tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23614147905009526442024-03-13T01:45:23.227+00:00Sophia's Choice Green Family LifestyleSophia's Choice is a Green Family Lifestyle Blog offering information for the whole family on all aspects of green, healthy living.Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-89063181301708315112016-11-20T19:51:00.001+00:002017-06-03T23:41:25.786+01:00River Cottage Winter Feast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just
over a week ago, I was lucky enough to join a group of Foodie Bloggers at <br />River
Cottage HQ in Axminster for a wonderful Winter Feast organised by <a href="https://www.foodies100.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foodies100</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you
follow my blog, you will know that I was lucky enough to attend a <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/09/an-inspirational-day-at-blog-camp-river-cottage.html" target="_blank">blogger event</a>
last September which left me exceptionally inspired to get back in the kitchen
and renewed my love for food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
you have young children, the spontaneity of creating delicious dishes somewhat
disappears when you are having to direct small people with flailing limbs,
spoons and fights over whose turn it is to lick out the mixing bowl! Cooking
with my girls has to be far more organised and structured or else I’m the one
having a toddler meltdown. So it was great to have some “me” time last September
and just create food for myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the
coming weeks, I will be sharing a <a href="https://www.rivercottage.net/cookery-courses/specialist/gluten-free-cookery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gluten Free cooking course</a> I attended in June
with <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/03/gluten-free-baking-for-all-family-with.html" target="_blank">Naomi Devlin</a> at River Cottage HQ which my lovely hubby and girls gave me
for my Mother’s Day present, however for today, I have the most fabulous event
to share with you involving the most delicious foodie delights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rather
than a daytime event, this one started in the late afternoon on a rather damp
November day. Everyone congregated at the tractor stop waiting for our rustic
transport to collect us and take us down the hill to Park Farm. I arrived alone
and found myself feeling rather nervous not really knowing anyone. However, it
didn’t take long before I struck up conversation with some fellow bloggers and
the ice was finally broken. Phew!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once
we had disembarked from our trusty trailer, we were greeted inside the main
dining hall with hot teas and coffees coupled with delicious drop scone canapés
with honey, apple puree and natural yoghurt topped with flaked almonds. Yum!</span></div>
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were then left to potter around the grounds, and the gardens which had changed
considerably since I visited in June and last September. It’s been lovely to
see this magical place change with the seasons and experience what the talented
River Cottage chefs manage to create with what the gardens and land offer them.
Seasonal food at its best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once
we’d had a pootle around the grounds, we settled in for a festive foods demonstration
with Andy one of the senior chefs on brining and curing your own meats
including ham, bresaola and brining your festive turkey with gin of all things!
The chefs had prepared a taster board of chicken which had been brined in gin, with
juniper berries and herbs. It tasted amazing, and spurred me on to try this
trick with our roast chicken dinner one Sunday. The brining made the meat so
tender and moist. The flavours were able to really penetrate into the meat
making it even tastier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After
our demonstration, we were split into two groups for a fun game in the yurt and
then a talk in the main house relating to blogging. These sessions are always
great. I haven’t attended many, so I glean a lot of interesting tips to use as I
move forward as a blogger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once
these sessions had finished, we then gathered for the main event; The Winter
Feast. And what a feast it was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
started with canapés of Exmouth mussels with red onion drizzled with apple
juice, goat’s cheese with beetroot marinaded in apple cider vinegar, pork
croquettes and then crispy rabbit with a Romanesco purée. This
was coupled with an aperitif of Kingston Black Apple Aperitif which tasted
delicious, however as I was driving I was only able to taste a wee soupçon. I
decided to therefore buy myself a bottle to take home with me to savour on the upcoming
cold winter evenings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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then sat down on two long tables where we had been allocated places. This meant
we all got to meet other bloggers and were able to network a bit more which is
a great idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sam,
another of the River Cottage chefs came out to tell us what they had in store
for us that evening. They decide on the menu that day based on what produce is
growing in the garden, and what is in season. Both veggies and meat eaters
alike were treated to a fabulous show of seasonal food which began with ravioli coupled with celeriac puree, wild mushrooms and sage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
was then followed (for the meat eaters) with River Cottage cider brined ham reared on the farm, accompanied
by carrot purée, savoy cabbage fried in pan butter and garlic and braised beans
with fennel and spices. If your mouth is not drooling by now, I’m surprised,
unless of course you are a veggie. It all tasted as good as it sounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To end
the most incredible meal, we were treated to crème brûlée made with honeycomb,
apple crisps, and stewed apple purée. This was topped with a delicate crumble
to add texture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
meal ended with tea, coffee and petit fours before we set off in the
pouring rain on our trusty trailer back to reality again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
was once again a fabulous experience, and further reinforces my love for River
Cottage and all that it stands for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’d
like to say a HUGE thank you to all the amazing staff who looked after us
whilst we were there; Chrissy, Steve, Helen and Vicky who were serving us
throughout the event and had to put up with a group of paparazzi bloggers
taking loads of pictures before anyone could actually eat the food </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">J</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> And another HUGE thank you to
Andy, Sam, Connor and Mark (I hope I’ve remembered you all!) for the incredible
meal you put together for us. Can I hire you to come to my house on Christmas
day to create something similar for us please? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And
lastly, a big thank you to Sally and Lindy from Foodies100 for organising such
a super duper evening. I’m so glad I managed to bag myself a place x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So,
there you have it; my River Cottage Winter Feast experience. If you are tempted
to visit this most magical place yourself, then pop across to their website for
a browse. I will be sharing my experience of their Gluten Free course very
soon, and they also offer <a href="https://www.rivercottage.net/dining-and-events/dining-events" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dining experiences</a>, classic cookery days along with
<a href="https://www.rivercottage.net/dining-and-events/hughs-events" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">events with the lovely Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall</a> himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Until
next time x</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Disclaimer:
I was invited to attend this River Cottage Winter Feast blogger event. I was
not required to write a positive review. All views and opinions expressed are
my own. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-20787463112954190262016-11-20T08:57:00.000+00:002017-05-31T22:15:49.878+01:00The Wonderer Returns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8j00mGtJQ0/WS8yPX4uyEI/AAAAAAAACx4/KK9fdJXn3OIZm27PoCTpXbI_SOetLHnvwCLcB/s1600/Field%2BImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8j00mGtJQ0/WS8yPX4uyEI/AAAAAAAACx4/KK9fdJXn3OIZm27PoCTpXbI_SOetLHnvwCLcB/s1600/Field%2BImage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">After
almost a year to the day since I wrote my last blog post in November 2015, I’m
back.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
past 12 months have made me reflect on many aspects of my life after
unexpectedly losing my Dad last June, and after much soul searching I made the
hard decision to come away from my blog and focus on other parts of my life for
a while. Everything had become all consuming, and my heart just wasn’t into
reviewing products and writing blog posts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve
certainly missed having a writing outlet over that time, however in March this
year, I decided to take a big step forward with my business and opened a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophiaschoiceuk/" target="_blank">physical shop and treatment room</a> in my home town to run alongside my online boutique.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My
feet have literally not touched the ground over the past 9 months! It’s been
amazing fun and I have enjoyed updating my holistic therapy training, and being
able to help my customers with their needs. It’s been an empowering time for me
and there are times when I need to pinch myself to prove that I’m actually
doing it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now
that life seems to be finding a more balanced rhythm, I’ve been looking again to
this blog. I have a couple of fabulous River Cottage Events to share with you
over the coming days and I will also be sharing a fabulous Gluten Free course I
attended earlier this year at River Cottage HQ that my lovely hubby and girls
bought me for Mother’s Day. You’ll know from reading the <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/09/an-inspirational-day-at-blog-camp-river-cottage.html" target="_blank">blogger event</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
attended last September that I have a great love for River Cottage and as I’m
only 30 minutes away it’s almost on my doorstep. Lucky me!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
blog is also going to get a makeover. I’m in the process of getting things
sorted so Sophia’s Choice will look a touch smarter. After 4 years of blogging,
your blog goes through lots of transitions and this is the next phase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I
move forward, the focus on this blog will be less on product reviews. I have
lots of ideas whirring through my head, so I hope you will remain loyal readers
and enjoy the new blog posts I bring you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With
only 5 weeks until Christmas, my attention has very much been focussed on
getting everything ready in my boutique. Creating Christmas window displays and
stocking up on beautiful gifts has been fun. I keep seeing lots of Christmas
Gift focussed blog posts from my fellow green bloggers popping up on social
media. It really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas now, one of my
favourite times of the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ll
sign off for now, however I hope you’ll pop back again soon to see what new
posts I have in store for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-56249519434008059802015-11-29T17:15:00.000+00:002017-06-03T23:40:34.597+01:00A Natural Approach to Problem Skin with Living Nature<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Problem
skin and acne isn’t fun. Since my teens I’ve had to deal with acne, hormonal
break outs, a shiny t-zone and there are times when I’ve longed for so called “normal”
skin. However, if I’m honest I don’t really believe normal skin exists.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everyone’s
skin has those times, those moments when it has a tantrum, whether that be
dryness, redness, greasiness, spots, acne, even boils. So many factors can
change the way our skin behaves; the weather, what we eat, hydration levels,
our stress levels and emotions, in addition to what we put on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everyone’s
skin is unique and learning what makes it tick is key to choosing the right skincare
products to keep it at its best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BLu-R90W_Q/Vlsu-UaWamI/AAAAAAAACtI/2uENt_6jhFw/s1600/Living%2BNature%2BBlemish%2BSkin%2BRange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BLu-R90W_Q/Vlsu-UaWamI/AAAAAAAACtI/2uENt_6jhFw/s640/Living%2BNature%2BBlemish%2BSkin%2BRange.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
I transitioned to natural and organic skincare, I have seen a significant change
to my skin. It is clearer, my pores appear reduced and I no longer have
clusters of blackheads in certain areas such as my nose. I still get break
outs, oily areas and sadly the scarring on my jaw line is unlikely to ever
completely disappear, however I can vouch for the results a much more natural
approach to your skincare regime can produce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was recently asked if I’d like to try out <a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/productCat.php?area=BRAND&category=Living%20Nature&code=6" target="_blank">Living Nature’s</a> skincare range for
problem / acne prone skin. I was happy to oblige particularly as many of the
reviews I’ve read about Living Nature are very positive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
it comes to problem skin, Living Nature draws on the curative properties and
combined synergistic actions of some of New Zealand’s unique botanicals to
provide a natural and effective approach for your skin. Using active Manuka Honey,
Manuka Oil, Harakeke, a New Zealand Flax Plant and Halloysite Clay, Living
Nature’s gentle yet effective skincare is nature at its best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Founded
in 1987 by Suzanne Hall and inspired by the healing properties of New Zealand’s
native plants to remedy her own skin conditions, Living Nature now offer gentle
skincare for all skin types in addition to natural cosmetics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was sent a 30ml sample set of their purifying cleanser, hydrating toner,
balancing day lotion, manuka honey gel and deep cleansing mask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
always I tested the products for about 4 weeks. I liked the fact that they are
almost fragrance free, so no overbearing fragrances to contend with. I enjoyed
using the <a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/productDetails.php?code=&product=LN11024" target="_blank">purifying cleanser</a>. I like a facial wash in the morning and this one
was gentle yet effective. No stinging eyes and no dryness after using it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
<a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/productDetails.php?code=&product=LN12014" target="_blank">hydrating toning gel</a> was a unique experience. With harakeke, active manuka
honey and larch tree extract this toner is nourishing for the skin, however it
took a while to get used to a gel rather than a liquid toner. I enjoy spritzing
my face in the morning, so the gel didn’t quite give me that fresh, zingy
feeling. However, popped into the fridge in the summer, I imagine it would be
super cooling on the skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
<a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/productDetails.php?code=&product=LN13513" target="_blank">balancing day lotion</a> was light and non-greasy. You don’t need a lot so this
30ml bottle went a long way. Easily absorbed into the skin, it made a good base
for make-up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
<a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/productDetails.php?code=&product=LN19029" target="_blank">Manuka Honey Gel</a> is for those spots and break outs we all get from time to
time. This smells strongly of tea tree, so if this essential oil is not your
cup of tea, you’re likely to struggle with it. Sophia tried it on her spots but
struggled with the aroma. I can deal with it and it is very effective in soothing
red, sore skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
<a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/productDetails.php?code=&product=LN15019SD" target="_blank">Deep Cleansing Mask</a> is a clay mask using purifying Halloysite Clay. It is a
drying clay mask so you do get that tightening effect when you use it beyond 10
minutes. It left my skin feeling clean and soft. I just had to avoid smiling
whilst it was on !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Living
Nature’s skincare range is not the cheapest of ranges with prices starting in
the UK at about £11.50 for the 10ml Manuka Gel all the way up to £48.00 for
their radiance oil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
wouldn’t say this is for the teen market, however they do have their sister
brand, <a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/productCat.php?area=BRAND&category=Natural%20Being&code=4" target="_blank">Natural Being</a> which is aimed at the younger market but still with manuka
honey and manuka oil in their formulations. I’ve tried the Manuka Honey Day
Cream for oily to normal skin and it is very effective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7IkW5tALqA/VlsvJeqGPQI/AAAAAAAACtU/EYV_diSADgM/s1600/Living%2BNature%2BBlemish%2BSkin%2BRange%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7IkW5tALqA/VlsvJeqGPQI/AAAAAAAACtU/EYV_diSADgM/s640/Living%2BNature%2BBlemish%2BSkin%2BRange%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you are keen to know what ingredients are in all the products mentioned above
then take a look at each ingredient lists below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Purifying Cleanser:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
Aqua (water), Decyl glucoside, Sodium lauroyl glutamate, Glycerin (vegetable
glycerin)**, Sclerotium gum, Galactoarabinan (larch tree gum), Glucose, Mel
(manuka honey), Pomaderris kumerahou flower/leaf extract, Parfum fragrance)*,
Glucose oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) oil. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">*From natural essential oils:
Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool. **Certified organic.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Hydrating Toning Gel:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
Aqua (water), Glycerin (vegetable glycerin)**, Sclerotium gum, Glucose,
Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil**, Parfum (fragrance)*, Phormium tenax
leaf juice (NZ flax gel), Bisabolol, Zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract,
Mel (manuka honey), Glucose oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Tocopherol (vitamin E),
Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) oil. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">*From natural essential oils:
Limonene, Linalool. **Certified organic.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Balancing Day Lotion: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Aqua
(water), Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Squalane (vegetable squalane),
Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Parfum (fragrance)*, Glucose, Mel (manuka honey),
Phormium tenax leaf juice (NZ flax gel), Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil,
Sclerotium gum, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter**, Persea gratissima
(avocado) oil, Totarol**, Glucose oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Oenothera biennis
(evening primrose) oil**, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Leptospermum scoparium
(manuka) oil. *From natural essential oils: Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol,
Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. **Certified organic.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Manuka Honey Gel:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
Aqua (water), Mel (manuka honey), Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) oil, Xanthan
gum, Phormium tenax extract (NZ flax gel), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)
leaf oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Deep Cleansing Mask:</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">
Aqua (water), Kaolin (Halloysite clay),
Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (almond) oil, Persea
gratissima (avocado) oil, Mel (manuka honey), Cetearyl wheat straw glycosides,
Cetearyl alcohol, Citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, Zinc oxide,
Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, Sclerotium gum, Oenothera biennis
(evening primrose) oil**, Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, Citrus medica
limonum (lemon) oil*, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Leptospermum scoparium (manuka)
oil, Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) oil*, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea
tree) leaf oil, Totarol**. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">*From natural essential oils: Citral,
Limonene. **Certified organic.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
in all, I enjoyed my first experience of Living Nature’s natural skincare. I have one of their Gentle Make-up Removers and
some of their make-up which was in the goody bag from the <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/09/gorgeously-green-gathering-2015.html" target="_blank">Gorgeously Green Gathering</a>. I have yet to use them, but if they’re as good as what I’ve tried so
far, I’m sure they’ll be a hit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have
any of you tried Living Nature’s Natural Skincare? Do leave me a comment if you
have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">If you want to connect, then you’ll find me here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was kindly sent a sample set of Living Nature's Natural Skincare for problem and acne prone skin for review. All opinions and views are honest and my own.</span></i><br />
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-74515643951698992532015-11-29T11:22:00.001+00:002017-06-03T23:39:30.748+01:00Can Green Clean? Review of Ecover’s New and Improved Washing-up Liquid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhomNuDhfco/Vlrc_jqf1eI/AAAAAAAACso/881rg3enwbA/s1600/Ecover%2BGreen%2BCan%2BClean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhomNuDhfco/Vlrc_jqf1eI/AAAAAAAACso/881rg3enwbA/s640/Ecover%2BGreen%2BCan%2BClean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Washing
up. Not the most fun activity, however one that needs doing if you don’t use a
dishwasher for everything. We hand wash most of our glasses, the children’s cups,
our chef's knives and anything else which doesn’t survive a dishwasher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve
always tried to choose eco alternatives to your mainstream options when it
comes to washing-up liquid. However, there are times when the alternative hasn’t
always come up to my cleaning standards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://uk.ecover.com/" target="_blank">Ecover</a>
recently launched their new and improved washing-up liquid and asked if I’d
like to try it out. I was sent a pack with their new and improved Lemon & Aloe
Vera washing up liquid, a recycled washing-up brush made from Plantplastic<sup>®
</sup>derived from sugarcane and recycled plastic, a super sized tea towel,
some healthy recipe cards and their washing-up tips for getting your plates
sparkling.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxHInh81EWQ/VlrdOMKF5JI/AAAAAAAACsw/LvLnm_ivJwk/s1600/Ecover%2BGreen%2BCan%2BClean%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxHInh81EWQ/VlrdOMKF5JI/AAAAAAAACsw/LvLnm_ivJwk/s640/Ecover%2BGreen%2BCan%2BClean%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We
took our new and improved Ecover on holiday with us. We normally holiday in our
trusty caravan in Cornwall, and wash up every day. Using an eco-friendly
washing-up liquid is really important whilst camping or caravanning, so we were
really able to put Ecover’s washing-up liquid through its paces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Their
original offering was OK, however this new and improved version was excellent.
It claims to wash 40% more plates and contains 20% more plant-based content
resulting in a powerful clean which is 98.8% plant based. I really liked this
new formula. It created more bubbles and you needed less of it than its
predecessor. I know bubbles have nothing to do with its cleaning power, however
psychologically it made me happy to see more bubbles. I know, I’m sad !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ecover
have looked to nature and used plant based ingredients such as sugar and
coconut oil instead of petro-chemical additives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
Tom Domen, Innovation Manager for Ecover said, <i>“Ecover has been on a journey to not only make products even less
harmful to the environment, but to ensure they match the performance of
conventional cleaners, which is good for our customers and the planet. Going
forward we’ll continue to look to nature to create the ecologically powerful
cleaning products for the home and for busy lives. It’s our commitment to
lessening the burden on the earth’s resources.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLj03kEOapI/VlrdYz2QA8I/AAAAAAAACs4/J5Cw78xogSE/s1600/Ecover%2BGreen%2BCan%2BClean%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLj03kEOapI/VlrdYz2QA8I/AAAAAAAACs4/J5Cw78xogSE/s640/Ecover%2BGreen%2BCan%2BClean%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ecover
also sent me their top tips for getting the most out of your Ecover washing-up
liquid to ensure your plates and glassware look sparkly clean:</span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Clean
the sink before you start. Make sure you wipe down the draining board too as
this is where nasties like limescale and bacteria build up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For
burnt on and tough stains on cookware, sprinkle them with baking soda to absorb
grease and dissolve grime. Leave for 30 minutes and then wash to return your
kitchenware to its former glory.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For an
easy clean, pre-treat tea and coffee stained mugs with lemon juice before washing
up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After
washing each item, rinse them in clean hot water under the tap</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dry
dishes with a clean cloth or tea towel.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rinse
your washing up tools regularly and keep dry when not in use to prolong their
life.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Read
the instructions on the back of your Ecover bottle and only used the
recommended amount. One squeeze is enough for a sink full of dirty dishes.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
really liked this new improved Ecover washing-up liquid. The bottle lasted 2 months
with us washing up several times a day for the first week whilst we were away
on our caravanning holiday and then about once a day until the bottle was
finished. You needed far less to get the same if not better cleaning power than
the old version. I’ve purchased another bottle since and will continue to do
so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m
hoping that Ecover are planning to upgrade all their products. If their washing-up liquid is anything to go by then we can expect to see a great new range of
eco-friendly products for the home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
any of you tried the new, improved Ecover washing-up liquid? What are your
thoughts? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">********</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">If you want to connect, then you’ll find me here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/sophias-choice-green-lifestyle-4395585" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> * <a href="http://www.twitter.com/charlieejhughes" target="_blank">Twitter</a> * <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SophiasChoiceUK" target="_blank">Facebook</a> * <a href="http://www.instagram.com/charlieejhughes" target="_blank">Instagram</a> * <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sophiaschoiceuk" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> * <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CharlieHughes/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> * <a href="http://blogspot.us7.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=a820c0c1db1d9a076d205daa5&id=bfcc2fb9f2" target="_blank">Subscribe</a></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was kindly sent Ecover's new & improved washing-up pack for review. All opinions and views are honest and my own.</span></i><br />
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-34317420740868484802015-10-18T18:22:00.002+01:002017-06-03T23:37:28.332+01:00A Morning of Relaxation with OV Naturals<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Earlier
this year, I was kindly invited by Lucy Stevens of <a href="http://www.ovnaturals.co.uk/default.asp" target="_blank">OV Naturals</a> in Somerset to experience
one of her Aromatherapy treatments. I don’t often get the opportunity to
indulge in this sort of thing so when one does present itself, I don’t need much
persuasion. I opted for a bespoke aromatherapy facial and looked forward to
chilling out for an hour. Bliss !</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdH_vOCOF3c/ViPRStFLXwI/AAAAAAAACq0/9JMYPZO6HGM/s1600/OV%2BNaturals%2BCouch%2BBefore%2BTreatment%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdH_vOCOF3c/ViPRStFLXwI/AAAAAAAACq0/9JMYPZO6HGM/s1600/OV%2BNaturals%2BCouch%2BBefore%2BTreatment%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
have a great love of massage and Lucy offers massage treatments in addition to
her facials. You can find out more </span><a href="http://www.ovnaturals.co.uk/therapies.asp" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. She’s also developed a beautiful
</span><a href="http://www.ovnaturals.co.uk/skincare.asp" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">capsule collection</a><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> of facial & body oils which are 100% natural and use
99.5% Soil Association certified ingredients. I will chat about those beautiful
facial oils in another post, but for now I’ll tell you more about my fabulous
treatment.</span></div>
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</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucy
has been a professional Aromatherapist since 2006 and has recently furthered
her expertise by studying natural perfumery with Marina Barcenilla and furthering
her aromatherapy knowledge with Robert Tisserand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucy
is one of those people who instantly puts you at ease. She is softly spoken and
her presence creates an instant calm. When I arrived, I was offered a drink and
we then went through a consultation noting any health issues, allergies etc I
may have. Once this was complete, I was left to settle down on the couch and
await my bespoke facial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YsaLgHYMJk/ViPRhGA1hcI/AAAAAAAACq8/PyN8gAY8XT4/s1600/OV%2BNaturals%2BTreatment%2BRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YsaLgHYMJk/ViPRhGA1hcI/AAAAAAAACq8/PyN8gAY8XT4/s1600/OV%2BNaturals%2BTreatment%2BRoom.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
it’s worth noting that although I don’t normally have reactions to facial
products (I’m one of the lucky ones), I did on this day. Lucy uses her own
blends and makes her own soothing hydrosols, however she does also use other
natural skincare brands as part of her treatments and it was one of those which
set my skin off. Surprisingly it was a Herfarmacy cleanser and although we
contacted them to find out what it may have been, we just couldn’t hone down the
ingredient(s) which were to blame.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucy
was amazing when this happened and calmed the flare up with her beautifully
soothing hydrosol. A professional through
and through, Lucy never panicked and decided to invite me back again with a
view to the facial being a touch more successful second time around. Fingers
crossed my face would behave itself this time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
returned several weeks later and Lucy used <a href="http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/" target="_blank">Green People’s</a> Cream Cleanser on my face instead
which I didn’t react to – yay! She then used <a href="http://www.botanicals.co.uk/" target="_blank">Botanical’s</a> gentle facial scrub
and facial mask which I adored along with her beautiful bespoke hydrosols, and
facial oils. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CESSR9JEz8w/ViPR6QZhsoI/AAAAAAAACrM/87UnKKvx9qs/s1600/OV%2BNaturals%2BCouch%2BAfter%2BTreatment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CESSR9JEz8w/ViPR6QZhsoI/AAAAAAAACrM/87UnKKvx9qs/s1600/OV%2BNaturals%2BCouch%2BAfter%2BTreatment.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have to say that I felt so relaxed during the treatment that I almost fell
asleep. You know those moments when you are nodding off in the chair, on the
edge of sleep and you wake yourself up with one of those crosses between a
snore and a snuffle? Well, I embarrassed myself with one of those during my
treatment and woke myself up again – LOL! I suppose it’s a complement to Lucy’s
skills as a therapist however I was slightly more mindful of making sure that it
didn’t happen again through the rest of the facial.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was
treated to an amazing natural facial massage as part of the treatment, which promotes
a natural face lift. And after being thoroughly pampered, I was left for a few
minutes of contemplation whilst I composed myself again for my return to the
real world.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMC1f_O6tSI/ViPRw_Zj2eI/AAAAAAAACrE/fifmMMCJfHM/s1600/OV%2BNaturals%2BSelection%2BBox%2BFacial%2BOils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMC1f_O6tSI/ViPRw_Zj2eI/AAAAAAAACrE/fifmMMCJfHM/s640/OV%2BNaturals%2BSelection%2BBox%2BFacial%2BOils.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Image Courtesy of OV Naturals</u></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was sent off with a couple of Lucy’s facial oil samples and I will report back
in another post about those. They really are lovely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you are in the area and fancy booking yourself a treatment of your own then pop
across to Lucy’s <a href="http://www.ovnaturals.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> for more information. I will certainly be back
for an aromatherapy back massage. Lucy comes highly recommended and I’m glad
that I've found someone close by to where I live where I can indulge every
once in a while with my love of natural therapies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
any of you indulge in natural facials or holistic treatments? Or have you had
one of Lucy’s fabulous bespoke treatments? Do let me know in the comments
below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">If you want to connect, then you’ll find me here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/sophias-choice-green-lifestyle-4395585" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> * <a href="http://www.twitter.com/charlieejhughes" target="_blank">Twitter</a> * <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SophiasChoiceUK" target="_blank">Facebook</a> * <a href="http://www.instagram.com/charlieejhughes" target="_blank">Instagram</a> * <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sophiaschoiceuk" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> * <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CharlieHughes/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> * <a href="http://blogspot.us7.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=a820c0c1db1d9a076d205daa5&id=bfcc2fb9f2" target="_blank">Subscribe</a></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was kindly given a bespoke
aromatherapy facial for free by Lucy Stevens of OV Naturals. I was under no
obligation to write about my experience on my blog. I thoroughly enjoyed my
treatment and would definitely return again.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-34080811110188034562015-10-18T10:38:00.001+01:002017-06-03T23:34:57.337+01:00Celebrating 3 Years of Blogging !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdtehWNCzuA/ViNjBnzdWII/AAAAAAAACqk/QxL_ajLv8uE/s1600/3rd%2BYear%2BBlog%2BAnniversary%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdtehWNCzuA/ViNjBnzdWII/AAAAAAAACqk/QxL_ajLv8uE/s1600/3rd%2BYear%2BBlog%2BAnniversary%2B1.jpg"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On
the 18</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> October 2012, I tentatively dipped my toes into the world
of blogging. You can read my very first blog post <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2012/10/welcome-to-sophias-choice.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Three years on and
rather than a fresh faced newbie I well & truly feel like a seasoned oldie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During
those three years I’ve seen lots of new blogs popping up all over the place and
sadly some fade away. One thing I’ve learnt with blogging is that it’s very
time consuming! I’ve often wondered if I
should carry on. My girls have learnt now that they must wait before trying
anything new as Mummy may need to photograph it for her blog. Poor things. They’ll
end up scarred for sure – LOL!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve
been lucky to write about a range of products and topics during my three years
of blogging. From <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2012/11/breathing-your-baby-out-benefits-of.html" target="_blank">hypnobirthing</a> and <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2012/10/everyone-sing-and-sign.html" target="_blank">baby signing</a>, to natural skincare and <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/06/weekend-box-creative-green-and-healthy.html" target="_blank">crafting</a> for children. It’s been a fun and
interesting journey and continues to be so.</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/10/celebrating-3-years-of-blogging.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-62058936369941678022015-09-26T18:15:00.000+01:002017-06-03T23:34:14.512+01:00An Inspirational Day at Blog Camp River Cottage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHIhxb8f78U/VgbKllLW1GI/AAAAAAAACmM/2sVY3BTcRE4/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BMain%2BHouse%2BBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A picture of River Cottage HQ in Axminster, Devon, UK" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHIhxb8f78U/VgbKllLW1GI/AAAAAAAACmM/2sVY3BTcRE4/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BMain%2BHouse%2BBanner.jpg" title="River Cottage HQ" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was recently one of the lucky bloggers whose name was pulled out of a hat to
take one of the remaining <a href="http://www.foodies100.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foodies100</a> places for a fun filled day to <a href="https://www.rivercottage.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">River Cottage HQ</a> near Axminster in Devon and Wednesday was the day it all happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To
say I was excited was an understatement! I’ve been blogging for almost 3 years
and it’s only now that I’ve the “child free” time available to experience blogging
events and not worry about childcare arrangements. My first was a couple of
weeks ago in Swindon for the <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/09/gorgeously-green-gathering-2015.html" target="_blank">Gorgeously Green Gathering</a> and this was my second.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
boy, my River Cottage experience didn’t disappoint. As blogger events go, it
was organised to perfection and I came away the most inspired I’ve felt in a
long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Like
many of you, I’m no stranger to River Cottage. I’ve watched pretty much all the
programmes from the very humble beginnings of Hugh’s journey and we used to
live just up the way from the original River Cottage and would pass it on our
walks with the girls. As a family we have attended one of their half day River
Cottage experiences and also went to their Summer Fair about 4 years ago. Hubby
has attended one of their bread making courses with his father (lucky thing),
so I couldn’t wait to see how things had developed since I’d last been and also
what was planned for the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-942L2Nf29IA/VgbKwxumlxI/AAAAAAAACmU/IPgbEMv_1Ts/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BTrailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of River Cottage's Blue Tractor Trailer" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-942L2Nf29IA/VgbKwxumlxI/AAAAAAAACmU/IPgbEMv_1Ts/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BTrailer.jpg" title="River Cottage Tractor Trailer" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
was a mixture of Food, Lifestyle and Parenting Bloggers at the event and we all
started our day with a rather bumpy tractor trailer ride down to River Cottage
HQ from the car park. The anticipation from everyone was palpable and the hum
of excited chitter chatter filled the trailer as we bounced our way down the
track.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IflamhRu7A8/VgbK7EA1a3I/AAAAAAAACmc/0OhRn8FJa1Y/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BYurt%2Band%2BFire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of River Cottage Outside Yurt" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IflamhRu7A8/VgbK7EA1a3I/AAAAAAAACmc/0OhRn8FJa1Y/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BYurt%2Band%2BFire.jpg" title="River Cottage Outside Yurt" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R95tD1vECqc/VgbLAXYbicI/AAAAAAAACmk/dUioLMusOss/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BFire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of River Cottage Yurt with Log Burning Fire" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R95tD1vECqc/VgbLAXYbicI/AAAAAAAACmk/dUioLMusOss/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BFire.jpg" title="River Cottage Yurt with Log Burning Fire" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once
we’d all safely disembarked, we were taken into a Yurt with a beautiful log burning
fire and given a breakdown from Jason of what the day had in store for us. We
were divided into 3 groups and I was in the red group. I was excited to see
that I was in the same group as Annie Spratt from <a href="http://mammasaurus.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mammasaurus</a> and, as I later
found out, Chris Mosler from <a href="http://thinlyspread.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thinly Spread</a>. It was like being with blogger royalty!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3R9CoaIAY1g/VgbNon-socI/AAAAAAAACoY/8Ct-utCNVJI/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BArrival%2BGroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of Bloggers socialising at Blog Camp River Cottage" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3R9CoaIAY1g/VgbNon-socI/AAAAAAAACoY/8Ct-utCNVJI/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BArrival%2BGroup.jpg" title="Bloggers Socialising at #BlogCampRiverCottage " /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
were then offered refreshments and some very delicious mini pain au chocolat
and omelette canapés. This gave us all a chance to chat, and for some to catch
up with old blogging friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdqEjnmuywA/VgbLQe79UzI/AAAAAAAACms/oUWlhIL2VRU/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BCanapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of omelette canapes served at Blog Camp River Cottage" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdqEjnmuywA/VgbLQe79UzI/AAAAAAAACms/oUWlhIL2VRU/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BCanapes.jpg" title="Omelette Canapes from Blog Camp River Cottage" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnjDs23-zJU/VgbLXuCFNRI/AAAAAAAACm0/0qGoR59CF5g/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BMini%2BPain%2BAu%2BChocolat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picture of Mini Pain Au Chocolat at Blog Camp River Cottage" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnjDs23-zJU/VgbLXuCFNRI/AAAAAAAACm0/0qGoR59CF5g/s1600/River%2BCottage%2BMini%2BPain%2BAu%2BChocolat.jpg" title="Mini Chocolate Pain Au Chocolat" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
group had ‘Food Styling’ first with the lovely Lucy from ‘<a href="http://capturebylucy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Capture by Lucy</a>’. I
have to say that I felt completely out of my depth with this session, but I
took away so many tips and tricks which inspired me to really try harder with
my photography. I love taking photos however at the moment I only have my
iPhone and my Sony Compact Automatic which is very limited on what it can
really do. Seeing so many of my fellow bloggers with “proper” SLR cameras made
me realise that I really need to update mine if I intend to take my passion
further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucy
imparted such a wealth of tips and advice; what books to source for inspiration,
useful apps, how to use the colour wheel when choosing props to compliment the
food we photograph, how to use stones, Lego or Bluetack to make a tea cup rim appear
straight and how to create the effect of steam using a tampon. Yes, a tampon!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
came away from this session a touch shell shocked if I’m honest and wondered if
I was worthy of being there with all these seasoned food photographers, however
to have that level of expertise coming my way was fabulous and it made me think
harder about what I was photographing throughout the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
second session was with the wonderful Will Livingstone, Head Gardener at River
Cottage HQ. Will is a long standing member of the River Cottage team and his
passion for what he does is infectious. I think what hit me more than anything
about the whole day was the passion and commitment all the staff have in making
River Cottage HQ what it is. There’s an energy there which sweeps you along. We
were encouraged to try things from the working gardens and really experience
what River Cottage had to offer. Nothing was off limits and we were encouraged
to ask questions and really immerse ourselves in the experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">River
Cottage HQ is set in approximately 90 acres and is certified organic by the
Soil Association. As we’re currently in <a href="http://www.soilassociation.org/organicseptember" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#OrganicSeptember</a> being somewhere such
as River Cottage felt very fitting and brought home the amazing possibilities
with “going organic”. River Cottage’s Soil Association certification is their benchmark,
however as Will imparted, they try hard to go beyond these standards which is
amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They
have ewes, beef cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. They also have
bees which produce their own honey for them. As River Cottage has grown they
are no longer completely self-sufficient, however what they can’t grow or
produce onsite they source locally from small producers within a 30 mile
radius. This is the same for their cafés too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They
are fully sustainable with a well for their water, wind turbine to generate electricity
and a reed bed sewage system for the toilets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The kitchen
garden is Victorian style with a 4 bed system. This enables them to rotate
crops, which in turn reduces pests and disease in the soil. Their 4 beds
contain Legumes, Brassicas, Roots & Onions and Others. To give an example
of their crop rotation, they may plant peas and beans as they produce nitrogen,
then they would rotate and plant brassicas next as they need nitrogen in the
soil to grow well and so on. It’s all very clever yet very simple too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
tasted my first Nasturtium Flower which Will encouraged me to eat in one. I did
and it was quite peppery in taste almost like watercress. These later featured
in our cookery session in the afternoon. I was also able to taste some of the
delicious ‘All Gold’ Raspberries which were growing in the fruit garden. I had
only the day before been chatting to my youngest daughter about whether yellow
raspberries existed. She was watching a programme on television whilst I busied
myself with other things, and asked me if yellow raspberries were real. I said “no,
they are pinky red. You know that”. However, she was having none of it and told
me to rewind the programme (oh the joys of modern TV eh?) and low and behold
there on the screen were yellow raspberries. That was me told!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To
then be up close and personal with those very same raspberries the following day
made me chuckle. And boy do they taste good. They are less tart and have a mild
sweet taste. According to Will these are a good choice for gardeners as birds
don’t think they’ve ripened due to the colour and leave them alone. Clever gardening
indeed.</span></div>
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then met the pigs and chickens and saw what the poly tunnels grow throughout the
year. I could chat so much more about this part of the day, but with so much
more to tell you, I must move on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
came back after our tour to the aromatic smells of lunch wafting from the
kitchens. And what a delight this was. Gelf Alderson one of the Head Chefs
stood at the front of the dining hall and made our mouths water as he told us what
we were to experience. We had homemade wholemeal ravioli made with Dexter beef
which had been aged for 5 weeks and then slow cooked over a 36 hour period.
This was then served with a tasty ragu, freshly baked bread and the most
scrumptious corn on the cob I’ve ever eaten. I was in need of a tooth pick
afterwards and the lovely Jason gallantly found me a wooden skewer which did the
job perfectly! Thanks Jason; you saved the day. Nothing worse than sweetcorn
stuck in your teeth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Desert
was a sumptuous delight; fennel flower meringue, served with vanilla and coffee
infused ice cream with salted caramel and damsons from the garden. It was a
taste explosion in the mouth and each flavour complemented the next perfectly.
I’m not a coffee drinker myself however I happily lapped this offering up.
Delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After
lunch our last session of the day was with Group Head Chef, Gill Meller, who
taught us all how to make butter from double cream and then soda bread using the
butter milk we’d created from the butter making process. I never realised
butter was quite so easy to make and I loved that we were able to add in leaves
and flowers from the garden to create a work of art. I found the whole process
really therapeutic and had forgotten how much I love being in the kitchen
creating on my own without little people to direct.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To
flavour our soda bread we foraged for blackberries which really tested our
skills, as most of them had been picked by the earlier two groups. We all
managed to find enough for our bread and we added in apple, herbs and cheese to
make a tasty bread to take home with us and eat with our butter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By
this stage of the day I was buzzing with all the things we’d done. We headed
back to the dining area for refreshments and more chat and were able to buy
some goodies from the River Cottage shop if we wished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly
our day had to come to an end and we all piled onto the trailer again and
headed back up the bumpy track to the car park. Reality hit once more as I got
into my car, however I was left completely inspired from my day out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
had an amazing day, met some great bloggers and came away with a renewed passion
in taking my love of food, cooking and nutrition further. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you get the chance to visit River Cottage HQ, do it. It doesn’t disappoint.
Dare I say it, for me it’s a magical place and one I’m keen to revisit sooner rather
than later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A heartfelt,
“Thank You”, to Sally & Lindy of Foodies 100, and the whole team at River
Cottage HQ. You made a group of bloggers very, very happy and I for one will be
heading back as soon as possible to experience one of the many River Cottage cookery
courses on offer x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-9723811693531788372015-09-19T13:39:00.002+01:002017-06-03T23:29:36.830+01:00Gorgeously Green Gathering 2015<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
hard to believe that a week ago tomorrow I was getting up at 6.00am on a Sunday
to make the 2 hour journey to Swindon for the much anticipated ‘Gorgeously
Green Gathering’ organised by Rach (<a href="http://www.allnaturalaspirations.com/" target="_blank">All Natural Aspirations</a>), Sarah
(<a href="http://www.sugarpuffish.uk/" target="_blank">Sugarpuffish</a>) and Jen (<a href="http://jensgreenskincare.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jen’s Green Skincare</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
me, this was my first official blogger event and my first green beauty one too.
I was excited and nervous about the day. You spend so much time reading people’s
blogs, watching You Tube videos, and tweeting behind your computer that it can
seem a touch surreal to be finally meeting everyone face to face for the first
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
needn’t have worried though, as everyone was just so lovely. I’ve met Kim from
<a href="http://www.botanicalbrands.com/retail/index.php" target="_blank">Botanical Brands</a> and Elijah from <a href="https://www.bodhiandbirch.com/" target="_blank">Bodhi & Birch</a> before so it was great to
catch up with them both again. It was also good to make new contacts with
Rachael of <a href="http://www.myroo.co.uk/" target="_blank">MyRoo</a> and Olga of <a href="http://www.therosetree.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Rose Tree</a>. Both these smaller artisan brands
are new to me. I’ve read about them on other green beauty blogs but never tried
their products. Finally Caroline, a <a href="http://www.weleda.co.uk/" target="_blank">Weleda</a> Wellbeing Advisor came and spoke to
us on behalf of Weleda.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EeWDxSNF7rc/Vf1KiB-mjGI/AAAAAAAACj4/L8OaU_99IWc/s1600/GGGathering%2B-%2BBodhi%2Band%2BBirch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EeWDxSNF7rc/Vf1KiB-mjGI/AAAAAAAACj4/L8OaU_99IWc/s640/GGGathering%2B-%2BBodhi%2Band%2BBirch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
truly love to find out more about how a brand began. Having launched my own
online boutique I know that we all have our own personal story to tell, about
why we took our passion for green beauty that one step further. Each and every
one is different and I think it’s that which came across on Sunday. Each brand
is so unique because the founder’s personal journey is so different. I found it
inspiring to hear of other’s journeys and unwavering determination to make
their brand a success in what is now a very competitive marketplace.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqNSnU-PwaU/Vf1K-jUmMbI/AAAAAAAACkI/dkmkWsPSMbc/s1600/GGGathering%2B-%2BWeleeda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqNSnU-PwaU/Vf1K-jUmMbI/AAAAAAAACkI/dkmkWsPSMbc/s640/GGGathering%2B-%2BWeleeda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
also enjoyed finding out more about the essence of Weleda. I use their
products and have always wanted to attend one of their Insight Days. As a
Holistic Therapist I really resonate with the length they go to in making their
products. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s also about the people too.
Weleda is about the energy vibration that goes into each and every one of
their products. Now to some that may sound a touch “hippy” or “out there”,
however for me, it makes my connection to the brand that much stronger. So
thank you Caroline for making me fall in love with the brand just a little bit
more than I already did x</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In
the afternoon, we were all given an informative make up tutorial from Ailish
(<a href="http://theglowgetter.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Glow Getter</a>) using make-up from Living Nature and Lippy Girl using Bathing
Beauty’s beautiful new make-up brushes. Amber (<a href="http://www.ambersbeautytalk.com/" target="_blank">Amber’s Beauty Talk</a>) was Ailish’s
model and whilst watching, it made me realise that I could really do with a
one-to-one make up tutorial all of my own! I’m rubbish when it comes to make up
– probably why I don’t wear much of it – so watching tricks and tips of how to
make your eyes “pop” or defining your cheek bones was really worthwhile. Thanks
Ailish.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJYLxYsJqAM/Vf1Q44gXOlI/AAAAAAAACkg/sWzZzJxPjbA/s1600/GGGathering%2B-%2BLiving%2BNature%2BMake%2BUp%2BSession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJYLxYsJqAM/Vf1Q44gXOlI/AAAAAAAACkg/sWzZzJxPjbA/s640/GGGathering%2B-%2BLiving%2BNature%2BMake%2BUp%2BSession.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We
were also let loose on a box of Living Nature & Lippy Girl make-up on each
table. Alex from <a href="http://thegreenerbeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Greener Beauty Blog</a> make me giggle with her enthusiasm for
getting stuck into the goodies – see picture. It was great to see the joy
natural make up can bring to a table of women!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rach,
Sarah and Jen had organised a raffle in aid of the charity <a href="http://facingtheworld.net/" target="_blank">Facing the World</a>.
They raised a fabulous £165 and I was lucky enough to win some of Living Nature’s
make up – yay! Prizes were generously given by the brands who attended the day
so a huge “thank you” to them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCon7Ows-eY/Vf1RTno_ruI/AAAAAAAACk4/BNbGOY8g1xg/s1600/GGGathering%2B-%2BNetworking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCon7Ows-eY/Vf1RTno_ruI/AAAAAAAACk4/BNbGOY8g1xg/s640/GGGathering%2B-%2BNetworking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We
had a networking session at the end where we could chat and connect with the
Brands and I’d say that this was the part of the day I wish had been longer.
There didn’t seem to be enough time to chat and connect with fellow bloggers
and the brands, so if I had one recommendation for next time (if there is one),
then this would be it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
were sent home with fabulous goody bags, so a huge “thank you” to the brands
for these and also to The Primal Pantry, Consider It and Essential Trading for
the yummy foodie additions to the bag. Yummy scrum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
had a fabulous day and was absolutely knackered by the time I returned home. I
imagine that Rach, Sarah and Jen collapsed in happy heaps when they got home
after all the hard work which went into making the day such a success. Thank
you all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
hope there’ll be another Gorgeously Green Gathering next year. I think it was a
lovely way to bring green bloggers together in one space so we could all network
and chat. I’m looking forward to trying out my skincare goodies particularly the
brands I’ve not tried before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks
again guys. Until next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you’re interested in seeing a video of the day, then check out Rach’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0HubTG0N1w&feature=youtu.be&a" target="_blank">You Tube Video</a> here. You can also see other pictures and blogposts from other bloggers at the event in this <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23gorgeouslygreengathering&src=typd" target="_blank">Twitter feed</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-64471367477190583982015-09-14T22:02:00.000+01:002017-06-03T23:27:45.482+01:00Discover Autumnal Herbs with Herbalist, Vivienne Campbell<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
been a while since we’ve had a guest post here on Sophia’s Choice; in fact it’s
been almost 2 years ! Wow. Time races by at such speed it’s hard to keep up
sometimes.</span><br>
<br></div>
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<span lang="EN-IE" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you’ve been an avid reader of Sophia’s Choice from the beginning, you’ll have
enjoyed guest posts about <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/03/nurturing-mums-postnatal-group-guest.html" target="_blank">nurturing mums</a>, <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/03/rainbow-glitter-candle-with-sugar-aunts.html" target="_blank">making rainbow glitter candles</a>, <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/03/gluten-free-baking-for-all-family-with.html" target="_blank">baking gluten free</a>, <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/05/ever-thought-about-home-education-ross.html" target="_blank">home education</a>, <a href="http://sophiaschoiceuk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/the-joy-of-music-and-dance-for-your.html" target="_blank">the joys of music & dance with children</a> and
our very first guest post on <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/03/embracing-joy-of-food-with-your-little.html" target="_blank">embracing the joy of food with your little ones</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HIORwono5k/Vf1zR2CD5lI/AAAAAAAACl4/Stl_ldjkV58/s1600/Vivienne%2BCampbell%2BHerbalist%2B-%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HIORwono5k/Vf1zR2CD5lI/AAAAAAAACl4/Stl_ldjkV58/s640/Vivienne%2BCampbell%2BHerbalist%2B-%2BCollage.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-IE" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
what have I in store for you today? Well, if like me, you love a holistic way
of being, then foraging for herbs which you can then use both in your cooking
and therapeutically at home for the whole family will appeal greatly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IE" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d
like to therefore introduce you to the lovely Vivienne Campbell, Qualified
Herbalist, who has an exceptional passion for her craft. I love connecting with
like minded souls, and Vivienne’s infectious joy & enthusiasm for herbs and
how they can enhance our lives and wellbeing, was too much not to share. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IE" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read
on to find out more about Autumnal herbs you’ll find whilst on your country or
woodland walks in the coming months, and if you fancy taking your interest that
one step further, be sure to take a look at Vivienne’s fabulous online e-courses & exclusive offer to my gorgeous blog readers. Enjoy x</span><br>
</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/09/discover-autumnal-herbs-with-vivienne-campbell.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-66666160602289449002015-07-25T09:43:00.002+01:002015-09-19T15:35:28.045+01:00When Life Gives You Lemons.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwHjot1Cer8/VbNKu3RFMRI/AAAAAAAACfM/k7XEFcqXmDQ/s1600/Lemons%2B750px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="437" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwHjot1Cer8/VbNKu3RFMRI/AAAAAAAACfM/k7XEFcqXmDQ/s640/Lemons%2B750px.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"When life gives you lemons, make
lemonade" is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a
can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest
bitterness, while lemonade is a sweet drink.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You
may have noticed that for the past few months I’ve been absent on my blog
and there’s a good reason for this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those
of you who have followed my blogging journey will know, I started this blog
about a year after we lost my Mum to lung cancer. She had always encouraged me,
along with my husband to share my passion for more green and eco products and
also to satisfy my love of writing. Her passing encouraged me to jump into the
world of blogging and almost 3 years on from this blog’s beginnings, I still
love writing here albeit a touch less than I’d prefer sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
never in a million years did I think that less than 4 years after losing my
Mum, I would have to say goodbye to my Dad too.</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/07/when-life-gives-you-lemons.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-2793811946436433842015-05-14T17:26:00.002+01:002017-06-03T23:26:01.114+01:00Green People’s Natural Make Up | Review <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m
a big fan of </span><a href="http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Green
People</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. Their's was the </span><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2012/10/introducing-lovely-green-people.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">second post</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I wrote on this blog back in October 2012.
That seems like a very long time ago now ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
love of their products has never waned and I have watched with delight as their
range has evolved to include an anti-ageing range, and some fabulous make up
options. For me they are a tried and trusted brand and I come back to their
products over and over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Their
make-up range is what I’m talking about today. I have slowly been transitioning
my own make up collection over time and replacing it with more natural options.
It can be difficult to do when most natural options are online and you cannot
pop into your local chemist or beauty shop and test out colours. I have had
quite a few hit and misses, however I’ve really been enjoying trying Green
People’s offerings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
first purchase was their eye liner in City Grey priced at £10.95. I find that
black is just a touch too harsh for me, so I tend to favour a dark grey
instead. It compliments my blue eyes far more and it has always been a staple
in my make up collection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
think I’ve mentioned before that I do not wear much make up on a daily basis.
It’s mainly a light foundation to even out skin tone, eyeliner and mascara.
This eyeliner glides on well and stays put all day. It defines the eyes
perfectly and I’ve never had any irritation from it at all. I have repurchased
this several times and will continue to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have found that good natural mascaras are harder to find. I have so far tried
out <a href="http://www.phbethicalbeauty.co.uk/natural-organic-fairtrade-vegan-paraben-free-cruelty-free-make-up/eyeshadows-eyebrows-mascaras-eyeliners/natural_mascara" target="_blank">PHB Ethical Beauty’s</a> mascara (see my review <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2014/08/phb-ethical-beauty.html" target="_blank">here</a>) which I liked a lot and also <a href="http://www.natorigin.co.uk/NATorigin-mascara-6g-NATMascara.html" target="_blank">NatOrigin’s</a>
mascara which again I loved. I failed to bond with <a href="https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/CharlieHughes/area/shop-online/category/mascara/product/1741/new-lengthening-mascara/" target="_blank">Neal’s Yard Remedies</a> mascara</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. It wasn’t volumising enough for me and I didn’t like the wand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Green
People kindly sent me one of their Brown Black mascaras which retail at £14.95.
I have used this over several months now and I really like it. It adds length
and volume to my lashes and it is certainly one of the best natural mascaras
I’ve tried so far. It has good staying power and doesn’t clog up which is great
news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
I do have one grumble and that is the brush / wand. The brush on the end is
very bendy and I have almost snapped it on several occasions whilst trying to
take it out of the main section. The brush doesn’t feel secure enough on the
end of the wand itself. I much prefer something more rigid. The brush can be
flexible but not to the point of over bendiness! Apart from this one gripe
though, I can’t fault it. I’d repurchase but may try to find another brush to
replace the one provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZJNFDyloKE/VVSkiKIELlI/AAAAAAAACeg/o6VRz8LMCxE/s1600/Green%2BPeople%2BMake%2BUp%2BLip%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZJNFDyloKE/VVSkiKIELlI/AAAAAAAACeg/o6VRz8LMCxE/s640/Green%2BPeople%2BMake%2BUp%2BLip%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Green
People also sent me one of their lip crayons to try out priced at £12.95. I was sent the colour
‘Blossom’ which is a delicate shimmery pink. I really enjoyed using this lip
pencil and loved the colour. I’d say that it is a touch pinkier than the
picture shows. I find cameras never quite capture the full colour but I really
love this. I’d now like to try this in Praline too as I favour browns, and
pinks for my lips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
using this lip crayon, I used a lip balm first to moisturise my lips. I then
applied the lip crayon on top of this. The colour lasts pretty well although
you do need to reapply more regularly if you are drinking and eating a lot,
however I don’t mind this. Having used this lip crayon, I’d love to try out
their lipsticks now too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One
of my most recent purchases from Green People was for their mineral foundation
priced at £20.95. Green People offer theirs in a pressed powder which I really
like and with a SPF 15. It’s not messy as some loose mineral powders can be,
and this one is beautifully light and silky on the skin. You can build the
colour up in layers so it allows you to have a very sheer coverage or a heavier
look with reapplication. I had no irritation from their mineral foundation
which I’ve had with others on the market. I choose ‘Honey Light’ after Green
People sent me 2 sample colours to try before purchasing. Honey Light is a
perfect match for my skin tone. I normally find it difficult to find my ideal
colour match with mineral foundation, however Green People have mastered the
lighter skin tone options perfectly. I attribute this to the fact that
Charlotte Vøhtz and her daughter are fair skinned and have a better
understanding of this type of skin tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYJuU42pdbM/VVSkwdFupFI/AAAAAAAACeo/c5IZt66ysks/s1600/Green%2BPeople%2BMake%2BUp%2BCollage%2B2A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYJuU42pdbM/VVSkwdFupFI/AAAAAAAACeo/c5IZt66ysks/s640/Green%2BPeople%2BMake%2BUp%2BCollage%2B2A.jpg" width="603" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When
I placed my order for my foundation I also tried a sample sachet of their DD
Cream in Light. I was very impressed with this, and will be saving my pennies
to purchase a full size bottle. It’s not cheap at £34.95 however other beauty
bloggers have raved about it, so I think it would be worth the investment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
in all, I have really enjoyed using Green People’s make up range. I am keen to
add to what I already have and will now keep these four items in my collection
for the foreseeable future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You
will find Green People stocked by quite a few of your favourite online
retailers, however not all stock the full make up range. If you’d like to find
out more, then pop across to Green People’s <a href="http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> for a browse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
any of you, my lovely readers, tried any of Green People’s natural make up
range? If you have, please do leave me a comment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">********<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can connect with me here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/SophiasChoiceOnline">Facebook</a> * <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SophiasChoiceUK">Twitter</a> * <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/sophiaschoiceuk">Pinterest</a> * <a href="http://instagram.com/charlieejhughes">Instagram</a> * <a href="http://plus.google.com/u/0/+CharlieHughes/posts">Google+</a> * <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/people/charliehughes-2551093">Bloglovin</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was kindly sent a Green People Lip Crayon in Blossom
and a Brown / Black Mascara to try out for review. All opinions are my own and
honest.</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-75802741061850890042015-04-06T12:38:00.001+01:002016-06-05T09:47:20.351+01:00Root Vanish by Kazumi<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
we move forward in the natural beauty industry, the ability to find more
natural hair dyes is becoming far easier than it was. Brands such as Naturtint,
Aubrey and Khadi offer the green conscious beauty lover an alternative to
mainstream hair dyes which many people can react to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was sent a relatively new non-permanent hair dye called Root Vanish from <a href="http://www.kiwabi.com/uk/" target="_blank">Kiwabi</a>, which as
the name suggests is designed to tackle those annoying roots that creep in
before you’re next hairdresser appointment, or before you’ve had time to
re-order your natural hair dye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VQ-Q1VQKlc/VSJsDHRvieI/AAAAAAAACco/YxlmH5PP-LE/s1600/Kiwabi%2BRoot%2BVanish%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VQ-Q1VQKlc/VSJsDHRvieI/AAAAAAAACco/YxlmH5PP-LE/s1600/Kiwabi%2BRoot%2BVanish%2B1.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Root
Vanish is an eco botanical hair colour solution designed to camouflage grey
hair and roots, however it won’t lighten light hair as this would involve using
a bleach. It’s a gel based formula with 22 botanical ingredients. It is paraben,
sulphate, silicone, & fragrance free and sweat & water resistant. It is also cruelty free. Root Vanish can also be used on men’s side burns and beards as well as hair roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/04/root-vanish-by-kiwabi.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-39449544008272151582015-03-09T13:18:00.000+00:002017-06-03T23:24:31.241+01:00Puressentiel Aromatherapy Range | Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Back
in October last year, I was given the opportunity to go up to London for the UK
launch of Puressentiel’s natural aromatherapy products. Sadly, I was unable to make
it so the lovely team at Ruder Finn sent me 4 of the <a href="http://www.puressentiel.com/en" target="_blank">Puressentiel</a> range to try
out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5q_P1IoMXLU/VP2bXvTVxvI/AAAAAAAACXY/3jagmgfNeWI/s1600/Puessentiel%2BGroup%2BShot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5q_P1IoMXLU/VP2bXvTVxvI/AAAAAAAACXY/3jagmgfNeWI/s640/Puessentiel%2BGroup%2BShot.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have to admit that the latter part of last year vanished in a blur and this was
one blog post that was placed on my “to do” list and until now has been waiting
in the wings to be shared with you. This rarely happens but as I like to test
products out properly, sometimes I find the constraints of being a Mum, working
for myself and blogging take every ounce of time I have and when this happens some
blog posts are delayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That
said, it’s given me the opportunity to test one of the products whilst I had a
cold this winter, which gave me a proper understanding as to whether the
products do work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
who are Puressentiel? Launched in 2005 by Isabelle and Marco Pacchioni,
Puressentiel is a French aromatherapy brand whose aim is to challenge
traditional mind-sets and generate interest in aromatherapy. Their goal on
launch was to use 100% pure and natural products, making essential oils
accessible to all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isabelle
Pacchioni is the daughter of an herbalist (mother) and naturopath (father) so
her passion for natural health has been nurtured and developed through her
childhood into adulthood. With her husband Marco, they collaborated with
doctors, pharmacists, scientific researchers and aromatherapy specialists to
develop the Puressentiel range.</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/03/puressentiel-aromatherapy-range-review.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-69893347736903880362015-01-11T10:28:00.002+00:002017-06-03T23:23:06.167+01:00Anamaya Meditation App – Are You Ready for Peace & Calm in 2015?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Firstly,
a very Happy New Year to all my lovely readers. This is the first blog post of
the year and I’m hoping you’ve all had a great festive time with those you love
and are refreshed and ready for what 2015 has in store. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was sadly poorly before, during and after Christmas with a delightful fluey
virus my youngest daughter decided to share with us all and I managed to come
off worst. However, I suppose another way of looking at it is it gave my body a
much needed chance to chuck out some toxicity making way for all the positive
steps I’m aiming to put in place this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFXBA_t4eZE/VLJLHh9JSEI/AAAAAAAACQs/pYT0dQOuePo/s1600/Anamaya%2BApp%2BPicture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFXBA_t4eZE/VLJLHh9JSEI/AAAAAAAACQs/pYT0dQOuePo/s1600/Anamaya%2BApp%2BPicture.PNG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo Credit: Julia Allum</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One
of those is going to be meditation and this time I’m hopeful that I’ll finally
get to grips with this often elusive practice. In my work as a Holistic
Therapist before having my girls, I would find myself lost in active meditation
when giving a massage or Reiki treatment, but when it comes to sitting quietly
on my own, my busy brain will do anything other than sit for 10-20 minutes to
re-group. I’m happy to do this with others in a group setting however when it
boils down to it, it's all about forming a new habit and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">discipline, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">which appears to be an area I'm sorely lacking in !</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2015/01/anamaya-meditation-app-review.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-53449998891903587692014-12-20T14:54:00.004+00:002016-06-05T09:56:12.814+01:00BBC Good Food Eat Well Show 2015<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m always on the lookout for new products, places and events
that inspire my love of health and wellbeing. So when an email popped into my
inbox introducing a brand new BBC Good Food Show, I was very excited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzcZ_jqNXCY/VJWJEA4d39I/AAAAAAAACPs/limgsNinUNI/s1600/EWell%2BSHow%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzcZ_jqNXCY/VJWJEA4d39I/AAAAAAAACPs/limgsNinUNI/s1600/EWell%2BSHow%2Blogo.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The new </span><b style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfoodshowsummerlondon.com/whats-on/whats-on-at-eat-well" target="_blank">BBC Good Food Eat Well Show</a></b><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is coming to Olympia, London on 27</span><sup style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> February until 1</span><sup style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">st</sup><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
March 2015 and it has a fabulous line up of cooks, chefs and experts just
waiting to share a wealth of information with you on how to balance a healthy
lifestyle with your love of good food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now for someone like myself who started her journey many years
ago studying hotel and catering management, then retrained in several holistic
therapies and is now studying nutrition, this event ticks all the boxes and
more.</span><br>
</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2014/12/bbc-good-food-eat-well-show-2015.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-74161149873657835842014-11-19T15:18:00.003+00:002017-06-03T23:19:31.845+01:00Keep the Bugs Away with Alfresco<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
I know that summer has passed us by and we are well and truly into Autumn /
Winter now, however many people jet off to sunnier climes at this time of year
to get a rest bite from the more changeable, cold weather we are blessed with
here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
that’s you, then you may wish to take something to ward off those pesky biting
bugs that just love to have a nibble when you’re dining out at night. My
husband is one of them and if mosquitos head for anyone it’s him. He obviously
tastes too good!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.alfrescoshop.com/" target="_blank">Alfresco</a>
kindly sent me one of their Anti Bug Bite Moisturisers and one of their Insect
Repellent Fine Fragrance Sprays, Acqua D’Alfresco to try out. Both products were
developed by Sarah-Lou Morris who describes herself as “a 5 star meal to
insects”! After spending many years experimenting with essential oils and
lotions she finally came up with a fragrance blend which she loved and bugs
hated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sarah-Lou
excitedly took this formula to an apothecary and formed an alliance with a very
old established English family run factory who produced the quality Sarah-Lou
wanted to sell to the world. And Alfresco was born.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
a fragrance spray and body lotion to choose from these products are made as
naturally as possible and can be used on children right up to adults. The
fragrance is floral and spicy and described by Alfresco as Floriental. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
<a href="http://www.alfrescoshop.com/natural-insect-repellent-fragrances/natural-insect-repellent-50ml-alfresco" target="_blank">fragrance spray</a> can be used as a perfume in its own right as well as an insect repellent spray and will certainly appeal to those who like a strong scent. For me it was
just too strong, however I don’t wear perfumes much and when I do they tend to
be more citrusy blends than floral, musky, spicy ones. I wasn’t expecting the
fragrance to be quite so strong however there are a lot of people that this
type of product would really appeal to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Aqua
(water), Parfum (fragrance), Diisopropyl Adipate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl
Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Citral, Citronellol,
Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha Isomethyl
Ionone, Evernia Prunastri (oakmoss) extract. Includes: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis
(orange) oil, Cinnamomum Zeylancium Bark Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patachouli)
Oil, Melissa Officinalls Leaf Oil.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <a href="http://www.alfrescoshop.com/moisturizers/alfresco-anti-bug-bite-moisturizer" target="_blank">anti-bug bite moisturiser </a>is more subtle in its fragrance so would suit those who weren’t
looking for a long lasting fragrance spray but wanting the same bug preventing effect.
With Cinnamon Leaf, Patchouli, Cedarwood oils to repel insects, this moisturiser
when reapplied every 3 hours should keep you bite free on your next holiday . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients: Aqua (water),
Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric, Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl
Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Parfum (Fragrance), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon)
leaf oil, Pogostermon cablin (Patchouli) oil, Juniperus virginiana (cedarwood)
oil, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium
EDTA, Ceteareth-20, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Linalool.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
go camping every year and in the evenings mozzies and midgies are rife so although
I’m not sure I’m in love with the fragrance I may well be packing these 2
products to try out particularly on my feet. Here’s hoping they end up bite
free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you’d like to find out more about Alfresco’s range of natural anti-bug products,
then pop across to their <a href="http://www.alfrescoshop.com/faqs" target="_blank">website</a> for a browse. You will also find them on
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlfrescoBeautyWithoutBites" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/alfrescobeauty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
any of you tried the Alfresco range? Let me know in the comments if you have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">********<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was sent an Alfresco Acqua
D’Alfresco Insect Repellent Fine Fragrance Spray and a Anti Bug Bite Moisturiser
to try out. All opinions are my own honest thoughts and feeling on the products
I tried.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-24841915887446697372014-11-19T12:38:00.000+00:002017-06-04T16:04:33.815+01:00zk’in Certified Organic Skincare – Honest Beauty at its Core<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
year has been a year for making connections, for meeting people. I have spent a
lot of time over the past 2 years whilst writing this blog, connecting with so
many amazing people over Twitter, and 2014 has finally been the year when I
have met some of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1CCLHVlOMs/VGyN0PLNbSI/AAAAAAAACLI/NTeMrYuzM94/s1600/Zk'in%2BGroup%2BShot%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1CCLHVlOMs/VGyN0PLNbSI/AAAAAAAACLI/NTeMrYuzM94/s1600/Zk'in%2BGroup%2BShot%2BFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One
such person is Tracey Robinson from <a href="http://www.vertpr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Vert PR</a>. We only live 2 counties away from
each other here in the West Country, however it took the fabulous Organic
Beauty Week at London’s Wholefoods Kensington to finally bring us together in September
and I also had the honour of meeting Grace Culhaci the founder of <a href="http://www.zkinorganics.com.au/" target="_blank">zk’in Organic Skincare</a> at the same time, who was launching her
amazing certified organic skincare range in the UK that week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
spent many an hour chatting and I have to say it was like catching up with old
friends. The time whizzed by and if I’m honest I could have chatted all day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQWaNBfdm2w/VGyHXUDjAyI/AAAAAAAACKI/8vXLA4quxLQ/s1600/Zk'in%2BGroup1%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQWaNBfdm2w/VGyHXUDjAyI/AAAAAAAACKI/8vXLA4quxLQ/s1600/Zk'in%2BGroup1%2BFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Grace
is one of those women you meet who glows. She has an amazing smile and her
generous nature makes you feel at ease straight away. Her passion for her
certified organic skincare range is evident from the moment she shares with you
the many benefits they bring and some of the unusual ingredients they contain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.zkinorganics.com.au/pages/story" target="_blank">Grace</a>, like
many others was guided to change her life when she had her first daughter. She developed
a skin condition in pregnancy which made her take a long hard look at the
products she was using. Carcinogens and toxic ingredients in even those
products which professed to be natural inspired Grace to research, study and
learn to create her own organic alternatives and through their use her skin
condition cleared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
during her second pregnancy Grace was to be diagnosed with an inoperable tumour
on her optic nerve which left undiagnosed for many years had affected her
vision in the right eye. This life changing moment made Grace focus her attention
on creating and living a healthy, organic lifestyle with a vitamin B17
nutritional program. This and the use of her pure skincare products meant that
she now lives, as she puts it ”a beautiful, pain free life”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was given the opportunity to try out some of the zk’in range and I have to say
that my skin went through quite a few weeks of positive change. I’ve only had
this with 2 other skincare ranges so far; <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/05/amazing-enlightened-organic-sumptuous.html" target="_blank">AEOS</a> and <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2013/05/does-your-skin-live-native-mine-did-and.html" target="_blank">Live Native</a>. More on that
later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Grace
has a zero tolerance policy to anything less than the best:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Zero
tolerance to unnatural ingredients. They choose instead to have a 100% natural
preservative system.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Zero
tolerance to unsustainability; all packaging complies with food grade standards
and is BPA free. The packaging is recyclable and sustainable.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Zero
unsustainable ingredients and business practices.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Zero
tolerance to animal cruelty; no testing of products or ingredients on animals,
no selling to markets that require compulsory animal testing and the range is
proudly vegan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Zero
tolerance to dishonest marketing; no photo shopping of images of women used in
their promotional literature. Remember this is honest beauty.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Zero
petrochecmicals, zero parabens and sulphates, zero GMO ingredients, zero nano
particles.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
was given products from their oily / combination skin range to try; the
purifying cleansing gel, clear skin toner, rebalancing lotion and then the line
smoothing serum and clarifying exfoliator.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNxly6x91tQ/VGyH27Vac4I/AAAAAAAACKQ/FdbXpM3_1Ts/s1600/Zk'in%2BGroup2%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNxly6x91tQ/VGyH27Vac4I/AAAAAAAACKQ/FdbXpM3_1Ts/s1600/Zk'in%2BGroup2%2BFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I began
with the main 3 products from the oily / combination range for the first few
weeks to get my skin used to the new regime. I was glad I did, as my skin went
through a type of cleansing. Our skin is our largest organ and it is a great detoxifier.
The zk’in range uses healing Aloe Vera at its core, being the first ingredient
on each of the product lists. I found that my skin started to shift out
toxicity quite quickly after starting with the new products and I erupted in
spots around my jaw line which is a key area for me if my skin decides to clear
out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
I could have decided to stop there and not continue on, however knowing that my
skin was taking this opportunity to throw out some toxicity I persevered and
after about 4 weeks of using the cleanser, toner and rebalancing lotion my skin
settled again to reveal smoother, clearer, smaller pored skin. Wow, I was
impressed. I then started to introduce the line smoothing serum and once a week
the clarifying exfoliator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have continued on with this regime for about 7-8 weeks now and my skin is calm,
clear and much less shiny in the t-zone area. I’m really impressed. I have only
ever had this change with two other skincare ranges AEOS which uses biodynamic
ingredients and Live Native who like zk’in only use a 100% natural preservative
system. My skin seems to love the purity of these ranges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqFtIljJ-tI/VGyIK9ATXPI/AAAAAAAACKY/TnDOhZqojRk/s1600/Zk'in%2BCleansing%2BGel%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqFtIljJ-tI/VGyIK9ATXPI/AAAAAAAACKY/TnDOhZqojRk/s640/Zk'in%2BCleansing%2BGel%2BFinal.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Purifying Cleansing Gel</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> –
This is an oil free gel which uses clinically proven Quillaya Bark Extract to
help reduce shine. It doesn’t foam which is a shame, but it gently cleanses the
skin leaving it feeling clean and matt.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Aloe
vera) leaf juice*, Sucrose cocoate*, Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja) bark
extract*, Leuconostoc/Radish root ferment filtrate, Sclerotium gum (natural
gelling agent), Avena sativa (Oat) kernel flour*, d-Limonene#, Parfum (natural
preservative), Citrus reticulata (Red mandarin) peel oil*, p-Anisic acid
(natural preservative), Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter Orange) peel extract,
Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) peel oil*, Boswellia carterii
(Frankincense) oil*, Linalool#, citric acid.(*certified organic, #natural
component of essential oil). 96.11% organic of total</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da17WxoByas/VGyKDIPxA1I/AAAAAAAACKk/zQ5wA_CQUA8/s1600/Zk'in%2BToner%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da17WxoByas/VGyKDIPxA1I/AAAAAAAACKk/zQ5wA_CQUA8/s640/Zk'in%2BToner%2BFinal.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clean Skin Toner</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> – This
light toner was lovely to use. With astringent witch hazel and anti-acne Willow
Bark, this fresh toner was effective yet gentle. My only criticism would be
that I’d love to see it as a spray toner. I love to spritz my toners onto my
face – I’m lazy !</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Aloe
vera) leaf juice*, Aqua (Hydrosol of Leptospermum petersonii (Lemon scented tea
tree)), Hamamelis virginiana (Witch hazel) bark/leaf extract*, Alcohol*
(natural), Salix alba (Willow) bark extract, Leuconstoc/Radish root ferment filtrate,
Leptospermum petersonii (Lemon scented tea tree) oil*. (*certified organic). 95%
organic of total<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Z_h-GY97Fo/VGyKJD10nPI/AAAAAAAACKs/fHV_WTJxRoI/s1600/Zk'in%2BRebalancing%2BLotion%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Z_h-GY97Fo/VGyKJD10nPI/AAAAAAAACKs/fHV_WTJxRoI/s640/Zk'in%2BRebalancing%2BLotion%2BFinal.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rebalancing Lotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> –
This has a lovely citrusy smell and sinks well into the skin leaving it matt
and ready for make-up. It features EPS Seamat to mattify shine within one hour
of use. My skin loved it and stayed matt pretty much all day which is normally
unheard of!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Ingredients: Aloe
barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice*, Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) seed
oil*, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Aqua, Leuconostoc/Radish root
ferment filtrate, Cetearyl^ olivate (natural emulsifier), Sorbitan olivate
(natural emulsifier), Avena sativa (Oat) kernel flour*, Sclerotium gum (natural
gelling agent), d-Limonene#, Citrus reticulata (Red mandarin) peel oil*,
Parfum, (natural preservative), Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter orange) fruit extract,
p-Anisic acid (natural preservative), Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot)
fruit oil* (Bergaptene free), Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) oil*,
Tocopherol (non GMO natural Vit. E), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil,
Linalool#, Plankton extract (Bacterio genus), Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang)
flower oil*, Phenethyl Alcohol (natural), Benzyl benzoate# (natural from Ylang
Ylang). (*certified organic, ^RSPO sustainable palm input, #natural component
of essential oil). </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">92.63% organic of
total</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Line Smoothing Serum</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> – This
beautifully light skin serum smells of vanilla and sinks beautifully into the
skin. It uses clinically proven active Galuline Expression which temporarily
blocks the muscular contractions that contribute to expression lines. I can’t
say I noticed much difference with this however, I am blessed with few lines
even at my now 42 years young. Oily skin does have its benefits in the end !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf
juice*, Rosa eglanteria (Rosehip) seed oil*, Alcohol (natural from beet), Aqua,
Cetearyl^ olivate (natural emulsifier), Sclerotium gum (natural gelling agent),
Leuconostoc/Radish root ferment filtrate, Sorbitan olivate (natural
emulsifier), Parfum (natural preservative), Lavandula hybrida (Lavandin grosso)
oil*, Spilanthes acmella (Paracress) extract, Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter
orange) fruit extract, Linalool#, Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla) fruit extract*,
Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil*, Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) oil*,
Benzyl benzoate# (natural from Ylang Ylang), d-Limonene#, Geraniol#, Coumarin#.
(*certified organic, ^RSPO sustainable palm input, #natural component of
essential oil) 95.05% organic of total<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPicao3jFMo/VGyKr0HqY_I/AAAAAAAACK8/0ILqR0FFwQQ/s1600/Zk'in%2BExfoliator%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPicao3jFMo/VGyKr0HqY_I/AAAAAAAACK8/0ILqR0FFwQQ/s640/Zk'in%2BExfoliator%2BFinal.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clarifying Exfoliator</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> –
This exfoliator uses coffee beans and colloidal oatmeal to remove congestion,
refine pores and improve clarity. I preferred to use this almost like a mask
which is recommended to drier skins. It was quite coarse in its texture and
smelt amazing. I don’t like to drink coffee but the smell is fabulous. This
exfoliator smells of freshly brewed coffee – delicious.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf
juice*, Coffea arabica (Coffee) seed powder*, Sclerotium gum (natural gelling
agent), Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter orange) fruit extract, Avena sativa
(Oat) kernel flour*, Citrus reticulata (Red mandarin) peel oil*, d-Limonene#,
Citric acid. (*certified organic, #natural component of essential oil). 97.90%
organic of total<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Overall
I’m really impressed with zk’in’s COSMOS certified skincare range. It’s well
thought out, effective yet gentle and with a 100% natural preservative system
you really can’t go wrong with this one.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
range extends to normal to dry skin and sensitive skin and several of the
products transcend all skin types. The range is reasonably priced making it
accessible to most budgets which was one of Grace’s wants. Good quality
skincare shouldn’t need to cost the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you’d like to find out more about this great skincare range then pop across to the zk’in <a href="http://www.zkinorganics.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a> for more information. In the UK you can
currently purchase zk’in at Xynergy and Love Lula. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2361414790500952644" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #444444; float: right; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
you come across, or used any of the zk’in certified organic skincare range? If
so, do share your thoughts below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">********<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was given a Purifying
Cleansing Gel, Clear Skin Toner, Clarifying Exfoliator, Line Smoothing Serum
and the Rebalancing Lotion to try out for review. All opinions given are my own
honest thoughts and feelings on the products I used.</span></i></div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">UPDATE: zk'in is no longer available to buy direct from the UK.</i></div>
<i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></i></div>
Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-4508546306300493852014-11-12T14:46:00.003+00:002017-06-03T23:15:23.979+01:00Amphora Aromatics – Competition Giveaway<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>THIS COMPETITION GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.</i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
always nice to be able to bring you a competition giveaway and with Christmas
only 6 weeks away (yes, really !), this giveaway may just suit someone special
on your Christmas list. Lets’ hope so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGtifhpFn8E/VGNsvN7YHxI/AAAAAAAACJg/zULxM2mCeAE/s1600/Amphora%2BAromatics%2BGift%2BBox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGtifhpFn8E/VGNsvN7YHxI/AAAAAAAACJg/zULxM2mCeAE/s640/Amphora%2BAromatics%2BGift%2BBox1.jpg" width="488"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.amphora-aromatics.com/" target="_blank">Amphora Aromatics</a> began life in 1984 in Bristol and I remember using their aromatherapy
base and essential oils in my holistic massage treatments when I had my
practice before having my children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Amphora Aromatics founders, Christine
and Peter Carroll, travelled the world and spent time in a Himalayan hill town,
studying native traditional medicine systems and associated philosophy.
On their return, they set up Amphora Aromatics - taking inspiration from their
travels overland through Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan to
India.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Combining
traditional formulas with exotic herbs and oils, their philosophy is to create
high quality products at very competitive prices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br>
</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2014/11/amphora-aromatics-competition-giveaway.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com159tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-79804714479240726162014-11-12T11:29:00.000+00:002016-06-05T09:44:37.167+01:00Ruth Romano – Natural and Handcrafted Bodycare<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
time goes by, I love being able to connect with like-minded people with similar
or the same values that I have. Over the two years that I have been writing
this blog I have connected with some amazing people and brands. I feel blessed
to have found such an array of natural products to try out and share with you,
my readers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m
a pretty uncomplicated person at heart, so I tend to be drawn to products which
have simplicity at their core. It’s all very well have fancy ingredients and
names but if the product doesn’t do what it’s supposed to then for me anyway,
it’s not worthy of my precious time.</span></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
of the best natural products I’ve used, have had the shortest ingredients lists
and have changed the way my skin feels and looks. That’s one of the things that
drew me to <a href="http://www.ruthromano.com/" target="_blank">Ruth Romano</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiRu9ZXFEYM/VGNACBxPLUI/AAAAAAAACJA/2kQBng738Eo/s1600/Ruth%2BRomano%2BGroup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiRu9ZXFEYM/VGNACBxPLUI/AAAAAAAACJA/2kQBng738Eo/s640/Ruth%2BRomano%2BGroup1.jpg" width="526"></a></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Founded
by Ruth Cartwright, Ruth Romano’s products have simplicity at their core. I was
kindly sent one of their Lavender soaps and orange lip balms to try out and I
have to say I loved both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br>
</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2014/11/ruth-romano-natural-and-handcrafted.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-66858465346436257322014-10-25T15:49:00.001+01:002016-06-05T09:44:20.396+01:00Are You Getting Enough of Your Sunshine Vitamin?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
week is National Vitamin D Awareness Week and <a href="http://www.betteryou.com/" target="_blank">BetterYou</a> kindly sent me a
Vitamin D pack with lots of information on this important nutrient including samples
of their 3,000iu adult spray, 400iu junior spray and 300iu infant spray. In
addition, there were some great sunny beads and a sunshine egg cooker. More on
those later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIZzxKqM_aM/VEuvKHIlK7I/AAAAAAAACIY/NrEB4j-_ybI/s1600/BetterYou%2BVitamin%2BD%2BPack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIZzxKqM_aM/VEuvKHIlK7I/AAAAAAAACIY/NrEB4j-_ybI/s1600/BetterYou%2BVitamin%2BD%2BPack.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We
all know that vitamin D is important for strong bones and healthy teeth but did
you know that it is also integral to a robust immune system? It is known as the
sunshine vitamin as our bodies can synthesise this important nutrient from the
sun’s UVB rays. This is the best way to top up your reserves,
however in the UK that can be hard to do particularly from October to April.
The UK is one of the cloudiest counties in the industrialised world, so making
sure we top up our supplies is integral to our health.</span></div>
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<br>
</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2014/10/vitamin-d-the-sunshine-vitamin.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-4320600581865043702014-10-17T19:01:00.000+01:002016-06-05T09:43:07.146+01:00Bare Biology – Providing You with the Best in Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By
now you will probably have realised that as well as being passionate about what
we put on to our bodies, I’m just as passionate about what we put into our
bodies; perhaps more so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m
just about to begin my second year studying naturopathic nutrition and as I
learn more, I come to understand why so many of us suffer with the array of
conditions which tend to afflict so many people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
have become a culture of “quick fixers” and this has led us to eat on the run,
eat a heavily processed diet, drink less or in some cases no water, not take enough
exercise and then wonder why this amazing body we have been blessed with starts
to fail us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYQPBngbKQg/VEFFSUyEAPI/AAAAAAAACHk/y5Q44gQZJjU/s1600/Bare%2BBiology%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYQPBngbKQg/VEFFSUyEAPI/AAAAAAAACHk/y5Q44gQZJjU/s1600/Bare%2BBiology%2BCollage.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Images courtesy of Bare Biology</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You
cannot expect your body to keep up and constantly heal itself if you fail to
nourish it properly. In short we are and reflect our cells. If we are not
nourished on a cellular level then this will eventually show in our bodies.
Whether that be inflammation in the joints or skin, acute illnesses which
become chronic ones, depression; the list goes on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br>
</div><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2014/10/bare-biology-best-omega3-oil.html#more">Read more »</a>Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-10406703400278518562014-10-16T14:21:00.001+01:002017-06-04T16:21:09.821+01:00FoM London – Quality, Sustainability and Integrity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
rare that you come across a company these days whose main aim isn’t predominantly
driven by profit. We all know we’re in business to make ourselves and others a
living, however it’s so refreshing when you come across a company whose core
values are based on the search for solutions for skin problems which use natural
ingredients and that this is ultimately their main motivation. A company like this definitely catch my attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cliLABFLECE/VD_EYWiPRtI/AAAAAAAACHA/DKzyvweFkJs/s1600/FoM%2BGroup%2BShot%2B2A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cliLABFLECE/VD_EYWiPRtI/AAAAAAAACHA/DKzyvweFkJs/s640/FoM%2BGroup%2BShot%2B2A.jpg" width="624" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://fomlondonskincare.com/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">FoM London</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
(or Fresh of the Morning London) is one such company and they exhibited earlier
this year at Natural Organic Products Europe. I sadly was unable to go due to
being poorly. Zaga from FoM contacted me after the event and asked if I’d be
interested in trying out some of their range. She kindly sent me a trial size
of their Remodelling Beauty Serum, Revitalising Eye Care Balm, Antioxidant
Facial Mask and their Contouring Body Serum.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
first thing I noticed was the stylish packaging and attention to detail. I personally
buy first with my eyes and I believe how a product looks has a big bearing on
whether someone will want to find out more or simply move on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
second thing I noticed was the products smelt gorgeous. I love my aromatherapy
type fragrances over sweet or synthetic ones, so I found myself really
loving the serum and body oil when I used them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FoM
have a perfectly formed range of skin and bodycare products in addition to
their men’s range section too. Ana from <a href="http://www.anagoesgreen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ana Goes Green</a> reviewed their Bath Oil and loved it and I have to say that I have nothing but good to say about this
range too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
always more difficult to get a true gauge of how a skincare range performs
just from trial sizes, however from what I tried I found my skin liked the
products.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTKGs_LHXWw/VD_Egrd3AZI/AAAAAAAACHI/p4jQlCIi8-c/s1600/FoM%2BGroup%2BShot%2B1A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTKGs_LHXWw/VD_Egrd3AZI/AAAAAAAACHI/p4jQlCIi8-c/s1600/FoM%2BGroup%2BShot%2B1A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remodelling Beauty Serum</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
is a light, easily absorbed cream serum which smells gorgeous. With rosewater,
olive squalene, brown algae, acmella spilanthes, ginseng, gotu kola, olive leaf,
and lupin proteins, this serum is full of skin loving ingredients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
used this at night with the eye balm and found it worked well at nourishing my
skin. The serum can be used under your normal moisturiser.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Aqua, Rosa Damascena, Squalane,
Glycerine, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Polysorbate 60 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
(and) Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Prunus dulcis and Panax Ginseng
extract and Ginkgo Biloba extract and Centella Asiatica extract and Olea
Europea extract, Fucus Vesiculosis, Equisetum arvense,Tocopherol,
Panthenol,Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein,Aqua Yeast Extract, Avena Sativa,
Phenoxyethanol (and) Capryl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, *parfum (100% natural)
*citral, geraniol, citronellol, limonene (naturally occurring inessential
oils).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Revitalising Eye Care Balm</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
is described as a balm however it’s more of a light cream than a balm. I see
balms as butter and oil based, firmer in texture without water. I notice though
that there are a few companies who describe their products as a balm when it’s
more of a creamy texture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
eye balm is fragrance free and sinks into the skin well. I used this at night
and it left my delicate eye area beautifully hydrated and nourished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
eye balm claims to reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around your
eyes. With botanical extracts, antioxidants and Vitamins A and B, this rich
treatment is specifically formulated to counter moisture loss, collagen
breakdown, and free radical damage. It nourishes
and hydrates the delicate eye area and also helps to reduce redness and
puffiness around the eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(25g) Rosa Damascena water, Aqua, Prunus
Dulcis, Oryza sativa, Cetearyl Alcohol and Polysorbate 60, Olea Europea (Olive)
Fruit Oil, Glycerine, Squalane, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Camellia sinensis leaf
extract, Rosa Rubiginosa, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Euphrasia Officinalis
Extract, Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract, Centella asiatica extract,
Equisetum Arvense, Hamamelis virginiana, Avena Sativa, Immondsia chinensis,
Daucus carrota, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cetyl Alcohol, Caryocar brasiliense,
Cucumis sativis, Phenoxyethanol (and) Capryl Glycol.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Antioxidant Facial Mask</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
100% natural exfoliating and detoxifying mask provides a gentle
exfoliation to help reveal a clearer, younger and brighter complexion. It
reminds me of the type of face mask I used to use as a teenager however with
this one you mix it yourself. It can also be used as an exfoliator too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
is fragrance free and you use water to mix it into a paste. I think you could
also mix it with floral waters like rose to add an extra nourishing quality to
the mask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdfhCKbspz0/VD_EqSRGrsI/AAAAAAAACHQ/Lep-mWB8fuc/s1600/FoM%2BMask%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdfhCKbspz0/VD_EqSRGrsI/AAAAAAAACHQ/Lep-mWB8fuc/s640/FoM%2BMask%2BA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
mask works to target age spots and reduce the appearance of fine lines and is suitable
for normal, combination and oily or acne prone skin. It left my skin super soft
and hydrated. The mask does eventually dry, so if you prefer you can take it
off before this process happens.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
Vitamin C, Chamomile, Lavender, Olive Leaf, Rosehip this will certainly nourish tired and lacklustre skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bentonite, Olea Europea, Camellia
Sinensis, Rosa Canina, Spirula, Maris Limus, Zea Mays, Rosa Damascena,
Lavandula Angustifolia, Matricaria Recutita, Iris Florentina, Ascorbic Acid.</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Contouring Body Serum<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
body serum smells amazing ! I used this sample size up in one application and
was gutted I had no more to try. I can’t comment on how it performs over time,
but based on the one application I had from it, it smells citrusy and is a
perfect body pick me up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
FoM London describe: “<i>This 100% natural,
botanical infused non-greasy, fast-absorbing serum relieves dryness,
repairs and improves skin elasticity. This rich concentrated serum is
perfect blend of vitamins, amino acids, essential oils to reduce cellulite,
stretch marks and improve skin texture. Skin feels more subtle and toned
immediately. Over time cellulite is visibly reduced and skin becomes more toned
and firmed. Suitable for all skin types.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
olive squalane, nettle extract, marshmallow extract, rooibos and horse chestnut, this
is yet another product packed with skin loving ingredients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prunus Dulcis, Oryza Sativa, Helianthus
Annus, Organic Stellaria media, Helianthus annuus, Squalane, Prunus dulcis and
Urtica Dioica leaf extract and Althaea officinalis root extract and Aspalathus
linearis leaf extract, Organic Aesculus hippocastanum, Helianthus annuus, Rosa
Rubiginosa, Mauritia flexuosa, *Pure blend of essential oils, Tocopherol,
*linalool, limonene, citral, geraniol, cinnamyl alcohol, eugenol, cinamal,
coumarin, benzyl benzoate (naturally occurring in essential oils).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FoM
London’s packaging is all recyclable and their products are made in small
batches in the UK. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2361414790500952644" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #444444; float: right; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You
can find out more about FoM London’s great skin and bodycare range on their <a href="http://fomlondonskincare.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
any of you tried FoM London? Do leave me a comment if you have. I’d love to
know what you think. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time xx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrR_lfYp4wc/UuQF1qwTnpI/AAAAAAAABvA/cGtjfa5wbNo/s1600/PR%2BSample%2BLogo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrR_lfYp4wc/UuQF1qwTnpI/AAAAAAAABvA/cGtjfa5wbNo/s1600/PR%2BSample%2BLogo2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was kindly sent a trial
size of FoM London’s Beauty Serum, Eye Care Balm, Antioxidant Mask and Contouring Body Serum to try
out. All thoughts, feelings and opinions are my own, no one else’s. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-3096112262601882612014-10-09T18:25:00.003+01:002017-06-03T22:30:46.930+01:00Probiotics and Prebiotics – Helping to Keep Your Gut in Tip Top Condition<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
that time of the year again when the weather changes, the kids have returned to
school and nursery and all of a sudden tummy bugs and stomach upsets rear their
ugly head once more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Norovirus
and the like take hold and last November/December time poor Sophia was struck
down by one such stomach bug, which recurrently had her off school for a period
of 4 weeks. As soon as we thought it had gone, it reappeared again. It was
exhausting and upsetting for Sophia. Vomiting and diarrhea coupled with stomach
cramps which would come in waves in the middle of the night meant that we spent
many an hour during that period on the sofa downstairs. It certainly wasn’t
fun.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUs3B5_Pvs/VDbDaaCqUhI/AAAAAAAACGY/Hl6uAu3k3kI/s1600/Probiotics%2Band%2BPrebiotics%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUs3B5_Pvs/VDbDaaCqUhI/AAAAAAAACGY/Hl6uAu3k3kI/s640/Probiotics%2Band%2BPrebiotics%2BFinal.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a
family we take probiotics regularly however last year it was a bit more hit and
miss. That won’t be happening again this year!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
gut houses approximately two thirds of our immune function so it’s really
important to support this. When we have antibiotics or we have severe stomach
upsets or food poisoning, we can strip our gut of the natural, <a href="http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/live-cultures/what-are-probiotics" target="_blank">beneficial bacteria</a>
which are needed to keep our immune systems working properly. Lack of these
<a href="http://www.vitabase.com/blog/allergy-immune/intestine-immune-connection.aspx" target="_blank">beneficial bacterium</a> can also lead to conditions like candida.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Keen
to try to get on top of this particular bought of sickness, I sent out an SOS
tweet on Twitter, and Optibac were one of the companies that came to my rescue
(Organic Burst were another). They recommended that I try Sophia on <a href="http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/shop/saccharomyces-boulardii" target="_blank">Saccharomyces Boulardii</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1q0Jxs1Au2o/VDbDnOJxM5I/AAAAAAAACGg/nnAm1Gi1GFA/s1600/Probiotics%2BDiarsafe%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1q0Jxs1Au2o/VDbDnOJxM5I/AAAAAAAACGg/nnAm1Gi1GFA/s640/Probiotics%2BDiarsafe%2BFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Saccharomyces Boulardii is a unique
probiotic yeast that has been safely used worldwide as a probiotic for more
than half a century. It does not colonise the intestinal tract and is used as
needed to support intestinal health. Saccharomyces Boulardii provides the
intestines with unparalleled support against a broad array of pathogens that
include bacteria, yeast and protozoans. Its mechanisms of actions are as
follows:</span></i></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
binds to certain pathogenic bacteria and occupies intestinal receptors, thus preventing
bacteria from adhering to the mucous membrane</span></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It inhibits
bacterial toxins</span></i></li>
<li><i style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It stimulates
the intestinal immune system”</span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They
kindly sent me a pack to try and within about 48 hours Sophia was greatly
improved. We had her on them for about a week and supported this with a daily
wellbeing probiotic afterwards. It did the trick and we finally managed to
repopulate Sophia’s gut again. Phew!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9r_phj1TjHo/VDbDvA-eYyI/AAAAAAAACGo/RZ15iXpwIA8/s1600/Probiotics%2BEveryday%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="547" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9r_phj1TjHo/VDbDvA-eYyI/AAAAAAAACGo/RZ15iXpwIA8/s640/Probiotics%2BEveryday%2BFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then
back in August this year my husband and I were struck down by food poisoning.
What was supposed to be a lovely end to our summer holiday turned into an
absolute nightmare ! I’ve had stomach bugs and the norovirus before and that
was bad enough but never had either of us suffered food poisoning and I hope we
never will again.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
culprit was of course chicken – it always is isn’t it?! From our local Chinese
takeaway. We’ve never ever had any issues before but when I tasted a strip of
this particular dish I thought, “I don’t like the taste of this; I’m not having
anymore”. However, that was all I needed to be hugging the loo 5 hours later
along with my hubby. Good job we have 2 loos in our house!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
were both wiped out for 48 hours and my eldest Sophia was amazing helping with
Jess; getting her breakfast and lunch, helping her get dressed etc. She was a
star. Thank goodness Jess wasn’t a baby or we’d have really struggled. Your
health is everything isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyway,
it has taken me a good 6 weeks to feel better again and Optibac’s Saccharomyces
Boulardii was one of the products I reached for first to help me get back on my
feet. I also put myself on their daily wellbeing probiotics too. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8lyudOilI4/VDbD14Q4-9I/AAAAAAAACGw/Iv4lb0q5QLs/s1600/Prebiotics%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8lyudOilI4/VDbD14Q4-9I/AAAAAAAACGw/Iv4lb0q5QLs/s640/Prebiotics%2BFinal.jpg" width="539" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In
addition, I have been using A Vogel’s </span><a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/food/molkosan-fruit/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Molkosan Fruit</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Prebiotic to encourage the
growth of all those good guys in my gut again. A </span><a href="http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/live-cultures/what-are-prebiotics" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">prebiotic</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> such as Molkosan is
a source of food for probiotics to grow, multiply and survive in the gut.
Theirs is fermented whey with fruit juices, stevia and calcium.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Prebiotics are fibres which cannot be
absorbed or broken down by the body and therefore serve as a great food source
for probiotics, in particular the Bifidobacteria genus, to increase in
numbers. Prebiotics by nature do not stimulate the growth of bad bacteria or
other pathogens; the official definition of prebiotics is: ‘non-digestible food
ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth
and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, which can
improve host health’."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
Vogel kindly sent me a bottle to try out for review a few months back and I’m
so pleased that I hadn’t tried it out sooner as it has been the perfect accompaniment
to my probiotics in getting my gut back on track.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You
put 20ml in a small glass of water and take it for at least 7 days in a row. It
tastes a bit like the children’s Yeo Valley probiotic yoghurts. I like it and
it has certainly made a difference for me over the past few weeks. You can also
get Molkosan Original and Molkosan Vitality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
use our probiotics in smoothies for the girls and I happily take them as
capsules or in smoothies myself. We are stocked up for this winter and I’m
determined to really support our gut health this time. Reducing sugar in the
diet is also important as this suppresses our body’s immune function. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought
I’d have a go at fermented foods this year; sauerkraut being my first
to try. I’ll have to report back on how well I do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
are many brands of pre and probiotics on the market to choose from now. You can
either buy online or pop down to your local health food store to get yours.
Optibac have a very <a href="http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/shop" target="_blank">comprehensive range</a> for all sorts of conditions / situations
so well worth checking out and of course A Vogel have their <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/food/molkosan-digestion/" target="_blank">Molkosan range</a> available
too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
any of you use pre or probiotics on a daily basis? Do let me know in the
comments section below. I love to hear your thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make
sure you keep your immune system in tip top condition this winter and include
your fair share of friendly bacteria in the mix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">********<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ73J-SkevU/Us72ObZgz6I/AAAAAAAABrs/rPLDEfTynGg/s1600/PR%2BSample%2BLogo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ73J-SkevU/Us72ObZgz6I/AAAAAAAABrs/rPLDEfTynGg/s1600/PR%2BSample%2BLogo2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was sent some Optibac Saccharomyces
Boulardii to try for Sophia when she was poorly last winter. I have decided to
share our experience of them on my blog. I was also sent a Molkosan Fruit
Prebiotic to try out for review on my blog. All thoughts, feeling and opinions
are my own. I’m glad I had this in reserve to help my recovery from this bout
of food poisoning!<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">It is always advised that you seek independent professional advise about taking supplements particularly if you are suffering with certain health conditions or you are taking certain medications. </span></i></div>
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-31883607626573297162014-10-09T12:23:00.000+01:002017-06-03T22:27:12.488+01:00Wooden Toys – My Must Have List<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
that little Jess is almost 4 years old I notice that certain toys no longer
seem exciting to her and as she grows she naturally migrates to other more “grown
up” versions.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
there are some toys we have that have stood the test of time over the past 8
years and they are still being used and abused by both my girls even now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vINpC51WP0c/VDZrVht6MuI/AAAAAAAACFg/4sOyursy2JM/s1600/Wooden%2BToys%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vINpC51WP0c/VDZrVht6MuI/AAAAAAAACFg/4sOyursy2JM/s1600/Wooden%2BToys%2BFinal.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
of them are wooden and have been loved, battered, dropped, thrown and some have
even been drawn on much to Mummy’s dismay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
thought it would be nice to share these with you. They are what I’d call my “must
have” wooden toy items. They have engaged the girls in their development,
encouraged imaginative play and their creative side to grow. And being wooden
they have stood the test of 6-8 years of abuse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s
face it, kids “use” things and with little Jess they need to be made of stone
if possible as she has a tendency to test out whether they will break or not! So
many of the toys we had when Sophia was small have now died in the hands of my
youngest. It amazes me how very different each child can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
our wooden toy selection has made it through and some could still be happily
handed down to other children too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tA1qs4pgg4/VDZriZyDulI/AAAAAAAACFo/4ttWUo4aheE/s1600/Wooden%2BEasel%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tA1qs4pgg4/VDZriZyDulI/AAAAAAAACFo/4ttWUo4aheE/s640/Wooden%2BEasel%2BFinal.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First
up is our beloved <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janod-J07582-Height-Adjustable-Easel/dp/B000UJKHV8/ref=sr_1_2?s=kids&ie=UTF8&qid=1412853711&sr=1-2&keywords=wooden+easle" target="_blank">Janod Height Adjustable Wooden Art Easel</a>. If you invest in just one thing for your
little one, make it one of these. Both the girls have played with this over and
over again. As it has two sides (one is a white board and the other a
chalkboard), the girls have painted, learned to write, played schools,
scribbled, drawn; they absolutely love this piece of equipment. They even fight
over who can use it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It
certainly doesn’t resemble the new pristine version that arrived about 6 years
ago when Sophia was about 2, however this easel has been loved oh so much. I
may have to place it in the loft when they are finished with it, as a “keep
sake”!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0N2ZpOgUF2I/VDZrptld6JI/AAAAAAAACFw/nZ1qU5f7dMA/s1600/Wooden%2BBricks%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0N2ZpOgUF2I/VDZrptld6JI/AAAAAAAACFw/nZ1qU5f7dMA/s640/Wooden%2BBricks%2BFinal.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then
there are our Wood Works wooden coloured blocks. I have spent many an hour on my hands and
knees building forts and houses, towers and tunnels with the girls. And as they’ve
grown, their ability to play alone has also been encouraged and fostered too.
They will still play with these blocks together even now.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rdVN6cwuQk/VDZrvRmirPI/AAAAAAAACF4/u38WbxXSPyo/s1600/Wooden%2BHoneybake%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rdVN6cwuQk/VDZrvRmirPI/AAAAAAAACF4/u38WbxXSPyo/s1600/Wooden%2BHoneybake%2BCollage.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Aaah,
our <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Le-Toy-Van-Honeybake-Role-Play/dp/B00154QZOA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412853350&sr=8-1&keywords=le+toy+van+honeybake+oven" target="_blank">Le Toy Van Honeybake Cooker</a>! This has brought (and still does) hour upon hour of fun
for the girls and if I’m honest, myself too. Beautifully made it is so loved
that we have lost a hook for one of the utensils, one of the utensils has been
glued many times, the bacon has broken and is now lost but this beautiful
cooker continues to be played with on a weekly basis.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Friends
have come over and again this is one of the main toys they all play with,
making us cakes, cups of tea and soups a plenty. I think I have 2 budding chefs
in my house which is great news as I love to cook and bake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0dUmXQIoHk/VDZr7ekKJ-I/AAAAAAAACGA/2txx6OOe-Gg/s1600/Wooden%2BFarm%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0dUmXQIoHk/VDZr7ekKJ-I/AAAAAAAACGA/2txx6OOe-Gg/s1600/Wooden%2BFarm%2BFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We also
have our wooden farm from <a href="http://www.bigjigstoys.co.uk/p/play-farm" target="_blank">BigJigs</a>, which has whiled away many an hour too. Again beautifully
made, this farm has been added to with other non-wooden animals over the years,
however even without these additions, you have the ability to really encourage
imaginative play in your little one. The attention to detail with this set is
superb and for £25 it is a bargain!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr0qA9AY6V0/VDZsDjImpiI/AAAAAAAACGI/XhyQkDEW-EY/s1600/Wooden%2BStacking%2BBlocks%2BFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr0qA9AY6V0/VDZsDjImpiI/AAAAAAAACGI/XhyQkDEW-EY/s640/Wooden%2BStacking%2BBlocks%2BFinal.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Whilst
living in France we bought Sophia these colourful wooden building blocks. We
also have the plastic ones which were bought for us by family, however I love
these gorgeous wooden versions. One thing though; make sure your little one is
not in the firing line when they fall as they will end up getting a slightly
harder bump than with the plastic ones. Ours have letters, pictures, numbers
and words on them (in French) however, there are many versions on the market. Being
wood they survive a good bashing which is good. Ours have just made it to the “pass
on” pile which is sad. I’m sure they will give another small child hours of their
own fun too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZKd6smm41A/UMehoRpDoXI/AAAAAAAAAKc/zMMX_O-Fb8Y/s1600/20121236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZKd6smm41A/UMehoRpDoXI/AAAAAAAAAKc/zMMX_O-Fb8Y/s640/20121236.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lastly,
is our John Crane Tidlo High Tea Shape Matching Set. This was given to us to
review almost 2 years ago now and is again a much loved item. The girls have a
shop and café set and this little number comes out too when we play these
games. Our living room turns into a mass of cakes, vegetables, fruit, and other
shop items with till and tannoy thrown into the mix too! The cakes in this set
are beautifully made and you can read my review </span><a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2012/12/tidlo-high-tea-shape-matching-set-by.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. It would make a perfect
Christmas present.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
there you have it; my list of “must have” wooden toys for your little ones. Do
you have any wooden toys in your house that you just wouldn’t be without? Do
share them in the comments section below. I’d love to know about them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time xx</span><br />
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361414790500952644.post-39619438312976810012014-09-14T08:43:00.000+01:002017-06-03T22:31:33.192+01:00Therapi Honey Skincare Toner Review - #OrganicBeauty Week<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Back in May this year I was lucky enough to try out and review Therapi Honey Skincare’s
Lemon Myrtle Gel Cleanser and Moisturiser. You can read my review <a href="http://www.sophiaschoiceuk.co.uk/2014/05/therapi-honey-skincare.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was really impressed with how gentle yet effective their skincare range was and
from all the reviews I have read so far, there is a lot of love for this
fabulous brand out there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aF5NoZuVGA/VBVFvBdPlsI/AAAAAAAACDU/KnUkyw3CEwo/s1600/TherapiHoneyToners1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aF5NoZuVGA/VBVFvBdPlsI/AAAAAAAACDU/KnUkyw3CEwo/s1600/TherapiHoneyToners1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As
we are on the last day of the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty Week, I thought
it fitting that I should review two of </span><a href="http://therapi.com/type/organic-toners/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">their toners</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> which were sent to me to
try out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://therapi.com/" target="_blank">Therapi Honey Skincare</a> are Soil Association certified and award winning. They recently
won a Gold Award for Best Night Moisturiser in The Green Parent Magazine Beauty
Awards 2014 for their Rose Otto Propolis+ Ultra Radiance Cream and they have also
just been shortlisted for their Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser and our
Orange Blossom Honey Moisturiser in the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty
Awards. You can vote for them <a href="http://www.soilassociation.org/awards/organicawards/organichealthandbeauty" target="_blank">here</a>; I have. I’m keeping everything crossed for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Therapi
Honey Skincare’s story is a simple yet powerful one as they describe below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Our story is one of love, luck and
inspiration: a love affair with bees; the luck to meet some very talented people
who have helped shape our company; and the occasional spark of genius which has
helped us to formulate our range of unique organic honey skincare products.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But mostly it is the story of the bee
and its exquisite relationship with flowers. Bees have created the great
diversity of flora and fauna of our planet through 100 million years of
evolution. They are central to the story of beauty itself, the beauty of our
shared home – Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our company aims are simple: to create
the best natural and organic honey skincare products, which benefit not only
the user but also the natural world in all its diversity and splendour. To this
end, at least 5% of our profits are donated to bee conservation projects.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
I read this I feel very connected to this brand and what they stand for. Their
connection to nature, to the earth, to our bees and the importance of giving
something back. It really resonates with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
what did I think of the two toners which were sent to me? Well, one of the
things I missed out on when I reviewed the Lemon Myrtle Gel Cleanser and
Moisturiser was how the toner performed within that process. I luckily had a small amount of each of the products still left and feel as a range
all three products work well together, in perfect harmony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
great thing about the toners is that they can also be used independently. As I received
them in May, I was able to use these lovely toners as a hydrating mist throughout
the summer time. Popped into the fridge they make fabulously refreshing pick me
ups in the hot weather. Bliss!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdKuQ32y148/VBVF43nhd_I/AAAAAAAACDc/O_u0aCMksZg/s1600/TherapiHoneyLemon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdKuQ32y148/VBVF43nhd_I/AAAAAAAACDc/O_u0aCMksZg/s640/TherapiHoneyLemon1.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Therapi Anti-Bacterial Lemon Myrtle Facial
Toner, Purifying for Oily / Combination Skin – 99% Organic</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With
organic witchhazel and lemon myrtle, this natural, anti-bacterial facial toner
is refreshing and smells gorgeous. A wonderful way to start your day. This
toner helps to tone and refine the skin and keeps it clear and unblemished with
the use of astringent witchhazel, purifying extracts of lemon myrtle and
grapefruit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
toner is also a whopping 99% ! Impressive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Out
of the two toners I’d say that this is the one I’ve reached for most through the
summer. It is a 270g bottle so a little goes a long way. I love the spray
bottle and as mentioned in my previous review, I love the classy, chic white packaging.
This range is so well thought out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients:
<i>Hamamelis Virginiana (Witchhazel) Water*,
Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Alcohol*, Decyl Glucoside, Citrus Grandis
(Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Backhousia
Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Peel Oil*, Parfum*, Limonene+ * Organic + Naturally
occurs in essential oils</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U2jAR56L8U/VBVGAFV9EUI/AAAAAAAACDk/zpujuwzzyNk/s1600/TherapiHoneyOrange1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U2jAR56L8U/VBVGAFV9EUI/AAAAAAAACDk/zpujuwzzyNk/s640/TherapiHoneyOrange1.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hydrating Facial Orange Blossom Toner,
Balancing for Normal Skin – 75% Organic</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This
toner has a deeper scent to it. Whereas the Lemon Myrtle is light, refreshing and
citrus, this one is richer, warmer with fruity overtones. With organic orange blossom
hydrolat and calendula extract, this instantly hydrating facial tonic naturally
balances the skin and soothes with botanical extracts of calendula petals. And
this toner is 75% organic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve
enjoyed interchanging between the two toners and have felt the benefit to my
skin of having one that balances and one that hydrates. And I still have lots
left. Yay !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients: Hamamelis Virginiana
(Witchhazel) Water*, Rosa Damascena Flower Water*, Alcohol*, Aqua, Glycerin**,
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*,
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia
(Lavender) Flower Oil*, Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract*, Citrus Aurantium
Amara (Neroli) Flower Oil*, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid,
Decyl Glucoside, Parfum*, Linalool+, Limonene+, Geraniol+, Farnesol+ *
Organic, ** Organic Origin + Naturally occurs in essential oils<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Overall,
I am still very much in love with this skincare range. I love its simplicity,
effectiveness and gentle nature. Even if you have oily / combination skin this
range will not dry out your skin and strip it of its natural oils. Instead the
use of honey and well thought out ingredients will leave your skin nurtured and
loved and as it’s packed full of organic goodness, your skin will thank you for
loving it so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
any of you tried Therapi Honey Skincare? If so, do leave me a comment below. I
always love to hear from you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until
next time x</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">********<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: I was kindly sent a Lemon
Myrtle and an Orange Blossom Toner to try out and review. All opinions are my
own honest thoughts and feelings on the toners I tried out. I love them !</span></i><br />
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Charlie - Sophia's Choicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02256553594200374259noreply@blogger.com2