Bottle Green

Bottle Green Cordial

Bottle Green cordial is great for all occasions, a summer party, a refreshing drink, as a mixer or soft variants at a birthday bash .... but now you can also drink Bottle Green cordial HOT!

With all the snow this winter its cold and bitter out, why not come in and relax with a nice mug of hot elderflower, strawberry & elderflower, ginger & lemongrass, spiced berry (very Christmassy), aromatic lime, pomegranate & elderflower or orange & mango.

Gone are the days where people boil the kettle for a nice cup of tea, people want fruity drinks that warm them from top to toe.  Bottle Green is the solution as their cordials are well balanced and full of flavour, no messy tea bags to infuse, just use 1 part cordial to 12 parts water (basically make it the same as you would any squash).

You can also add Bottle Green cordials to any alcoholic drinks for a bit of a kick - use any flavour cordial to make cocktails simply and easily - impress your friends with a Orange & Mango Vodka twist  or Spiced Berry with rum.  Give it a try but please drink responsibly.

Enjoy the party season - alcoholic, non-alcoholic or hot! with Bottle Green cordials.

I tried the range recently at The Good Food Show and I was very impressed with the flavours available.

http://www.bottlegreen.co.uk/Stockists  Available from all major supermarkets.

Alva Rhassoul (Acne | Oily) Skincare Peeling Mask

Alva Rhassoul Peeling Mask

When I ordered this I thought it was a peeling mask where it drys on your skin and you peel it off ... its not like this at all.
To be honest I don't know why it has 'peeling' in the name as it doesn't really peel at all.

The mask is like a clay mask with jojoba exfoliating grains in it, its is a very good mask and we really liked the product.   The product has antibacterial purifying properties which help fight spots and blemishes, the Rhassoul volcanic mineral clay draws out excess dirt and oil from the skin while the jojoba beads do their scrubby business to get a good deep clean.  Plant oils including jojoba oil, manuka and tea tree oils, and oils of lavender, bergamot orange and rosemary nourish the skin and kill of bacteria.



We loved it, its not too scrubby and is quite kind enough to use on Emma's skin (she has just turned 10).  It cleaned her face lovely and combined with the Rhassoul Mineral Washcream has helped her acne a little.  Her face isn't so red and sore as with other brands and she said that neither product caused her face to be sore at all.

Applying and washing off was quite fun, she went from spotty faced to caveman mud look, to clean and fresh.  Rinsing did take a few wipes to make sure that all traces were removed and do not use a white washcloth as the clay can stain a little.

Priced at £12.00 for 75ml it is a little expensive, but it does work! We give the product 10/10 as Emma and I both really like it for ease of use and how well Emma's skin has improved.

http://www.mypure.co.uk/
http://www.mypure.co.uk/alva-rhassoul-acne--oily-b150/rhassoul-peeling-mask-p1230

Alva Rhassoul (Acne | Oily) Skincare

Alva Rhassoul for Acne / Oily prone skin

Rhassoul Mineral Wash Cream is part of the Rhassoul organic skincare programme for problem skin.  The product is great for deep cleansing of skin pores using volcanic mineral clay.

The creamwash helps support the skin while washing by using natural and pure essential oils which help prevent spots, blackheads and oily skin.  As the  product is clay based it draws the oil away from the skin and gives a very very deep clean, it also has a very slight scrub effect which helps loosen dry skin and dead skin cells - after use the skin feels very very clean and has a nice healthy glow.

Putting on the cream is quite funny, always give it a good shake as the contents can settle.  It is like mud to apply and on your faces you look a bit like a caveman, Emma thinks its hilarious but says that she likes the smell of the cream which reminds me of posh spa products.

The mineral wash cream is suitable for the whole body including the scalp, where it even prevents dandruff, reduces the inflammation and redness associated with psoriasis on the scalp, plus the mixture of pure essential oils can also assist with the treatment of head lice.   With the price of it I wouldn't want to waste it on my head, but I suppose if you have a major problem then its worth a try.

We wet Emma's skin and then smoothed on the cream (after giving the tube a good shake), then we left it on her face for a few minutes.  Emma's spots can be quite sore at times but she said that this did not make her skin sting or was uncomfortable - she quite liked the feel of it and the fragrance.  After a few minutes we carefully rinsed it off with a clean warm damp washcloth until all traces had been removed.


Use Alva Mineral Washcream as part of your skincare regime with other products from the Rhassoul range
due to the unique way in which Rhassoul mineral clay works it will not strip the skin or hair of necessary oils; it will simply normalise oil levels.


£10.50 for 150ml quite pricey but its worth it - we really like this product and give it 10/10 !!

Available from My Pure http://www.mypure.co.uk/alva-rhassoul-acne--oily-b150/rhassoul-mineral-wash-cream-p1229

St Eval Candle Company

 St Eval Candle Company

Make your home smell as good as the great outdoors - with the new Celery & Herb range from St Eval Candle Company

Celery and herb: The cool crisp smell of succulent celery sticks combined with the heady aroma of freshly chopped herbs.

 

There’s no fresher scent than the clean crisp smell of celery sticks and now you can make your whole house smell good enough to eat thanks to the latest addition to the St Eval Candle Company’s growing range. The new Celery & Herb candles will fill your home with the cool scent of an outdoor summer, and with a whole array of styles to choose from, there’s a candle for every room.

 

With the UK munching its way through 120 million sticks of celery every year, the new Celery & Herb fragrance is set to become a firm favourite! Plus celery has had a formidable reputation as an aphrodisiac since Roman times, so this new scent could freshen up your bedroom too!

For the more modern home, the scented tins (£8.45) are the best option and with a burning time of 45 hours, the gorgeous scent will linger on and on. But if you prefer something more traditional, how about something from the Victorian herb range? Prices start at £3.70 for the small earthenware Vic pot and go up to £19.35 for the earthenware bowl.

Based on a traditional working farm in Cornwall, the St. Eval Candle Company is renowned throughout the UK for their growing collection of fine quality hand-finished candles with unique fragrances and styles. It has an enviable reputation in the use of beautiful and unusual containers. Having traded for over ten years, the St. Eval Candle Company also provide a bespoke candle making service, and currently supply many international companies including Molton Brown, Elemis, Kenneth Turner and Emma Bridgewater.

 

St. Eval use traditional methods to manufacture candles, this includes a centuries old process known as ‘drawing’, which results in superior burning qualities and time. Whenever they can, St. Eval uses materials from sustainable and renewable sources. They endeavour to produce as little waste as possible and all packaging is sourced from re-cycled materials.

The Scented Tins from the St Eval Candle Company are available in a range of gorgeous scents to suit every room. Please see a list below.



Bay & Rosemary - An invigorating combination of herbal scents
Bergamot & Nettle - Uplifting, herbal aroma with hints of spice
Celery & Herb - The cool crisp smell of succulent celery sticks combined with the heady aroma of freshly chopped herbs.
Inspiritus - An ulifting blend of aromatic spices
Joy - A Light floral fragranced based on mimosa
Lavender - A relaxing and soothing scent of fresh aromatic lavender
Orange & Cinnamon - A warm tangy fragrance with hints of spice
Sandalwood - A blend of warm musk and woody scents
Sensuality - A luxurious blend of nutmeg, citrus and ginger
Thyme & Mint - Crisp, clear scent of fresh garden mint blended with a herbal scent of thyme
Tranquility - A relaxing blend of lavender, orange and ylang ylang
Vanilla - Sweet vanilla bean fragrance, with a soft and powdery character


The Scented Tins are priced at £8.45 and are available from www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk.


Other products from St Eval Candle Company are:

 

Victorian earthenware bowl £19.35 (22 burning hours)

 

Long Tom pot £7.10 (28 burning hours)

Small Vic pot £3.70 (12 burning hours)

Earthenware tealight holders with tealights £4.75 (8 burning hours, sold in sets of two)

 

Herb multiwick £13.75 (70 burning hours)

 

Herb pillar £5.75 (60 burning hours)

 

Herb tin £8.30 (45 burning hours)

 

Victorian herb tealights £5.00 (8 burning hours, sold as a tray of nine)

 

St. Eval Candle Company has a wide range of products, with something for everyone, from the classic church candles tins, to the Coastal, English Hedgerow and ‘English Eccentric’ ranges.

The whole collection can be viewed at www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk.

 

St Eval Candle Company address is: Engollan, St. Eval, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7UL.

Stockist and general tel: 01841 540850, or email info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk.

Website: www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas, from Radox

Merry Christmas, from Radox

Gift sets for under £10

Yet again year after year Radox do not let us down .... what do you buy Uncle Jim and Aunt Edna? Cousin Jo and your secret santa for work? Radox!  This year they have designed some excellent giftsets to suit everyone including your budget.

For the Friend – Radox Shower Smoothies gift set

Help your friends pamper themselves this holiday season with the Radox Shower Smoothies gift pack. This indulgent box of treats includes two sumptuous Radox Shower Smoothies shower gels that will leave skin feeling smooth and soft over the festive season. This girlie gift also includes a loofah that will help to lather up in these fruity shower gels, and escape the stresses of the day.

RRP £8 available from Boots and Superdrug

 

For your Sister - Spa Care Gift Set

Bring the complete Radox spa experience into the home. These hypoallergenic products will hydrate and nourish; leaving skin feeling cared for this Christmas. Inside this gorgeous wash bag includes a Radox body scrub and a shower gel containing seaweed and skin conditioners. With the addition of an eye mask included, there is no excuse but to pamper and unwind!

RRP £8 available from Boots and Superdrug

And one for you -

 Be-Selfish Revive and Restore gift set

We all need a bit of revitalisation especially at Christmas, which is why Radox’s new Stimulate Shower Gel has been specially formulated as the perfect antidote to a busy festive period. The stimulate shower gel and muscle bath soak combine black pepper and ginseng to gently soothe tired muscles. Enjoy some selfish time this Christmas and relax in the bath for a long soak to leave you feeling rejuvenated and fresh for the New Year.

RRP £8 available from Boots and Superdrug

Designed for the Men in your Life – Revitalising Shower Scrub and Shower Gel

Keep the men in your life clean, fresh and ready for 2011 with Radox’s Christmas gift set. The Lemon and Tea Tree shower gel will leave them feeling invigorated while the water mint and sea mineral body scrub offers a deep clean with minimal fuss. This practical wash bag from Radox’s first ever men’s range is a must have item for the man in your life this Christmas.

I actually brought 4 of these sets from Superdrug, they are gifts for family men between the ages of 25 - 59 ... so suitable for all :)

RRP £8 available from Boots and Superdrug

Aldi - Christmas Favourites - Chocolate Reindeer

Chocolate Reindeer

Everybody's favourite chocolate reindeer is back for 2010. This cute chocolate treat makes for a great stocking filler gift.

Priced at only 99p !!! This reindeer is a brilliant gift for any child or adult!

Each reindeer comes with a metal tag on its collar which is quite quirky and a velvet blue collar.  The nutritional information states that each 150g reindeer provides 6 servings (25g per serving), but I must admit that I could quite happily eat the whole thing in one go ... but then feel very very sick (I know it would be my own greedy fault!).
 
Its Christmas :) treat yourself or a loved one for 99p you can't go wrong.
 
Visit www.aldi.co.uk or your local Aldi store for more information.

ibrew

Own a micro-brewery this Christmas with ibrew!

When Andy turned 30 he went into 'must brew my own beer' mode ... apparently all men go through this phase when they are 30.  He scanned online auction sites, the local paper and car boot sales to buy all the kit, then I refused to let him brew it in our house as the beer smells the house out while brewing.
He was not bothered one bit as his Mum came home from work one day to find the contents of her airing cupboard on her bed and Andy brewing his beer at her house!

Since then a new kit has been developed which makes the process a whole lot easier.  ibrew is a fantastic kit where everything you need fits into the brewing container - which means that when the new budding brewer gets bored you can pack it all away again until the interest arises again.

Many a beer-lover has dreamed of owning his very own micro-brewery. Now that fantasy can become a reality this Christmas thanks to the groundbreaking ibrew system!

ibrew is a complete, self-contained in-home micro-brewery offering anyone, novice or expert, the opportunity to brew premium lager, bitter or stout inside just 21 days. Compact and easy-to-use, the ibrew micro-brewery kit contains everything needed to produce top-notch, 4% ABV beer of a quality comparable to the finest artisan products on the market – and at a fraction of the price. In fact, ibrew costs from just 50p a pint – offering superb value for money compared with both supermarket and pub prices.


ibrew makes 20 pints of beer at a time at room temperature, which means it can be tucked discreetly away in a cupboard during the brewing process. The beer is stored in two 10-pint bottles until ready to drink. The finished product is dispensed from these bottles using an innovative tap, which also doubles as a clever gas carbonator for the beer. Beer brewed using ibrew is all-natural, containing only malt, hops, water and yeast.


ibrew marketing manager, Andy Janes, said: “ibrew is the perfect treat for beer lovers to buy themselves – or a great gift idea to buy the beer-lover in your life. Brewing your own lager, bitter and stout with ibrew is simplicity itself and very rewarding. It tastes as good as beer produced in professional micro-breweries but offers much better value for money.”


ibrew is ideal for everyday responsible in-home consumption, but also perfect for entertaining this festive period. If you don’t tell them (though it’s likely you’ll be too proud of your beer not to) guests at Christmas and New Year parties will probably not even realise it was brewed in-home!

I am really impressed with the kit, it contains everything you need and clear instructions.  The kit is easily ordered online and is well packed for delivery.  We haven't had chance to brew any beer yet but from unpacking the contents we are both very impressed with the quality of the kit so far.
I like the fact that the little carbonated gas cylinders are included, this is a great upgrade to what Andy and I are used to (as our beer was always a bit flat and naff ... actually so naff that only Andy's dad would ever drink it!).

This is a top quality product and great for any occasion for the 'man who has everything'.  Available with both bitter and lager variants they cover the taste for everyone.

Available for just £64.99, the ibrew starter kit offers a complete re-usable home brewery with everything you need to begin brewing – including the ingredients to make 20 pints. Refills cost £9.99, again for 20 pints, which means home brewing costs from just 50p a pint.


ibrew kits and refills are available to buy online at www.ibrew.co.uk and in numerous retailers nationwide (visit website to find nearest stockist – prices may vary between retailers).