AFTERNOON SNACKING WITH COOKIE DOH CO AND UPPERCUP // PRODUCT REVIEW

PRODUCT REVIEW: THANKYOU LIME AND CORIANDER HAND WASH AND LOTION AND HAND SANITISER

You may recall that I've recently raved about the products from Thankyou (you can check out my previous posts via the labels or product directory). I mean, why wouldn’t you rave about them, as the products are not only great, they are also very ethical in that 100% of their profits from their products to helping people in need.

Today I'm going to talk about some of the newer products including the Thankyou Botanical Lime & Coriander Hand Wash and Hand Lotion, the Antibacterial Lemon Lime Hand Sanitiser, and the Lime & Black Pepper Nut Bar.

To ensure that people are aware of which specific projects, the Thankyou products are supporting, each and every product has a unique tracker ID number, which you can enter online or via a special Thankyou app, so that you can see exactly where the profits from the product you’ve purchased is going! Now how amazing is that!

The products that I've got in front of me, are thus supporting;

Botanical Lime & Coriander Hand Wash - a hygiene and sanitation program in Bangladesh
Botanical Lime & Coriander Hand Lotion - a hygiene and sanitation program in Bangladesh
Antibacterial Lemon Lime Hand Sanitiser - a primary school in Tanzania
Lime & Black Pepper Nut Bar - food distribution in Kenya as well as agricultural program in Cambodia

I also love the fact that these products are locally made here Australia, and are free from chemical nasties including SLS, SLES, EDTA and parabens, and they do not contain any synthetic fragrances or colours, palm oils or harsh detergents, and they are PH balanced and suitable for even the most sensitive skin and they have all been dermatologically tested. And of course they have not been tested on animals!!

The Thankyou Botanical Lime & Coriander Hand Wash is a gentle hand wash made with ingredients derived from nature. It contains natural oils and botanical extracts from Chamomile Flower Extract, Lavender, Eucalyptus, and bergamot oil, while lime, grapefuit and orange as well as coriander oil give is the most beautiful fresh scent.

The matching Botanical Lime & Coriander Hand Lotion is a light lotion that is light, and absorbs into the hands quickly and without any greasy residue, yet it is very moisturising and leaves the hands feeling very soft. It is loaded with among others Sunflower Seed Oil, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Cacao Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract, and again the lime, grapefuit and orange as well as coriander oil to give it the fresh citrus scent.

I absolutely love this hand wash and lotion combination - I wash my hands a lot during the day thanks to two toddlers in nappies, but with this combo by the sink, my hands are quickly clean again, and smelling divine - and the lotion keeps them from drying out.

Even my husband loves them - he is usually not too fond of over-fragranced hand creams, and often find them too girlie, but is a great option, suitable for the whole family. I also love that they both come in easy to use pump bottles and they look stylish by the sink.

When I am out and about, sometimes you just haven't got access to water and soap and that's when its handy to have a bottle of Antibacterial Lemon Lime Hand Sanitiser in the handbag or car. This small bottle kills 99.9% of all germs, but just rubbing a bit into your hands until it has absorbed. Usually hand sanitisers dry out the skin, and leave behind an alcoholic smell - but not this one which also contains aloe vera and vitamin E, it leaves the skin feeling soft and clean as it is also pH balanced. And the added Lemon Lime makes it smell refreshing and very clean too.

Finally, something a little different, the Thankyou Lime & Black Pepper Nut Bars, which are just so delicious. I love their slight citrusy tanginess, and while I am not usually too fond of black pepper, and initially didn't think I'd like these for that reason, they've got just the right amount of pepper to just give them a nice touch of spiciness. There are enough sweet muesli bars on the market, so it is a refreshing chance that these are savoury. Definitely a must try. I've found a new favourite!


So all in all, yet again some incredible products from Thankyou, which are very well priced too, and in addition helps support some great cause.


Thankyou Botanical Lime & Coriander Hand Wash - $7.59 / 500ml
Thankyou Botanical Lime & Coriander Hand Lotion - $8.99 / 500ml
Thankyou Antibacterial Lemon Lime Hand Sanitiser - $4.65 / 50ml
Thankyou Lime & Black Pepper Nut Bar

Available from Chemist Warehouse, Coles, Priceline & Woolworths

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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XMAS TREATS FROM ALDI

I don't know about you, but I love ALDI. Ok, I've kind of grown up with ALDI as the stores were already in Denmark when I grew up decades, so I've been used to shopping there. And I must admit that I was happy when the stores started to pop up here in Australia some years ago.

What I personally love about ALDI is their food range, as it is simply different than any of the food that you can find in the Australian chains, and I love that I can find some of the brands that I've grown up with, and I also admit to stocking up on special items when they have their focus on certain countries.

And Xmas is no exception, and I love their food ranges, especially chocolates… If you're yet to taste any of the ALDI brands, let me tell you, the quality is premium, and if you as me, on par with some of the more 'well-known' brands, but what's more, is that they are a little more budget friendly too.

 

 
I am in particular in love with the Moser Roth Finest Chocolate Baubles, which are individually golden wrapped chocolate balls made from milk chocolate and filled with crunchy caramel pieces. They are so delicious and will look divine on a plate on your Xmas table too. There are several different varieties available and all have been made with UTZ Certified Cocoa and contain no artificial colours or flavours and no preservatives. RRP: $3.99 / 150g
 

 

Or there's the Specially Selected White Chocolate Flaked Belgian Truffles, which are individual pieces of white chocolate with a divine truffle centre, all made from a Belgian family recipe. I also love that these chocolates are made from UTZ Certified Cocoa, which means sustainable farming of cocoa with better opportunities for farmers and the planet. The box contains 6 quite large chocolates, and it comes wrapped in foil, so it would also make for a perfect hostess gift through the festive season. They are also available in milk and dark chocolate, and they are made in Belgium from with UTZ Certified Cocoa and contain no artificial colours or flavours and no preservatives. RRP: $4.99 / 150g

 

Finally, the Specially Selected Golden Champagne Christmas Pudding is a pudding made with a deluxe blend of vine fruits, almonds and pecans, with added cherry and Monsigny Premier Cru Champagne. It has been beautifully decorated with red and black cherries in a brandy syrup and it also comes with a sachet of edible gold glitter, so it will look incredibly festive on the table to. The pudding is a massive 900g and is more than sufficient for a family of 8. RRP: $9.99 / 900g

 

All items available from ALDI stores - find your local store here

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

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PRODUCT REVEW: HEALTHY SNACKING WITH ISOWHEY WHOLE FOODS

The silly season is upon us. And I think most of us can agree that is can be a difficult time of year to be healthy and eat well, as there are simply too many temptations all around.

Having two toddles means I'm constantly on the go, always something to do, toys to tidy up, nappies to be changed, or washing to be washed, hung or folded. It's never ending. But thankfully I've more or less managed to get my two boys to take a nap at about the same time each afternoon. And when they do, it's Mummy's Time, where I can relax (and catch up on blogging and emails), and enjoy a cuppa and a snack - I usually eat my lunch with my boys, which is normally not long after 11am, so by 2pm, hunger (and tiredness too) starts to set in, and I do look for a snack.

But lately I've been enjoying some snacks from Isowhey with a good conscience. These Isowhey snacks are gluten, dairy and soy free and contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.

The Isowhey Superfood Snack range is huge. As a coffee addict, I've been particularly enjoying the Coffee and Raspberry snacks which contain freeze dried ground roasted Arabica coffee, and raspberries to add antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre, as well as raisins for a touch of sweetness as well as cacao. These dark cocoa coffee raspberry chews are so delicious. I love that they are not overly sweet, yet the intense coffee and cacao also means that they are very satisfying, so when the packaging suggests that a serving is two squares, then this really is sufficient.

I've also been loving the Maca and Walnut snacks, which along with the nuts, seeds and grains, also contain Maca which is rich in amino acids, B vitamins, iron, calcium and sterols, and whole walnuts, which adds a lovely crunch and lots of monounsaturated and omega-3 fats. Finally these also contain dates, which adds a lovely natural sweetness to the snacks. I really love nuts, so these are so nice.

The Kale and Lime are loaded with kale which contains a massive 45 different flavonoids with antioxidant benefits, vitamin K, fibre and omega-3, lime which is high in vitamin C while also adding flavonoid compounds and antioxidants, and finally apple for its pectin, polyphenols and antioxidants and not least natural sweetness. I love all types citrus, both scent and taste, so needless to say that I love these slightly zesty snacks. I guess they do have slightly unique flavour, but personally I can't get enough of them.

Then there's the Brown Rice Protein Snack Balls which are available in several varieties, including Dark Chocolate and Goji or Dark Chocolate, Banana and Baobab. These little packs contain 4 protein balls, which are loaded with nutritious, antioxidant-rich ingredients including dates, dark chocolate, coconut, pepitas, goji berries or banana, chia seeds and wholegrain brown rice protein - and each small pack will give you a huge

which will give you 5.8g of protein to help you satisfy hunger and cravings between meals. And they really are more-ish, although, again, one serving of the 4 balls, is more than sufficient. My personal favourite of these are the Dark Chocolate and Goij flavour.

I really enjoy these snack options from Isowhey, and love that I eating a healthier alternative that is not loaded the artificial colours or flavours, but rather I get an additional dose of proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. And they are so delicious that you wouldn’t' even know they're classified as health foods!! I highly recommend that you check them out!


Isowhey Whole Foods Coffee + Raspberry Snacks - RRP: $9.95 / 120g
Isowhey Whole Food Maca + Walnut Snacks - RRP: $9.95 / 120g
Isowhey Whole Food Kale + Lime Snacks - RRP: $9.95 / 120g
Isowhey Whole Food Brown Rice Protein Snack Balls - RRP: $31.95 / 400g (10 x 40g)

Available from Isowhey Online and select phamacies and health food stores

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX CLASSIC JULY 2014

Hard to believe that yet another month has passed and we are in fact already half way through the year! Not sure how I feel about technically being 6 months older, but on the positive I do like that there is now only just over a month left of winter. Anyway, end of the month also means arrival of the subscription boxes, and today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *July edition of the Classic Native Box;

 

 

Product Review: Lust Have It – February 2014 Box

As I write this, It hasn't even been two weeks since I received the January Lust Have It Box, which was rather delayed, so it is lovely to see that Lust Have It is back on track as I received the February Box yesterday (the 25^th Feb)…well as I write this… currently living in a holiday house with very limited internet access, and very limited options of taking product photos, so hence there reason for the delayed posting about this. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the Lust Have It – February  2014 Box;

What They Say:

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.

RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It

What I Say:

The Lust Have It Boxes normally come in a white box with water-paint style pattern in bright pink, purple and blue splashes of colour. This month, Lust Have It included a note saying that they are redesigning the boxes, and the new ones will be available for the April box, and consequently the February and March boxes will be in a simple postal box. And while I do – or have so far, kept the majority of the boxes for storage of other things, I really don’t mind, as in the end of the day, it is the contents that matters!

The note also said that Lust Have It is starting a new ‘Beauty Dip’ , where 1000 lucky subscribers will this month will receive a So…? Perfume gift….. and YAY, I was one of the lucky ones – thanks so much Lust Have It!!

So anyway, this is exactly what my February box contained;

So…? Kiss Me Eau De Toilette – 10ml sample

I have never tried any of the So…? Perfumes before, but this is perfume which is fruity yet spicy at the same time, smells lovely, so I will enjoy using this.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive – Sample 7ml (RRP: $65/60ml)

Lust Have It already told in last month’s box that this would be included in this month’s box, so it is obviously not a surprise, and I have been looking so forward as it has been on my wish list for a while. The peel claims to exfoliate and refine skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and lighten hyperpigmentation. Sounds amazing to me, so I cannot wait to put it to the test.

The Cosmetic Kitchen Eyeshadow – Full Size (RRP: $22.50/2g)

This Eyeshadow is made from 100% talc free minerals and is certified cruelty free and certified vegan. I got the colour Raspberry Cooley, which in the pot is a bright fuchsia pink shade, but luckily it can blend out really well to a lovely subtle shade, so while I am not usually one to wear pink Eyeshadow, I may actually get some wear out of this one.

The Cosmetic Kitchen Blush Selection – Full Size (RRP:$22.50)

I love good brushes, and in my opinion you can never have too many, so love the inclusion of this full sized brush.  By the sound of it, the boxes will contain varying brushes from either their Eco Bamboo or Original ranges – and by the looks of it, I got one from the Eco Bamboo range as it has a timber (bamboo?) shaft. It is a powder brush, and it is so incredibly soft. And I love that it has a little sleeve to protect the hairs on the brush, wish all brushes came with that. A great addition to the box.

Vaseline Ultimate 10 Anti Ageing Body Lotion – Sample Size 25ml (RRP: $16.29/750ml)

I had heard about this body lotion, and have had it on my wish list to try, but have a handful of other body lotions that I really needed to use up first before buying a new one… but  I am loving the inclusion of this, as this way I can actually try it before buying it. But I love that it contains AHA, pro-retinol and vitamin E to help restore the skin and leave it smoother and younger looking. Just what my skin needs, so fingers crossed it works. And the small sample sized bottle is so cute too!

Clairol Professional Color Radiance Shampoo – Sample Size 50ml (RRP: $13.95/250ml)

I had my hair coloured just before Xmas, so this is just perfect for my hair, protecting the hair from fading. The sample is a generous 50ml, so there is sufficient for quite a few goes, which is great, and it is lovely to see such a generous size included, as a sachet sample with only enough product for one wash, is really not enough for you to get an idea of how the product works for you. In saying that, I do prefer to use shampoo and conditioner from the same range, so I would have loved to see the inclusion of the conditioner as well, but I am sure I can find use for this, when I for instance use a deep treatment.

Clairol Professional Expand Volume Mousse – Sample Size 50ml (RRP: $19.95/250ml)

This mousse promises to double fullness and volume in the hair at the roots lasting for 24 hours. Having long and thick hair, it is consequently also very heavy, so any volume products usually never work in my hair, and I therefore stopped using them, but I do look forward to testing it out to see if it lives up to its claims.

Hand Spa Bijoux Hand Wipe – Full Size (RRP: $1.50/1 wipe)

This is hand wipe contains among others hyaluronic acid, royal jelly and soy bean extract to provide hands with a deep nourishing and moisturising effect. This is an interesting concept, as it really acts as a hand cream, only that first have to unwrap the wipe, and then throw it away afterwards. In my opinion a little cumbersome, so before even before trying it out, my first impressions is that I’d much prefer even the smallest tube of hand cream.

Finally, the box also came with a discount card to buy one Harvest Box and get another one for free. I have heard about these custom made healthy snack boxes, and think it is a great idea that you can get them posted to you every couple of days, for instance at work, so you resist the temptation of using the vending machine for chocolate fix. In saying that, I do find the normal price of $7.99 a little expensive, and I generally buy my nuts and dried fruit from the ‘nut place’ at the shopping centre, or alternatively in the supermarket when I do my weekly grocery shopping, and thinks it works out so much more economical – but hey, the convenience of this is great, I just don’t think I’ll make use of the offer.

So there you have it, the contents in the February Lust Have It Box. And yet again, I am quite impressed with the contents, mainly due to the Juice Beauty Peel, the Cosmetic Kitchen Brush and Eye Shadow, the So…Perfume and the Vaseline Moisturiser, all of which are products that I am very keen to test out. Again, I was lucky to also get the perfume sample, and it does obviously add some value to the box, but even without it, I still feel it is well worth its money – but of course I do feel lucky to, well be one of the lucky ones to get one. And I really do like the concept of the Beauty Dip, although it you continuously miss out month after month, you may start to feel differently, but only time will tell.

I also like that Lust Have It is so good with their communication and constantly inform subscribers of what’s happening, such as with the new box designs coming up, and I do like it when they include a sneak peak into what will be in store for next month’s box, but unfortunately that wasn’t included in this month’s box, but maybe if you stalk their facebook page, they have been known to post teasers there as well.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It box? Are you a subscriber? Were you lucky and got a So…? Perfume too? Are you considering subscribing? Have you tried any of this month’s products?

Product Review: Native Box November 2013

Once upon a time I didn’t put much thought into the products I was eating let along putting on my face and body. But when I was pregnant I suddenly made a conscious effort to be both healthier and use healthier skincare products too. Here are my thoughts on the Native Box November edition,

 

What They Say:
"We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)"

 

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)

3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)

12 months: $259.20 (shipping included)

– Available from Native Box

What I Say:

Not knowing much about the Native Box, I decided to do a little research, and I was so pleasantly surprised at what I discovered.

Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and they genuinely believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet.

The Native Box is a monthly subscription box, and all products in the boxes have been selected after a set of strict product guidelines and business ethics criteria where they call on the wealth of scientific research available and look to industry experts and independent organisations for validation.
 

Native Box is also striving towards being a carbon neutral company who is responsible for zero greenhouse gas emissions, and are constantly looking for ways to reduce emissions and business waste whilst increasing efficiency by among others;

• Box material and packing is made from recycled material
• Encourage our members to re-use and up cycle their box
• Use recycled and biodegradable products in the office
• Buying locally produced goods reduces our carbon footprint
• Encouraging members to make green lifestyle choices

Now on to what was in the November 2013 Box….

Fine Fettle Foods – Zuccini & Almond Flats – Sample Size

This pack of flatbread biscuits from Fine Fettle Foods is ‘Real Veg Squished into Snacks’ and they are just perfect to use as a savoury snack on their own or with a topping, but as they are so delicious that I personally are perfect on their own just as they are – in fact I can easily see myself buying these again as a healthy snack. They are organic, wheat free, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

 

H2Coco Pure Coconut Water – Full Size

The coconut water from H2Coco is natural and fat-free and low calorie drink that re-hydrates the body and providing nutrients including potassium and electrolytes. This truly is such a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day or after a workout and I love that there is no added sugar. It is also organic and gluten free. 

E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag

This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of gorgeous colours, just check out this bright green one I got!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! – Yep, just 4 grams!! This will be perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket or in the fruitshop – that’s where I’ll be using mine instead of the plastic bags, that are not only nasty to the environment, but are also never strong enough, and who doesn’t hate having to pick up all your fruit in the parking lot because your bag has torn!

 

Happy Skincare Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm

This is a plant based organic cleanser from Happy Skincare that removes makeup, sunscreen and dirt and grime, while leaving the skin soft and moisturised. It is made from 100% natural sourced, and 85% organic ingredients, and it has the most divine citrus scent (my fave). It is also vegan and dairy free. I cant wait to test this one out!

 

 

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The calendula infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! This sounds amazing, and I am expecting it to smell absolutely divine so I cant wait to try it.

Finally the included sheet that provides information on all the products also made mention of Crafted 3 Vegan Merinques, but there were no product included, so I am not sure if maybe it was also supposed to be in my box?

 

Anyway, there you have it, the contents of the November Native box.

I am unsure of the RRP of the different products as unfortunately the info sheet doesn’t specify this, so it is difficult to say how the box performs in terms of value for money, but as I feel that all products are just sample sizes, apart from the H2Coco, which is a ‘cheapish’ item, and the string bag which I have seen on their website that you can purchase for $17.77 for a pack of 5 bags, - so unless I am wrong, I do find it a little difficult to see that the included products have a combined value of $24.95

But in saying that, I think that the box contains a great selection of products that I would otherwise possibly never have discovered. I will certainly look forward to trying the Cloud 9 Cleanser and the Persian Rose Moisturiser, and I have already popped the H2Coco in the fridge waiting for a hot day, and the string bag is in my handbag ready for the next shopping trip. And as for the Zuccini & Almond Flats, well, they’re vanished already, I may just have found a new favourite and healthy snack option – and for that this Native Box is priceless!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products? And eat healthy snacks?