutely fantastic.  They’ve been on the go for a number of years now, and have continued to develop their range over the years too.

Spied in most of the major supermarkets and beauty stores, I’ve been picking up bottles of their shower gels for a few months now.  My absolute favourite one has got to be Lime – its smells just like the chocolate lime sweeties that I used to love when I was little, and it honestly leaves me feeling so super fresh and clean with every wash.  I have however had the pleasure of enjoying the lemon, mint, strawberry and cherry & nettle fragrances too – and each and every single one has never disappointed in terms of fragrance and cleanness.  Recently I’ve seen most of their goodies on special offer for just £1 – which is pretty fantastic considering a lot of vegan brands tend to cost a wee bitty more due to the nature of them sourcing non animal products. 

Original Source have helped me realise that it’s super easy to adjust your cosmetics to cruelty free brands.  I’ve yet to come across a scent that I have not yet enjoyed – and I’m super excited to find on their website that they actually have a range of body lotions and butters now too!  The lime and coconut oil range particularly take my fancy – so here is hoping that I can find a branch close to home that sell these beauties!

Have you tried out any of the original source range yet?  What’s your favourite?

Until the next one,

All About 'em Coconuts

I’ve been a fan of coconut oil for a long time, probably ever since it became a big deal a few years back.  I think it started when people started cooking with it, and then it progressed into the beauty and hair care items that we know it for today.  These last few months I’ve really gotten back into the habit of trying to use it as often as possible, and I’m happy to report nothing but love and obsessiveness for the stuff once again.

As I’ve had to change my diet dramatically the last couple of weeks, omelettes have become my go to food for my lunch and sometimes even tea too.  I’ve been using coconut oil instead of my regular sunflower oil, and I’ve found it to cook them perfectly and it even adds a little flavour too!  Another thing that I like to cook with it is the fake chicken pieces that my mum found in Sainsburys.  Coconut oil, a little honey and some soy sauce and it gives them a great coating and a beautiful taste.

I first tried out coconut oil for my skin when my eczema had a major breakout in 2012.  Although I find that it doesn’t really do much for my skin when I’m having a breakout, when my skin is nice and healthy it is the ultimate moisturiser for the whole body!  Not only does it leave my skin feeling silky smooth from top to bottom, but it also leaves me smelling like a tropical goddess. 

My latest use for the coconuts is rubbing a small amount through my hair to give it a little bit of extra moisture, as well as a healthy shine.  Coconut oil is perfect for tackling all of those pesky fly away bits, and it has honestly made tackling my mane that little bit easier in the morning.  But best of all, it gives my hair a little bit of fragrance so that I’m smelling sweet from head to toe.  My hair is super curly and also very frizzy, and I’ve really seen an improvement to it since switching to the coconuts!

I've switched to organic coconut oil now, and it really does make all the difference!

I’ve never really been one to use moisturiser on my feet before, and if I do use something I don’t normally persevere with it for long.  However seeing as I’ve been applying it everywhere else, I thought what the hell, and I’ve been give my feet a good coat before I put on my socks each night.  In the morning my feet feel lovely and soft all over – which may not last all day, but hey – it can’t be a miracle worker for everything.

My favourite use for coconut oil is using it to remove my makeup every day.  I’ve read a lot of other blogs who say that they only use it to remove their eye makeup, but I’ve been using it to remove everything from my mascara to the foundation.  It does it ALL, and it actually does it really well.  I’ve ditched the makeup wipes for now for a dollop of coconut oil and a couple of cotton pads.  Even better, it leaves my skin feeling great and well-nourished every day.

Finally, my pugger Hulk absolutely loves coconut oil, much to my friends and families concern.  Not only is it good for us humans, but coconut oil is actually really great for doggies too for their skin and coats.  Most people actually pop a small amount in their dogs foods, however I usually just pop a small amount on one of his toys and let him lick it straight.  I’ve also been using it to clean his skin around his eyes once a day – and I really have seen a great improvement to this area of his skin.

So there we have it!  I bought a 500g jar from Homebargains for just £3.99 – I’ve used about 2/3 of it now and I’ve had it since March.  It’s a great product to have kicking around the house, and when you think about the money that I’ve probably saved by using this one product for so many uses – it would be kinda silly to not jump on this bandwagon and get involved.

What’s your favourite use for coconut oil?

Until the next one,

Nudi Coconut and Bentonite Clay Facemask

On Monday I received a gorgeously wrapped parcel in the post, courtesy of the lovely folks at NudiLife.com.  I have been anxiously anticipating their launch for many months now, after they very kindly informed me on Instagram that they would be sending out free coconut facemasks when they launched a few months down the line.  Coconut oil is a big favourite of mine for my problematic skin.  Not only does it smell absolutely gorgeous, but it works a treat of my really dry skin.  So the idea of having a facemask that had incorporated all the goodness of coconut oil was something that I couldn’t resist waiting around for!

When I opened up the parcel, I was delighted to find that they had sent me a very generous sized sample of their coconut and bentonite clay mask – which retails for £12.95 for a 100ml tub.  The mask is a light grey kind of colour, and smells just like iced coconut slices (which are totally delicious, if you didn’t already know!)  On applying the mask, I found it to be ever so slightly difficult to evenly distribute across the skin.  Every time you swipe over an area you’ve already tried to cover, I found it to kind of clump together, making you have to use a little force to spread it out again.  This being said, I do think that this is simply due to the nature of coconuts themselves, as whenever I’m applying coconut oil to my skin, it does tend to do the same kind of thing, so not a big deal!  I really love that the mask goes on as the grey kind of colour, but as it dries it turns almost translucent in some patches, and others white - as if this is a sign that all of the goodness from the mask is seeping into your skin!  I think this was because I didn’t use enough of it during my first use, and I get the impression from the images I’ve seen on Instagram that the whole mask would turn white when ready to wash off. 

Nuts about these coconuts!

Having researched the product before trying it out, I was interested as to what the facemask would offer to my skin – as usually I try to go for ones that tackle spots and or blackheads.  I got the impression that with coconut oil being a key ingredient, it would definitely be a moisturising one – which appears I was not wrong about!  Nudilife.com states that the coconut oil will moisturise without clogging your pores (yay!) and the bentonite clay will work away at those blemishes.  I will admit that this is not a product that I think I would have purchased having seen it on the shelves, only because I normally go for masks that I know have ingredients that specifically tackle spots and blackheads – and I never would have imagined these two key ingredients to do the job.  Knowing what I do now though, I won’t be so quick to judge by ingredients anymore.  Once washed away, my skin was left feeling really, really soft which was lovely to discover!  Although I didn’t notice any drastic changes in the way of my few blemishes, there may be a chance that tomorrow morning they could be near gone – so we will just have to wait and see.

As I’ve stated already, the sample I received was very generous and so I’ve worked out that I will probably get around three uses of this sample before it runs out.  The mask is a really nice product that I think if used for a long period of time – would do wonders for your skin.  This would be something that I would purchase if I fancied a splurge or simply wanted to treat myself, alongside their coconut and sugar body scrub (which also looks amazing!)

Have you tried any of the Nudi products yet?  You can check out the range here www.nudilife.com

Until the next one,

Lauren x