The Hero Project: Undo Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Now, I'm all about brands coming out with cruelty free and vegan products, but sometimes it takes extensive research and a lot of hearsay to find out whether a brand is indeed cruelty free and vegan, so you can imagine that companies which actually boast about this, are hot on my radar!
I was desperate for some new skin care, because I was coming to the end of quite a few of my staple product, and so enters, The Hero Project!

The Hero Project has quite a brilliant and unique stance when it comes to beauty. The focus on high quality products which do exactly what they say, no gimmicks, no nonsense, and absolutely no rubbish in them! Their website mirrors these views and I couldn't help but smile whilst reading such a refreshing and honest philosophy on beauty.

Now, let's take a minute to talk about this packaging guys, because oh my goodness, it is blooming gorgeous! I love how simple and minimalist it is. It feels really expensive and really fits in with the brands overall aesthetic: simplicity done beautifully. Everything feels really sturdy and of a good quality, so, without further ado, shall I get on to the review?

I wear waterproof mascara almost daily, and also struggle to actually remove it almost daily. My routine normally requires using a face wash, and miscella water and even then there is normally still some stubborn mascara which just won't budge! So I am always willing to try something which promises to actually remove it all and not leave my eyes stinging and sore.

"Undo™ truly is your ‘no faff’ waterproof makeup remover. The softening chamomile and cornflower have been carefully plucked from nature to help soothe and nourish your eyelashes and the delicate eye area. Of course, one of our fave ingredients is also present: hyaluronic acid hydrates and conditions without the unpleasant greasiness you may find with other removers."


I decided to to give this a proper test run, not just waterproof mascara, but a pretty hefty amount of liquid eyeliner, and some (a lot) of kohl eyeliner pencil smudged out. I expected it to be all over my face as normally happens after I remove eye makeup, however, I was pretty darn shocked when all I had to do was soak the cotton pad with the Undo, place it over my eye for a couple of seconds and swipe! I then quickly flipped the pad and gave it another quick wipe and it was all gone! I was shook, genuinely shook. I have never used an eye makeup remover which was so effective and left my eyes feeling refreshed and soft! I had to make sure that this wasn't just a flook, so I did the exact same on the other eye and again, all of the makeup was removed and my eyes were feeling incredible!


I absolutely love this makeup remover and it is definitely my new go to product! at £16 I think that this is reasonable and you really are paying for the quality here, it does the job and a lot more, leaving your skin feeling great afterwards with no dry or sore patches from trying to scrub off your eyeliner!

Here is a little before and after shot.

https://www.heroproject.com/undo-waterproof-eye-makeup-remover.html

Spring into Life this Summer

The clocks may have changed, but have you? Are you, like so many other still stuck in a winter rut, doing the same thing every day? Waking up, eating the same breakfast, going to work/uni etc. 

It is so easy to fall into the same patterns, and any form of change becomes almost impossible. The mere thought of trying something new for breakfast sends a chill running down your spine. So, to combat this, I decided to challenge myself to make three changes to my routine and see what, if any impact it has on me. 

Visit New Places! 

I love going to new places, yet I find myself very rarely doing this anymore. Instead resorting to my tried and tested favourites, never wavering from ordering the bean burger or going to the cinema if I fancy a day out. So, this week I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and visit a Harry Potter exhibition where they had real owls! It was an incredible experience being able to touch such a beautiful animal and find out more about them. I also had the chance to learn about work that charities like the RSPB do to protect the owls and other birds in Britain.

In addition to this, I also attended a vegan fair! It had so many fabulous independent businesses from all over the country. Each of them promoting the importance of animal well fare. They proudly showcased their products, proving that vegan food isn't just lettuce and carrot sticks. There was such a lovely atmosphere there, and I loved that by buying these products, especially knowing that I was helping to support small businesses! 

Stop Putting off Friends

We are all guilty of saying, 'Oh we need to meet up', but never actually following through. It isn't because you don't want to see each other, but just that sometimes life takes over. Everyone has their own thing going on, and you struggle to find a time when you can all coordinate schedules. But maintaining friendships is so important and really can lift your mood. Plus, who doesn't love a good catchup over lunch and coffee?

So I did just that. I met up with one of my closest friends and laughed so much my cheeks hurt, and I even tried a new restaurant! I also managed to arrange a night with uni friends where we put the world to rights and simply enjoyed being each others company. It really is moments like these which you treasure. Friends truly are brilliant, and spending time with them is such an effective way to improve your mood!

Make a Plan (or Two!)

Obviously, you can't do everything at once. That just isn't possible, but sometimes just having something to look forward to can have such a good impact upon how you are feeling. Knowing that you have a holiday planned to celebrate your end of year exams, having tickets booked with your friends to see your favourite band play. It doesn't have to be something monumental it simple things like a day trips and saving up for those dreamy velvet loafers! Forgive the cliche, but it really is the little things in life which really matter.

So what have I learnt from this? Well, nothing I didn't already know I suppose. But sometimes you need to be reminded of why it is so important to actually do these things. Putting words into action, and not just think about making that change! 
There are so many things which you have the power to change in your life if you aren't happy with it. They don't have to be drastic, it can be going for a walk every day to get your step count up and get a bit of fresh air, or cutting out meat. There are so many little changes, but they all have the power to make a big difference. 

So make that change, and spring into life this summer!

Mini Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns (Tesco)

Hot Cross Bun season is finally upon us (but who would believe it when half the country is experiencing snow more often than not, but I digress), and the stores are full of them! There are so many different flavours out there at the moment. But there really aren't that many actually vegan friendly. There are a few out there, but most of them are a bit basic in flavour, but then I discovered these little beauties! The Tesco Mini Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns!

I was excited about these. I was very very excited about these. So well done Tesco, for the conception of these incredible buns! So maybe I should stop rambling and write the review?

The pack comes with eight little buns, with the cute little crosses across them, as one would expect from a hot cross bun. This doesn't seem to necessarily be chocolate flavoured, but that isn't a terrible thing, as there is certainly enough chocolate chips running throughout the buns to leave you feeling entirely satisfied! The chocolate is evenly distributed, so you are definitely going to get a mouthful of chocolate with every bite, which let's be honest, is what we are in it for! 

The chocolate is of a good quality, not too sweet, with a nice bitterness to it. This works perfectly with the almost brioche sweet of the bread base. The buns were somewhat soft, but personally prefer my hot cross buns to be super soft and a bit squidgy . I know that it is traditional for people to toast their hot cross buns, but I think that due to their tiny size toasting them may cause serious problems, such as not actually being able to get them out of the toaster... 

So, in order to remedy this issue, I find that microwaving them for around 10-15 seconds tends to melt the chocolate to perfection! Not too hot that it is basically molten lava in sugar form, but not too little that they are still solid chips. The buns become delightfully soft, with chocolate oozing in the most tempting of manners. Honestly, this is just blooming delicious! 

Just a little word of warning though, the chocolate does have a tendency to get a tad messy, so be warned!

Rating - 9.75/10

Calories - 102 per bun

Buy Again - YES!!!

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.

The Righteous Butter: Soap & Glory

The weather may be suggesting otherwise, but Spring is rapidly approaching, so who can blame me for going in search of the perfect all round body butter? One which leaves your skin feeling hydrated but not greasy, nourishing without taking hours to dry, thus making it absolutely impossible to get your jeans on! But alas, I have found the solution in the form of the beautifully packaged Righteous Butter from Soap & Glory. 

I'm not going to pretend that I've never tried this iconic cream before, because I have and like so many others this is one of my favourite products I own, and has become an intrinsic part of my routine. So, for those who are less acquainted about this body butter and want to know what the hype is all about, continue reading!

I think that my absolute favourite thing about the Righteous Butter has to be the smell. It is simply divine, staying on your skin the entire day. The Original Pink scent is lightly floral with a delicious citrus twist to it which keeps the fragrance light and youthful, perfect to have on your skin every day. This truly is one of my favourite smells, and it translates beautifully to a body butter, allowing it to last morning until night, all whilst keeping your skin feeling like velvet (just as it says on the tub!)

So really, what more is there to want?

I love using this as an intense and luxurious feeling body butter after I shower. Letting it soak into my skin, leaving it feeling so soft and revitalised. It hydrates you, providing a much needed blast of moisture, and just overall making you feel better! 

Because of this, it would be a fantastic present for Mother's Day! Treating your Mum to something beautiful without breaking the bank, and think, you could definitely 'borrow it' every now and then... 
Flowers are great and everything, but flowers only last a week and this lasts blooming ages and smells even better!

But don't just take my word, because sometimes two opinions are better than one, and who better to ask than my go to girl on campus for all things glam, Georgia!

"I absolutely love the way it makes you feel! Gives you that little lift with their signature scent, just enough to get through those 9am lectures. Which is no small task when it is minus 10 degrees and snowing outside! I never leave the house without my travel sized tub in my bag. It is always such a massive hit at Campus and House Calls and really, is it any wonder why? It is the cream which does almost everything, and last absolutely ages, even when applied liberally every day!"

Buy it at Boots, because it is included in their 3 for 2 offer! 

Take Care : The Importance of Self Care

"Take care of yourself"

People say this all the time, but does anyone ever really take notice of this? Does anyone really practise a bit of self care? Now I don't mean just doing the bare minimum like showering, brushing your hair (okay, so I may not actually do this myself), and drinking water. I'm talking about doing the stuff which you enjoy, simply because you enjoy it!

Over the last month, I have truly learnt how important it is to look after yourself, to do things which make you feel good about yourself.

Trying to make the effort to feel good.

I broke my foot earlier this month, and consequently, I've only left the house about three times since, and my head hasn't been feeling too great either. Because of this, I've not particularly felt the need to do anything nice to my hair, to bother putting on make up or wearing any my favourite clothes. Basically, I've done the bare minimum in terms of looking after myself. I just simply couldn't see the point in doing anything more. It was almost as though I felt it would be a waste (of what I'm not even sure) and that I wasn't allowed to feel good about myself without what I deemed a 'valid' reason.

It sounds daft, feeling as though I don't have the right to feel good in myself, but I think this is a genuine issue for so many people I know. This feeling of inadequacy and lack of self-worth which can manifest itself in so many different ways.

Feeling as though you don't deserve a bath because it uses too much water, or not using that bath bomb you have had since Christmas but can't quite justify using it yet, or perhaps even denying yourself that piece of cake because you haven't earned it.

It is blooming ridiculous: yet I still find myself thinking this.

I have actively been trying to combat these thoughts by defying them, and flying in the face of (mental) adversity as I try to treat myself right, so here are a few examples of what you can do.

Have your Hot Chocolate and Drink it too!

I've been finding it really difficult to allow myself to have anything particularly indulgent to eat. Normally telling myself that I haven't been active enough that week, or hit those 10,000 daily steps steps. But the thing is, I could do all of these things and so much more and I would still struggle to justify this to myself. 

So, with a little (a lot, lets be honest...) of help from my Mum, I allowed myself to have a hot chocolate.

Now, I know how ridiculous this sounds, but if you think of the hot chocolate as a metaphor for all things which you feel like you don't deserve then it works pretty well. It isn't an essential, maybe costs a little more, feels a little more luxurious than a standard cup of tea, and makes you smile when you take that first sip. It certainly isn't a necessity, but it is an act of kindness towards yourself. 

Looking after yourself is such an important, yet relatively easy sounding task. So why do so many of us not bother doing it? Why do we put off these random acts of kindness to ourselves, instead preferring to berate and talk down to yourself instead! 

So what I'm trying to say, in a somewhat long winded and round about way is to just be kind to yourself. Buy that bath bomb and apply that body butter even if you don't plan on going out, it is going to make your skin feel amazing!But these small of of kindness towards yourself, and acts of defiance against that part of you which says you aren't worth it!

I would also like to highlight the Young Women's Trust, a charity which can help you deal with these feelings of inadequacy, lack of self worth, and lack of confidence. They really can help you make a change and address the underlying issues and learn ways to cope with these issues.

Work It Out - Coaching is a FREE service for young women aged 16-30 that can help you feel more confident and ready for work. You get your own professional coach who works with you one on one. They can speak to you at times that are flexible, including evenings and weekends.

Young Women's Trust

Get Glowing: Soap & Glory Speed Plump Night Mousse

Now, who doesn't love having skin which glows from within? Having that healthy gleam about you which cannot be ignored?And most importantly, who doesn't love having skin which gives them the confidence to go without make-up?
Well, today I am going to review a face cream which claims to do all of this and a bit more! The Soap & Glory Speed Plump!


I often find with face creams that they claim all sorts of wonderful things, but never quite live up to these statements, or they will say that it takes months and months of use to see these results. So, I have decided to give the cream two weeks to prove itself. Will it live up to the hype?

What are the claims?

• Provides intense moisture...Fast!
• Makes skin look more youthful.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines. 
• Refreshes and revitalises.
• Softens and smooths.
• Brightens

 

Day 1

Now, I wasn't expecting much for the first day, because it is the first day, nothing works this quick. So, I was actually quite surprised when several people commented on my skin! My Mum said that it did look a little brighter -  okay, she may be biased but several people made similar comments, so I'm going to take them as fact! My skin definitely felt softer than usual, and the dry patches on my chin lessening slightly. A good start thus far!

Day 3

My skin is definitely developing a bit of a glow about it. It isn't like wearing a highlighter, but more of a look of intense health, something which has been lacking from my life for a good while! This cream was definitely starting to have an impact on both my skin and the way I felt, making me feel confident in myself. It sounds ridiculous that something so simple can have such a powerful effect on you. But I ended that day feeling like Wonder Woman!

Day 6

Confident? Check.

Uber soft? Check.

Brighter than a diamond? Double check!!

I think that I'm on to a definite winner here guys

 

 

Day 9

This has to be one of the most delightful face creams. The bubble technology is amazing, and makes it feels so luxurious whilst applying to your face and neck. Then the smell is simply heavenly! I can't quite pinpoint what it reminds me of, but it is sweet whilst not being sickly or overpowering.

Day 12

I've so far recommended this to several people after forcing them to feel how soft my face is. It may be a bit odd, but you know that feeling when your skin feels like silk and you just have to share it with everyone? This is what I'm permanently feeling like now, and I'm blooming loving it!

 

 

Day 14

So officially, this is end of my little trial, but it certainly isn't the last time I'm using this cream! My skin feels so much better since starting to use this night cream, and not only that, I have developed a serious boost in confidence as a result! It looks visibly smoother with my pores decreasing in size. I feel as though I can't really comment on the fine lines claim, as I only really have them when I laugh.
I certainly felt revitalised and refreshed, with the tightness which I had become accustomed to vanishing!  

Soap & Glory can be found at Boots stores and online at Boots.com!

Click HERE to treat yourself and get your own glow on!

Time to Talk

I have been wanting (and trying) to write about this subject for quite a while. To stand up, and to speak up. But there has always been something holding me back. A niggling worry, living in the back of my mind, rearing its ugly head whenever I gather a bit more courage. This little voice telling me to shush and act cool. But over the last few months, this need to talk has become harder and harder to ignore. So this is me, Erin, talking about mental health.

Like most people, I have suffered with some degree of mental health problems: namely anxiety and depression. I know that I'm not alone in this situation, because these are entirely human emotions and normal to experience at some point in our lives. Most people, however experience them in more manageable levels with them being fleeting and temporary: may it be in the form of anxiety about starting university, impending exams, or feeling low after going through a break up.

These are normal emotions! So why don't we talk about them? Why are people so frightened to answer the dreaded, 'How are you?', with anything other than, 'I'm okay' ? 

Why is saying, that you feel really down any different from saying that you have a terrible cold? I am guilty of using this nothing answer, and I suppose that this makes me part of the issue. But one of the main reasons that I find myself doing this, like so many others, ironically enough is my anxiety. I worry about the stigma attached to getting anxious, being labelled a 'worrier' or 'neurotic'. I convince myself of all sorts of ridiculous situations, getting myself worked up over what should be an easy and honest response. This is blooming scary, and  just makes the whole situation worse the next time as the fear can grow. 

Mental health can make you feel so isolated and alone, terrified to speak up about what you are feeling. Convincing yourself that it is entirely in your head or that you are imagining these feelings. But you are not alone. There are so many people out there going through things which you would never know just by looking at them. Even the strongest of people can be impacted by mental health issues. A common worry which many sufferers have is that it makes you weak, but it truly doesn't. Suffering from mental health doesn't make you weak, and it certainly doesn't mean that you are any less of a person!

Mental health may be an invisible illness, but this doesn't mean it isn't real or have the potential cause a lot of damage to those who are going through it. Just think of the wind, you can't see it but it can uproot even the strongest and most stable of trees.

But what can you do to help? How can you alone make a difference? 

Sometimes just checking in on your friends, a simple text asking them out for a coffee, making them aware that they are not alone and able to talk to you about things! Because when you start that conversation, you don't only help them, but you help yourself. too. You conquer the initial worry about being judged, and make the next conversation that much easier. Remember, it's time to talk.

Art courtesy of the incredible Rosie Chomet. Click here to be taken to her instagram page which includes many more of her amazing images.

Mental health helplines

Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines can offer expert advice.

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you've been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 08444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15-35.
Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Depression Alliance

Charity for sufferers of depression. Has a network of self-help groups.
Website: www.depressionalliance.org

Men's Health Forum

24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk

No Panic

Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and OCD. Offers a course to help overcome your phobia/OCD. Includes a helpline.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am-10pm)
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk

OCD Action

Support for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Includes information on treatment and online resources.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm)
Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk

OCD UK

A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.
Phone: 0845 120 3778 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Website: www.ocduk.org 

PAPYRUS

Young suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (Mon-Fri,10am-5pm & 7-10pm. Weekends 2-5pm)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Website: www.rethink.org

Samaritans

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

SANE

Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30-10.30pm)
Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: http://www.sane.org.uk/textcare
Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum
Website: www.sane.org.uk/support

YoungMinds

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Booja Booja Caramel Pecan Praline Ice Cream

As a vegan, I have been desperately trying to find a dairy free ice cream, which has a truly indulgent flavour. An ice cream which is comparable to the creamiest of creams, with the most incredible melt, no iciness and packed full of flavour.
And friends, I have found the ice cream.

Booja Booja. This is the name you should have etched within your brain. I feel as though all other ice creams shall now pale in comparison to this, and believe me, as much as I love hyperbole, this is not one of them. I think that I need to provide a bit of background on the brand, a brief summary if you will to let you know what kind of company we are dealing with.

This truly is a company with a conscience, so you know that when you are buying their products, you are making a difference to somebodies life. They nominate two charities a year which they donate 5% of their profits to. In addition to this, they also support employees who seek sponsorship for charities. Click the link here to find out more information!

Now, I shall stop prattling and get onto the review! Can we all just take a minute to appreciate this packaging here guys? Honestly, this has to be some of the most stunning packaging I have seen in a while. The jazzy swirls are simply stunning, creating a unique and quite luxurious feel to it without feeling pretentious or off putting. It is just beautiful. I think that the colours work really well for this flavour, and immediately conjure up the idea of caramel within the mind of the consumer.
With such snazzy packaging, I was very excited to whip the lid off and dive right in!

Upon taking the lid off I was greeted with a creamy ice cream, with a small streak of caramel poking through the top. It looked smooth and rather inviting, so I whipped my spoon out and dug right in! The base flavour of the ice cream itself is simply mouth watering. The vanilla is beautiful, perfectly balanced with sweetness, creaminess, and texture, to create what can only be described as heaven in a tub. This is made perfect with the salt from the caramel and the earthy flavour of the pecan nuts. All of these helping to make this feel like a true luxury, with the thought of vegan or dairy free even crossing your mind.
The caramel tastes very rich, and is swirled throughout the ice cream. It was particularly delightful when you would hit a pocket of caramel. The only thing I can compare it to is when you find a £20 note in your pocket when you thought you were skint.

This is my absolute favourite treat at the moment. I love knowing that what I'm eating has meaning and purpose behind it, along with the fact that it is vegan, organic, gluten free and even soya free too! It is simply magical that Booja Booja have managed to craft such a blooming brilliant product, which can be enjoyed by almost everyone!

I have a feeling that the rating for this will be pretty darn obvious, but for the sake of conventions, I should probably go through with it!

Rating - 9.75/10

Calories - 189 per 100ml

Buy Again? - The Ocado order is already on its way!

Nak'd Blueberry Muffin Bar

I always get so excited whenever Nak’d have a new flavour release, and do everything within my power to get my paws on it. I heard about the Nak’d Blueberry muffin bar around the Christmas time and have been desperately searching for it since, but to no avail... that was, until today!

Whilst perusing the Tesco Free From section, as I almost religiously do, I spotted the elusive bars. As you can guess, I grabbed a pack and went almost straight to the tills, forgetting everything else which I had intended to buy... but that’s okay, it just means another trip to Tesco (and possibly some more vegan finds!)

When I got home I simply couldn’t wait to try them and quickly snapped a pick of the box and tore my way through the packaging until I was greeted with this pretty little purple bar. 

Now, I presume we all know the texture of the standard Nak’d bar, deliciously squishy, and fabulously moreish. This bar, did not disappoint. The smell hit me as soon as I opened the wrapper: fresh blueberry muffins. (Did I use the colon right? Let’s hope so...) 

I was a little shook by just how incredible this bar smelt. I wasn’t expecting such a flavour sensation to hit me like that, but I’m certainly not complaining. Now, shall I get on to the review? The bar tastes amazing. It is just like a real blueberry muffin, but better if that is even possible. It tasted so fresh, with the blueberries having an authentic and delicious flavour about them, far from the artificial rubbish which some companies definitely seem to opt for. But not these. 

They are blooming marvellous! 

They capture not only the blueberry perfectly, but also the muffin aspect. The sweetness of the baked dough having an authenticity about it. I loved this bar so much and I have been craving it since munching my first bar!  

So, as you have probably guessed, I am a massive fan of these bars, and would urge anyone, vegan or non vegan, to get a hold of one!

Rating - 9.5/10 

Calories - 130

Buy Again - Yaaaaaaas!

Vegan Dr Marten 1461 Review

Seeing as it is Veganuary, and I have owned these shoes for around a year now, I feel as though I can give an honest and just review (something which I would have appreciated myself!)

So my boyfriend bought me these last year for Christmas, after I had been obsessed with them for around six months, but could never manage to bring myself to buy them! So this review is kind of brought to you courtesy of him, thanks Adam!

Anyway, I had searched online for a review but what I found was either ridiculously basic or generally unhelpful. Describing them as, ‘Nice shoes’. This isn’t quite enough to convince me to part with my money and having never owned a pair of standard DM’s before, and hearing many a horror story about breaking them in, I had apprehensions. Eventually, when I took the plunge I tried them on in a size 4, and I found that they fit perfectly true to size. My feet didn’t feel squashed, nor did they feel like they were moving about. So I would strongly suggest you buy them in your actual size.

I think we should start on the overall aesthetics of the shoes, because that is what you see straight away. The shoes look like the standard 1461’s, they appear like high shine black leather (obvious they are synthetic and not actual leather!), with the thick air cushioned sole, with the iconic and easily my favourite part of them, yellow stitching. Honestly, they really do look just like the typical Dr Marten shoes! There is nothing to distinguish these from the leather pairs. I think that the only way that it becomes obvious that these are indeed free from leather, is the feel. They don’t feel like leather, but they don’t feel cheap, it feels expensive, study, and exceptionally well made.

So, I put them to the test. They felt comfy from the initial wear, I plastered my feet as I do with any new shoes, and went to work (literally). After the end of an 8 hour shift my feet were feeling a little worse for wear, with the heels a bit sore and rubbed. But, immediately after this initial wear, they became the comfiest shoes I have ever owned. Never did I have a blister from them after that, which for Doc Martens, is quite unusual. The shoes were comfy, and from that wear, they have become even more comfortable as they have moulded to my foot and now provide me with a ridiculous amount of support and comfort, making them my go to shoe for long days filled with much toddling.

Dr Martens are just so fun to style, they can add such a cool masculine edge to an otherwise feminine outfit

. I love to wear mine with dresses or skirts. Balancing the outfit and providing me with something which feels authentically me, authentically worn different. I love the alternative feel of the shoes and the heritage and history behind them, they have a strong ethos of individuality behind them, and that doesn’t stop just because you don’t wear leather. Dr Martens are such a fantastic company, and they never fail to impress me with their re imaginings of classic designs and shapes.

 

Their shoes really are designed to last and after having them for a year, and wearing them pretty frequently, I can say that they still look fantastic. They look brand new, still shiny and clean, with minimal wear and tear, only a slight creasing at the toe where I walk. This really isn’t an issue though because this just makes them look a bit loved.

I love these shoes and would strongly recommend getting the vegan ones whether you are vegan or not. They are incredibly comfortable, really well made, and just overall brilliant! The only problem I have is that they do make a slight squeaking sound when I walk. But this is only on shiny floors, so not a real issue. 

See the rest of the range here!  

Dr Martens Vegan Range