Veja Nova Trainers Review

Veja trainers seem to be absolutely everywhere at the moment, and for once, this is a trend that I find myself getting 100% behind. The brand Veja are helping to make sustainability cool. No longer are the days where sustainability is synonymous with hemp clothing or making your clothes out of old curtains. Instead the term has been given a whole new lease of life thanks to brands like Veja proving that you can have fashion without compromising your morals.
This hype surrounding Veja is all well and good, but are they more than just a few buzz words? So, on behalf of all fashion lovers, I have taken the plunge and jumped right into a pair of Veja Nova Canvas trainers!

Who are Veja?

So I have realised that not everyone knows what exactly these trainers are and why they are so special. Basically the company prides itself on its transparency. It claims to provide the workers who make the trainers with a fair wage and ethical working conditions. In addition to this, they use materials which are all ecological, such as wild rubber, sourced from the Amazon rain forest, organic cotton, and recycled plastic bottles to create part of the soles of the trainers. All of this equates to what has been hailed as the most sustainable trainers on the planet!

The Choice

Veja offer a wide range of shoes for you to choose from, ranging from leather, vegan leather, to canvas. You have a lot of choice. The styles are all classic and are far from what I would describe as a 'trend' item because of their timeless look. I personally chose to go with a pair of canvas trainers because I don't currently own a pair, and I liked that they were vegan friendly. After choosing a style, I was left with the task of choosing a colourway. I know, a bit of a standard Erin choice, but I went with the burgundy because I find that it works with most of my wardrobe which I already own.
They are available from most places now, I bought mine from Net-A-Porter.

Comfort

After wearing these for about six months, I have found these to be so incredibly comfortable! I have had absolutely no problems in regard to blisters, rubbing, or anything of the sorts. They have fit me really well, as a true size 4. I have walked all around Stratford exploring the land of Shakespeare and Warwick Castle in them and found them to be just as comfy at the end of the day as I did at the start!
The shoes have held up really well against rain and bad weather, never letting any water in, which my feet were very grateful in to say the least, but I did notice that there was some dye transfer from the red onto my laces and slightly around the eyelets, which is a tad concerning but I will just waterproof them again as the website suggests and see if this sorts the issue.

My Issues

Unfortunately, over the course of the six moths that I have had these trainers, I have had a few issues. Firstly, the issue regarding the red dye transfer, I tried to clean this several times, but have never been able to quite get rid of this staining fully. It isn't terribly noticeable from far away, but it does bother me, especially because of the price of the trainers. Another issue that I had this week is the laces in the trainers breaking, I realise that this isn't a major issue, but again, for trainers at this price, I did expect a little bit better quality.


The Final Verdict

Basically, since I bought them, they haven't really been off my feet. They work with every outfit I own, whether they be to dress down a pair of work trousers, or to wear with a basic outfit. I really love the detail of the red V on the sides, because it adds a really nice touch to the overall look and makes them a bit more distinctive. These truly are a great pair of trainers and I do recommend them. They are comfy, durable, and look great! There are some issues which bother me such as the staining and the laces breaking, neither are massive problems or enough to stop me loving the trainers, but they are enough to make me question whether I would buy another pair.



For more information and stockists, check out the Veja website here!

What I Learned from Second Hand September

It is October now, and that means Second Hand September has been and gone, but it really has not been forgotten, or at least not for me. I have had an amazing month, removing myself from the world of fast fashion, instead entrenching myself within the vintage and second hand community. I have absolutely loved it and as cheesy as it sounds, I have actually learned so much about myself.

By not buying anything new for an entire month, I have to think a lot more about the clothes that I already own, and really think about what it is that I like to wear instead of instantly opting to buy something brand new. I have had to consider the reasons why I actually buy clothes, is it to fill a genuine need or is it to cheer myself up? After a month of abstinence, the answer was undoubtedly to cheer myself up, and as a result, I have had to look for other ways to make me feel good about myself and lift my mood. This has been such a learning curve for me and it is almost silly to think th


at such a revelation has come from simply buying less! 

I have rediscovered clothes which I had forgotten I owned, some of which still had the tags on. Other things I realised that I wore purely because I couldn't be bothered looking for anything else, and it was on top of the ever increasing pile. This whole month has truly made me consider the way that I consume fashion and the reasons why I do. It has made me notice the constant bombardment of advertisements from Instagram influencers, e-mail marketing, and even just switching on the television, telling me what I should wear if I want to be cool, and how I must ditch my last season clothes if I wish to stay current. It can feel unrelenting at times, but the majority of the time, I have found myself no longer caring or wanting it after just a few days. 

Another thing that I've found by only buying second hand is that I have really had to think about what it is that I want rather than endless and mindless scrolling on the likes of Asos or Topshop. Instead I have had to have a specific kind of item in mind so that I get results of things that I mostly like or want. I have had to think about whether I want a shirt or a blouse, do I want a skirt or a dress, etc, and although this can be quite frustrating when I'm not entirely sure what I want, it is really interesting because it really was stopping me from absently filling my shopping basket with items I momentarily thought were pretty. 

Of course, it cannot be forgotten all of the money that I have saved this month! I would normally spend about £50 on new clothes and the likes every month, instead this month I have spent a measly £12 and even then that was at the beginning when I was still feeling quite frivolous! 

So what I'm trying to say is that just because Second Hand September is over, doesn't mean that you have to go back to your old habits! Because here I am, wearing some old favourites which I found at the back of my wardrobe! 

Everyday Changes to Tackle Climate Change

So I think that we are all aware of the current situation regarding climate change, what with the national climate strike which took place last Friday. Although I agree that this was a really great way to bring the conversation into the home, I don't think that we should be leaving the situation entirely up to the Government. This attitude of placing the onus entirely upon someone or something else is honestly, quite irresponsible. 
So, what is it that you can actually do to make a difference in your everyday life?

Eat Less Red Meat

As preachy as I may sound, it is now official: Cutting out red meat, dairy, or even going fully vegan, is one of the best ways to help tackle climate change. The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said that switching to a plant based diet is an effective way to both free up land and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. So many people are put off a meat free meal because they think that it has to be expensive, complicated, or a bit weird. In reality though most people eat meat free meals without even noticing. A bowl of tomato pasta is vegan, so is a jacket potato with beans, a vegetable curry, and so many more simple meals where you wouldn't even miss the meat. So maybe have a think about what you eat, and consider going meat free one day a week to start, or instead of 
having a meat chilli, have a vegetable one. Who knows, you may even enjoy it!

Buy Fewer New Clothes

Again, I probably sound a bit like a broken record here, but it is a pretty simple way of cutting down on your consumption of new clothes. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean no longer buying clothes, but maybe before you buy that new dress, consider whether you really need it, or maybe even check out eBay or Depop first to see if you can grab yourself a bargain! There is an awful lot of water and chemicals that go into creating clothes. I myself was shocked when I found out that it takes 1,800 gallons of water to make just one pair of blue jeans. 

Bring your Own Bag

This isn't anything new, but another super simple way to cut down on your plastics is to remember to bring your own bag rather than buying a plastic bag every time that you go to the shops! This is such an easy thing, get a fold up bag and just pop it into your normal bag and keep it in there in case of any unexpected buys. I've started doing this the last few weeks and I can't deny the little thrill I feel when I whip out my little cotton tote and say, I don't need a bag. Personally I'm loving using cotton tote bags because they still look cute and they are so easy to pop on your shoulder! I recommend checking out LouiScott, there is a great range of sustainably sourced, ethical, cotton tote bags!

Cut Down on Single Use Plastics

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are created each year and only half of it is actually recyclable! 

So what can we do instead? Say no to plastic straws, and instead pick up reusable metal straws or easily recyclable paper straws. Switch over to a biodegradable toothbrush instead of the standard plastic one, buy a reusable coffee cup or water bottle, there are so many incredible options out there now for you to use instead of plastics, and more often than not, they end up saving you money!

So there you have it, some simple ways for you to tackle climate change in your every day life, without even noticing it! I would love to hear if you have any tips or tricks!

Why I'm Giving up Fast Fashion

Fast Fashion. It seems to have become such a buzz word at the moment, with documentaries focusing wholly on the concept, but what exactly does it mean? 

Fast fashion is simply a term used by society to describe their clothes which have been inspired by recent trends seen on celebrities and on the runway for an affordable price which the average consumer can afford. It is because of this rapid rate of supply and demand that results in costs being cut which subsequently increase their carbon footprint.

The true reality and gravity of this problem can be put into perspective when you consider that in 2015, greenhouse gas emissions from textiles production globally totaled 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to a report by the industry-led Circular Fibres Initiative. This is more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined. When you start to think of it in these terms, it really is shocking that so much pollution is caused by something which we all use without a moments thought into the impact of production. 

I, like most people my age, absolutely love fashion. I love the freedom that it can give you to express yourself, confirm your identity, conform or rebel. Fashion gives you this opportunity and I absolutely love this about it, but what I don't love is the true cost of that £5 top, made of polyester, which will most likely end up in a landfill because it's no longer 'cool'. I don't love this throw away culture which has manifested itself, with the likes of £1 bikinis existing for people to proudly proclaim they are buying them for the sake of it with no intention of ever actually wearing. 

So, the obvious answer would be to use a sustainable brand, which is known for its ethical values. Easy enough, but when a plain white t-shirt costs around £80, it is difficult, because right now at this stage in my life, I really can't afford or justify that kind of price for a basic t-shirt. I would love to be able to support these companies who are trying to make a difference and have genuine transparency within their brand, but I simply can't. 

So what do you do? Because right now, it feels as though the reality of becoming completely sustainable in all aspects of your life is impossible.But that doesn't mean that there is no hope and that you shouldn't try at all, because there are still many things that you can do. 


Shop Second Hand

This doesn't necessarily mean going to charity shops and trawling through hundreds of items for that one perfect piece, because I know that isn't really for everyone. In 2019 we have so many amazing options when it comes to shopping second hand, there is Depop which is a great way both to make money and save money on what is often current pieces. There is my personal favourite, Vestiaire Collective, which is fantastic for getting second hand designer pieces, some of them never even used! Then there are websites which are simply dedicated to finding high quality vintage pieces, which are one of a kind, for this I recommend Beyond Retro. The prices are fantastic and the sizes and measurements are always so well explained, which is key to shopping vintage! Obviously there are loads more out there but these are just the ones I am aware of and would recommend.

Buy More Consciously

Now what I mean by this is buying with longevity, quality, and materials in mind. So, if something is made of 100% polyester, in a print that is probably going to be 'uncool' after a month, then you most likely aren't going to wear it more than twice and after that it will either end up at the back of your wardrobe or in a landfill. So maybe before you buy something like this, just check what it is made off, is it a natural fabric, or at least something a bit more sustainable such as Tencel?
Can you think of at least three ways that you can wear this with things that you already own? Because if no, you probably aren't going to actually wear it.

Buy Less

It is as simple as it sounds. Simply buy less clothes. Before you buy it, just take a moment to think, do you actually need this, will you wear this, and do you even need this? I know that I'm guilty of buying things impulsively without a moments thought whenever I am feeling a bit down, or want to cheer myself up. It doesn't matter whether I genuinely think that I am ever going to wear it, it is often, I see something pretty and want it, then totally forget about it. This is something that I have made a conscious effort to stop doing in the past year, and I genuinely feel better for it. I have managed to make myself wait a moment before impulsively buying and really think through and consider a purchase. I even have a wish list that I relegate an item to for at least a month before I even consider buying it, and you would be shocked at how many of those items you end up not wanting once you have given yourself a chance to think it through.

Obviously there are so many other ways for you to make a difference when it comes to your consumption of fashion, and some things will work better for you than others and be suitable to your lifestyle. So have a think about yourself and your own consumption of fashion and clothes, and what you can do to make a difference!

Vegan in the City: Frost Burgers (Liverpool)

I, like most other people, do enjoy a good burger. But sometimes as a vegan you can be a bit forgotten about when it comes to them, and be left with what can only be described as lack luster, mushy, and tasteless. So, when I heard about Frost Burgers opening in Liverpool, I was intrigued to say the least.

So what is Frost I hear you ask? Well, it is an entirely vegan burger place opened only in November 2018 by social media star Monami Frost, to absolute rave reviews. The menu is entirely plant based, with gluten free options available so everyone can enjoy these delicious treats. The menu is pretty small, but, it does it incredibly well. To be honest, there is certainly enough combinations to keep you going for a while, especially when you consider the amount of amazing sauces there are to try as well! The prices for the meals are pretty reasonable, with the meal deal of, fries, sauce, a burger, and a drink come in at under £10, but I'm going to be real, you will not want to have a standard can of cola when you see the milkshakes!

The No Chicken Burgers are pretty amazing, and you really couldn't tell the difference between this and an actual chicken burger. This was a hefty burger, packed full of lettuce, tomato, cucumbers and all the amazing stuff which you would expect on a chicken burger, and as a result of such, I really did struggle to fit in my mouth... But perseverance paid off and it was so worth it!
Now, I normally find vegan cheese to be completely intolerable, and I'm always quite grateful that I was never much of a cheese fan to begin with, but this was actually quite pleasant indeed, mainly because there were so many other delicious flavours going on that it was only really in the background, but still! The fries were equally as delicious, crispy and salty, just as you would expect and want in some good fries. I really loved that you got to pick which sauce you wanted from a decent sized list, and would whole hearted recommend that you try the Sriracha Mayo, because it is pretty life changing! Don't judge me for such a statement until you have tried it, because then you will understand!

Now, onto the crowning glory that is, the milkshake! I often find that vegan milkshakes tend to be a bit meh, with them basically being nothing more than flavoured milk, and having that undeniably vegan flavour about them. But these were nothing of the sort, these were thick with ice cream, full of flavour, and pretty much impossible to tell they weren't your typical delicious milkshake!

I'm a bit disappointed that I was too full to try the soft serve ice cream or the cookie, but I shall certainly be back again to sample the whole menu!

So give it a go and try the amazing Frost Burgers, you really won't regret it!

Veganuary 2019: Why I Became Vegan

This is without a doubt the first question that I am asked whenever I reveal to my unsuspecting conversationalist that I am indeed vegan, you know, after they have expressed their deep concern for my protein intake of course...
My standard response to this is just, 'Oh you know, animals, health, the usual', but recently, I have been thinking to myself, what exactly was it that made me decide to give up what was previously a major part of not only my diet, but my life? It certainly wasn't because it was so accessible and easy or even trendy, because seven years ago to say that you were vegan was akin to saying that you ate your cornflakes with apple juice on. I was met with confusion, and the occasional look of what can only be described as utter horror - I know, quite unbelievable to think in 2019 with even Gregg's getting on board with veganism! So it is unsurprising that my once enthusiastic and almost evangelical answer has become increasingly short and defensive.
So I am going to use Veganuary and the incredible hype which exists around it this year to take this opportunity to wax lyrical about my motivations, so, I suppose with that I best begin.

I have been vegan since the age of about 16, after trying for many years on and off to become a vegetarian, with this often lasting little over 24 hours I am ashamed to admit. I think that the issue was that I never really wanted to do it before then. If I ever gave it ago, it was utterly half hearted. More of a fleeting fancy, something done on a whim just to see what it was like, but I put no real effort or thought into it, and subsequently I failed. But let's be honest, I was destined to fail when the only vegetarian things that I had in the house were a packet of salt and vinegar crisps and a box or two of microwave chips..
It really was all because of a single documentary: Earthlings. I remember contemplating watching it for months, after hearing so many people talk about it, but had constantly put it off. Eventually I gave in to curiosity and goodness me it was one hell of an experience. I felt a little traumatised to say the least and horrifically guilty for the way that humans treated animals, and I didn't even manage to get through the whole thing. In some ways I wish that I hadn't watched this documentary because it really wasn't very pleasant, but then again, the reality of the situation isn't very pleasant, and it was then I decided that if I wasn't comfortable with the reality of the meat and dairy industry, then I really shouldn't be supporting it.

It was as simple as that. I had become aware of the realities of the industry and began immediately doing further research into the whole situation, exploring whether it was meat that I wanted to give up or the whole animal farming industry. Ultimately I (along with my horrific lactose intolerance) decided that veganism was the answer for me.

Initially there where quite a few slip ups. Ingredients that I had never heard of, with countless e numbers concealing insect origins- I'm looking at you e120! But these kind of things are inevitable, and you have got to take them as what they are, accidents and things to learn from.

So let's fast forward to now, 23 and a bit of vegan veteran (yes I am aware of just how cringey such a term is). So why have I stayed vegan? Well, ultimately I feel significantly healthier than I ever did eating meat and dairy, my skin and hair are in better condition than they ever where, and if I'm honest, I simply  love being vegan.
I do get frustrated sometimes when my boyfriend is munching on a pack of freshly baked cookies, and I can't, or when my Mum is eating what where my favourite sweets of all time, a bag of Haribo Starmix, but realistically I'm not that bothered and I tend to go and get myself a bar of chocolate to make myself feel better, so the frustration is short lived. Plus, I am blessed with a lovely boyfriend who will go out of his way to take me for vegan cake, doughnuts, and other deliciously sweet things just so I don't feel left out! So I really can't complain, because who else gets that?

So that is my story. It isn't overly exciting, I didn't have 'The Call' or some life changing pinnacle moment, I simply realised that I no longer felt comfortable with something that I was part of and chose to remove or at least distance myself from it, like I would with anything in life.

Vegan in the City: Down the Hatch (Liverpool)

Down The Hatch, is a favourite haunt of mine, boasting the reputation as one of Liverpool's best vegetarian restaurants. Setting itself apart from others by providing the food which you miss most as a veggie, the unhealthy stuff! Yes of course I love kale and quinoa salads, and eat hummus by the tub, but sometimes all I really want, is a blooming kebab with salt and pepper chips! I know, I know. As a vegan we are supposed to be above such thoughts, but let's get real here guys, we may be trying to save the planet one carrot at a time, but hey, we're only human! And it would be pretty nice to be able to act on such cravings without jeopardising our ethical values, now wouldn't it?

 Now, this is where the fabulous Down the Hatch comes into the equation! Offering up and incredible menu of dirty veggie junk food which will leave even the most carnivorous of friends satisfied! The menu is pretty extensive yet not very expensive, with no single meal coming in at over £11, and for the quality of food, I cannot grumble. The upgrades are certainly worth it, and I would whole heartedly recommend getting some form of fries based upgrade, because the salt and pepper ones are simply divine, balancing the spice perfectly with the carby fried goodness of the fries and the cutting flavour of the salt, working together to create a chip like no other! Now, that may sound a bit ridiculous to say, but don't judge until you have tried them!

I think one of my favourite things from Down the Hatch has to be, 'The Don', which is a warm pitta stuffed with vegan donner style seitan, serves with crunchy salad, tangy tzatziki  and fries. You really don't feel as though you are missing out on the meat with this one. The seitan is simply incredible, the texture truly does mimic that of meat, without the unpleasant gristle or toughness which inevitably comes with a kebab. The flavour is bold and works well with the tzatziki, which you honestly cannot tell is vegan. But be warned, like almost everything else on their menu, it is really filling, which can be a bit of a problem because the Vegan Sundae is not to be missed!

The Vegan Cookie Sundae is out of this world. The ice cream comes from Cafe Creme and is utterly delicious, and super creamy, regardless of which flavour you choose (although I would recommend the mint chocolate every time!). It is filled throughout with pieces of freshly baked vegan cookies, and brownie, interspersed with an indulgently delightful chocolate fudge sauce. 

This, is a bit of a star item that you simply must try, well, that is if you can manage it after all of the savoury! I often end up having to share this dessert, although my friend and I do find ourselves fighting over who gets the pieces of cookie... 

Down the Hatch have recently started doing a Sunday Lunch on certain weekends, and it looks incredible! As a vegan, Sunday lunch can be a bit of a disappointment, with your plate being filled almost entirely with vegetables, because the roasties and Yorkshire puddings, and even the stuffing has been made with animal fat! But thankfully, the guys at Down the Hatch have put an end to our suffering and have offered up what looks like an incredible option! 

I just need to get myself down there on Sunday and finally give it a go! 

So, whether you are vegan or not, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you give Down the Hatch a go! 

Location - Basement, 62 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AA

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Vegan in the City

So I spend what is arguably a ridiculous amount of time hunting for places which are not only vegan friendly, but actually have food which I want to eat. I mean, it’s all well and good boasting that your restaurant is vegan friendly, but when your only vegan options is a bland vegetable curry or a browning avocado salad, I’m obviously not going to be all that impressed.

Now, I’m not saying that there is anything particularly wrong with a salad or a curry (when done well), but when they are added as a half arsed afterthought with some pitiful browning lettuce leaves and a slice of avocado, I have an issue. This frustration is further exacerbated when they decide to charge me exactly the same as meaty meal which consists of a burger, chips, and a side salad (which somehow looks significantly fresher than mine?)

 

Anyway, after my rather superfluous tirade, I think that I need to explain what the purpose of this was. So basically, I want to provide a little guide of my own, for both anyone reading my blog, and for myself to refer back to, acknowledging places in Liverpool (and anywhere I may travel to) assessing different restaurants,, giving them a review and a bit of a vegan evaluation of sorts.

This will be on a range of places, from specifically vegan, to ones which simply have vegan options. I love to try new places, but it can sometimes be really difficult to assess what is going to be available to eat or if it is even going to be particularly nice.

I’m going to try and go into each establishment with an open mind, no prejudices, and try to get a holistic idea of the place.

I shall have several criteria to consider so as to keep it consistent. These shall be,

Vegan Range

Price

Food quality

Atmosphere

Overall experience

I would love for anyone to get in touch if they either have any recommendations or if they simply have somewhere that you want to know more about just drop me a message and I will try and visit ASAP and get it added!

​

inecto Naturals Coconut Hair Oil and Hair Mask Review

During the summer, and especially during this unexpected British heatwave, we all know how important it is to wear sun cream to prevent our skin from damage. We apply various creams, moisturisers, masks, and treatments to our faces, so why do we forget to look after our hair beyond putting some shampoo or conditioner on it? This can leave hair feeling so dull and dry during the intense heat, I've even noticed my dark brown hair developing more golden streaks in it!

Now, I am just as guilty as almost everyone else of neglecting their hair. Making excuses like it is too much effort, or that it is too expensive. But since discovering inecto Naturals and their Coconut range, these excuses are no longer valid. The inecto Naturals Coconut range is available for under £5!

The Coconut range is aimed at those with drier hair, but if I'm honest, this is great for anyone who wants their hair to look nourished and to shine. Strengthening it from the inside out. Like most inecto Naturals products, these can be used alone or in conjunction with one another. So, without further delay, on to the review.

Divine Shine Hair Oil

Smooth and style parched hair and make it look super glossy with this nourishing hair oil infused with pure organic Coconut Oil. Your hair will smell gorgeous too!

This has to be my favourite product in this whole range. It is ridiculously easy to use, simply applying a pump or two to damp hair before blow drying it. The application of heat to your hair helps it get fully absorbed into the hair itself and work its magic. After just one application there was a noticeable difference to my hair and how it felt. It developed a shine to it, which made it look as though I had gone and had it blow dried at the salon, rather than me washing it at home. And, as a girl with curly hair, brushing it can be an absolute nightmare. Knots upon knots, and what was briefly beautiful curls have turned into Medusa's unruly mane. This is such a simple product to use, but the difference it makes is massive. 

I find with oils that it can have a tendency to weigh my hair down, but this is really light and breathes some much needed life into my hair!

The smell, like everything from this range, is simply beautiful. So fresh and natural, most likely from the ingredients being 90% natural, completely vegan, cruelty free, and paraben free!

Coming in at 100ml, this would be absolutely perfect to take away on holiday with you to keep your hair feeling as healthy as possible in the sunshine! Protecting it from damage and dryness, an unfortunate side effect of such glorious weather. 

Intensive Conditioning Hair Treatment

Give your dry and frizz-prone hair a boost with this super rich and incredibly hydrating treatment. Infused with pure organic Coconut Oil, your hair will left feeling healthier and looking so much softer.

I'm not entirely sure if I have ever used a hair mask before, because I always worry that it will leave my hair feeling greasy or irritating my scalp. But after noticing that my hair has been a little frizzier than usual the last couple of weeks (humidity what you doing to me?!),  I thought, why not! 

I read the instructions and they were straight forward enough. Wash your hair as normal and lightly towel dry it, then generously apply through your hair and leave for about five minutes. So I did just that. I popped a song on which lasted about that length of time and when it was done, just wash it off with warm water and dry as normal. I personally enjoy adding a little amount of the Hair Oil as well to really nourish and pamper my hair!

I feel as though I've been going on about the fragrance, but it has to be smelled to be believed just how beautiful it is. It really puts me in the holiday mood, even when we have a duller or rainy day.

After one use I have noticed a tangible difference in my hair. It feels healthier and there is definitely more of a shine and less of a frizzy feeling to it. And it sounds ridiculous, but things like having a good hair day can have a powerful effect upon your mood and your confidence. 

So I shall leave the link to my previous blog post on inecto HERE for you to have a read of if you haven't already. 

And a link to their website HERE if you want to find out more!

inecto Naturals Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner

Over the past few weeks I have been trying to make a more conscious effort regarding the toiletries and cosmetics that I purchase, to ensure that they are cruelty free. This however I have found to be surprisingly difficult! With products either being ridiculously expensive or only being available in certain obscure health food stores. This can be incredibly frustrating when you want to do your bit for the animals and the planet, but sometimes you just don't have £12 to spend on a tiny bottle of shampoo!

So, this is where inecto Naturals Coconut comes into the equation. If you haven't heard of them before, then I shall provide a brief over view of the company, along with a link to their website in case you want to find out more or see their entire product range! (Click here for the link)

inecto Naturals are a British based company which are proud to create vegan friendly, cruelty free, and paraben free. They are known for their body-celebrating hair and skincare products that are truly inspired by nature.They celebrate the power of nature with up to 90% of their ingredients in all of their products being from natural sources, promising no nasties or unpleasant chemicals. 

I absolutely love how proud they are as a company about these aspects. But, all of these claims are well and good, but do the products live up to expectations? So, without further ado, I best get onto the review!

"THE FIRST EVER PLANT OIL USED BY MANKIND, COCONUT OIL IS A GLORIOUS AND NATURAL WAY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR AND BODY. WE JUST HAD TO BOTTLE IT SO YOU CAN FEEL FABULOUS EVERY DAY!"

I am a massive fan of all things coconut, so it isn't any surprise that the sweet scent of the  inecto Naturals Coconut range completely drew me in from the first sniff! The scent is really lovely, super fresh, exceptionally natural, and surprisingly long lasting. I find that some shampoos, especially more natural ones tend to have quite a weak smell, I presume it must have something to do with there being less chemicals in it to create an artificial and long lasting scent, but inecto Naturals Coconut seem to have overcome this problem by creating a beautifully fragranced Shampoo and Conditioner which still smells as good at the end of the day as it did when you first washed it. The scent immediately made me think of summer, and days on the beach. I love how evocative a scent can be, and I think that this fragrance really encapsulates summer to me! 

The shampoo and conditioner can work as stand alone products, but I would recommend using them together. They compliment each other really well, intensifying the scent and allowing your hair to soak up all the goodness, totally revitalising it. The coconut range is designed for those with dry hair. I personally wouldn't say that I have particularly dry hair, but despite this, it has worked absolute miracles. It has tamed the frizz, and made my unruly locks feel like satin. After just one use I received so many compliments about my hair, to the point where I was a little taken aback by the amount people commenting on it. 

My hair is pretty curly so I find it difficult to find a product which both makes it look shiny and healthy without weighing down the curls. Yet somehow Inecto seem to have formulated a range which does just that, without costing an absolute fortune! 

Now, how much do I use? I'm going to be honest, I get a bit carried away with shampooing and conditioning my hair, clearly still thinking that my hair goes all the way down my back, rather than just grazing my shoulders as it does now. I probably use about a 50p sized amount for shampoo, and probably what I can only define as, a generous amount, for the conditioner and I try to leave both on for a few minutes to allow my hair to completely absorb the benefits.

So, overall, I would say that the inecto Naturals Coconut shampoo and conditioner are absolutely amazing. They are such a bargain and work just as well if not better than a lot of other high end brands which I have tried. They are truly passionate about what they do, and causing as little harm to the environment as possible by ensuring that they are vegan, cruelty free, and paraben free! 

If you would like to find out more information about the brand, or their complete product range, then click HERE to go to their website.

The Hero Project: Hand Rehab

For a culture so obsessed with skin care, we so often forget to look after our hands. Our poor hands which are put through the ringer every single day. May it be hammering away at the keys, plunging them in water, or just general day to day wear and tear. But our hands deserve looking after too! So how exactly should we go about this? Well, my friends, you need look no further, as I have found a potential solution to this in the form of, The Hero Project's Diamond Dusted Hand Rehab.

This is hand cream at its finest, made for luxurious pampering and keeping your hands looking as good as you feel. I am a bit obsessed right now with SPF so I absolutely love that this is more than just a standard hand cream, but also protecting them from the sun with SPF 20. Sun damage is a major issue, which can cause premature ageing and even cancer, so it is important to take this seriously. Often our hands are neglected when it comes to sun protection, but they need just as much protection from the sun as our faces and the rest of our bodies. 

Hand creams, especially those with any form of SPF often feel super heavy and greasy, never actually soaking in and making it impossible to actually do anything. Thankfully Hand Rehab doesn't feel like this at all! It is quite a thick cream but this definitely works to its advantage because it adds to the overall feel of luxury, especially because of how quickly it soaks into the skin.

The cream smells simply amazing. The aloe vera scent is quite subtle and smells really fresh and reminds me of spring for some reason. A beautiful light fragrance which you can't help but smile at.

This works well for both young and older skin, providing moisture and a bit of love to neglected hands. I love to use this throughout the day, topping it up whenever my hands start feeling a little dry or in need of TLC. My Mum has recently started using it after hearing me rave about it so much, and she has become a total convert and we find ourselves fighting for who gets to take it with them to work, clearly the best solution is to get my mum her own... 

The addition of diamond dust is simply genius! It is not just a fancy ingredient but an active one which does your hands, especially your nails, a lot of good. It hardens soft nails helps to strengthen them. This is especially good if you wear false nails or have gel nails. 

This makes such a lovely present for someone because it comes in a beautiful little presentation box. It really is the touches and details like this which make this a special product. It a great size to just pop in your bag, and doesn't take up much room, I am normally a little nervy about putting any liquid or cream product in my bag incase of spillages, but I do not have this fear with my Hand Rehab because of its screw top which stays secure! 

After

Before

The packaging is simply stunning and I cannot compliment it enough. The whole aesthetic and image behind The Hero Project is absolutely perfect and I love the tone of voice they use on their descriptions. It feels fun and approachable and truly genuine, something which sets itself apart from many brands at the moment and I just love it. 

Click HERE if you want to get your own Hand Rehab. 

Pret Vegan Cookie Review

A cookie. It isn't often that a cookie makes the news, but this Pret cookie has. It really is quite peculiar how a cookie, has developed such fame simply for being vegan. If only it was quite that easy for the rest of us!
So, as I was saying, the Internet seems to be going absolutely wild for this cookie, and with it being so readily available and only £1.45, all it needs now is to taste good! I suppose that I should move onto the review then and tell you whether or not it is indeed good!

The cookie is Dark Chocolate and Almond Butter flavour and believe me when I say that it is rich. The chocolate cocoa is undeniably strong, making up the base of the cookie, but this works perfectly to create an unwavering sense of indulgence. The almond butter creates a subtle taste to it, adding a nuttiness and depth to the overall taste, along with creating a bit of intrigue of texture. There also seemed to be some patches which were significantly gooier and I think that these may have had more almond butter in them (possibly my favourite bits if I'm honest).
The texture of the cookie itself is slightly chewy, thick, and still retains a bit of crunch. I personally prefer my cookies on the chewier side of things, so I decided to warm it up in the microwave. Guys, this was clearly the correct decision to make, because what was already a tasty cookie, became utterly delicious and let's be honest, pretty darn magical.
I loved how the chocolate chips in it melted, and made the cookie overall even better, with the chocolate merging with the almond butter.

I really hope that these are a permanent feature of the Pret a Manger menu and not a passing flavour or trend because these are absolutely amazing. You don't have to be vegan to enjoy them, but you definitely need to like chocolate because these are super intense and chocolaty!
Overall these are utterly divine and I can't wait to get some more!

Rating - 9/10

Vegan - Yes (It's in the name)

Buy Again - YAAAAAS

Walls Vegan Cornetto

Have I been waiting my entire life for this? A vegan Cornetto from the ice cream giant that is Wall's. Many a sunny afternoon as a child I spent munching this ice cream, so, you can imagine my delight over ten years later to discover that my childhood favourite had just become vegan. 

But, and here is the question on everyone's mind, does it taste as good?

The box and packaging are pretty standard, staying within the Wall's Cornetto branding, with nothing feeling too unfamiliar or strange. I like when brands do this, making something vegan look like it belongs in the range rather than some peculiar novelty item. 

But, I'm near certain that this looks very small in my hand? Does anyone else think that these are ridiculously small in size? I could be going mad, or perhaps I just haven't had one in such a long time that I am not longer a valid judge of size, but this definitely does not feel as big as it used to...

Anyway, I can cope with a smaller size providing it is of a good taste and quality, like the cliche goes, quality over quantity! But, I am sorry to say, the flavour didn't quite live up to my expectations. 

Maybe I was expecting too much for it to be like a flavourful trip down memory road, I enjoyed that they kept the main components of the Cornetto, simply veganising it. But I think that the flavour really was lacking overall.

The ice cream was a little mild in taste, it was nice enough, but not overly vanilla. I am curious as to what ice cream they actually used. Because this didn't taste like Swedish Glace (now owned by Unilever the parent brand to Wall's), it was sweet but there was something just a little bit off. I had my mum try, just to compare notes kind of thing and she agreed that the ice cream flavour was really weak, and didn't really taste like the original.

This being said it wasn't unpleasant, it just wasn't great.

The cone was good, it seemed to do what other vegan ice cream ones fail to do, and retain its crunch. I enjoyed this quite a bit and it created a good contrast between that and the soft almost foamy ice cream. 

There definitely could have been a bit more chocolate in the base, but that is my personal preference as a chocolate lover. The chocolate itself was rather lovely, not too sweet, with a slight bitterness to work against the sweet ice cream and the sweet cone!

So, what are my thoughts overall? Honestly, I'm not that impressed by these, and think that Tesco's own versions are all superior! I wouldn't go out of my way to try this again, but they are a nice enough treat.

Rating - 6/10

 

Calories - 179

 

Buy again - Doubt it.