Fairy Loot - Monthly Box Subscription - Young Adult Fantasy Books & Stuff {review}

Fairy Loot is a monthly book subscription box that provides a new usually hard back young adult novel along with 5-6 other book related items.

Recently I have been reading a lot more, I still do bake (new post coming soon!) and that lead me to start following more and more book bloggers and instagram accounts and by doing so I was introduced to the monthly subscription book box.

There are so many based in the states and the cost of shipping was half the cost of the box and out of my budget for such a thing. So, I started researching UK based ones. There are so many out there, some come with chocolate and tea or an old out of print book, but Fairy Loot caught my eye.

The boxes always seemed to be full of fun things and the themes were interesting. So, I took the plunge and bought the June box - Rebels in Ballgowns.

Which was a great box that came with a great book. I found the characters interesting and I will be curious to see how the develop in the following books. My only niggle about this book is the big cliff hanger. I don't like cliffhangers in books. Anyway, it's not enough reason to not give the book a read!

Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart

synopsis - In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other on an island prison where women must fight to survive.
Serina has spent her whole life preparing to become a Grace - selected to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining example of the perfect woman.
But her headstrong and rebellious younger sister has a dangerous secret, and one wrong move could cost both sisters everything.
Can Serina fight? And will Nomi win?

It also came with a beautiful masquerade mask necklace, a candle from Geeky Clean inspired by Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, a pillowcase designed by Miss Phi inspired by Stephanie Garber's Legendary, a book journal designed by FictionTea Designs with art work by Stella's Bookish Art, magnetic bookmarks featuring the characters from Shatter Me, and a cool iron on patch with a bookish quote and made by Ink and Wonder.

Then I twiddled my thumbs as debated to by the July box the theme The Power Within. This box had the same quality of products all book themed. However, it's the book I am really after and the extra stuff is exactly that extra.

This one came with a fun magic color changing mug designed by Little Inking Designs with a quote from Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. Again from Geeky Clean there was a room spray that smells like lavender and books! Then there was a tea towel that had a quote from And I Darken by Kiersten White, there was also a vinyl sticker that says "One Eldr" it comes from Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young and means "breath fire."  And last, but not least a pen that is a broomstick and has a Harry Potter quote.

Then most importantly the book! It has sprayed edges and is signed by the author! I haven't had a chance to read this one, but I am looking forward to it!

Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton

synopsis - In the ancient river kingdom, where touch is a battlefield and bodies the instruments of war, Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood. The same women who killed her mother without a single scratch.
But when Mia's father announces an alliance with the royal family, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Determined to forge her own path forward, Mia plots a daring escape, but could never predict the greatest betrayal of all: her own body. Mia possesses the very magic she has sworn to destroy.
Now, as she untangles the secrets of her past, Mia must learn to trust her heart…even if it kills her.

Now the biggest debate is do I buy the next box? I mean it's Pirate themed!!

Overall I have enjoyed both of these boxes, and even if you haven't heard of some of the books they referenced it's a great way to get introduced to new authors and books!

For more pics of the Rebels in Ballgowns (June 2018 box) click here!

For more pics of The Power Within (July 2018 box) click here! 

Pssst -I made a video of the coloring changing mug for IGTV

For a unboxing video of the June box check out my youtube channel here! 

And if you want to get your very own box check out Fairy Loot here! - Price is £26 - £32.95 including tax and shipping

*All opinions are my own, I was not given any compensation for this review, both boxes were purchased by myself; please see my contact/policy page for more information.

The Body Shop - Reading, England

Growing up I had a huge thing for lip balms. In fact I had a whole caboodle full of them! So, when I think of The Body Shop the first thing that comes to mind is lip balms. 

After my visit to my local branch last week (for a blogger event) there is a lot more to think of when thinking of The Body Shop. 

Firstly of their campaign against animal testing. 

They still need help to reach their goal of 8 million signatures on their petition to ban Animal Testing.  You don't have to visit a branch to sign, you can do it online via their website. 

Secondly, although I will never not think of their lip balms, I now have a bigger range of products to consider when shopping there. 

Starting with their new body yogurts and face mists! I love a body butter, probably the second thing I think of after lip balms when thinking of The Body Shop, but I find them too buttery and thick for the summer. The body yogurts are smooth and go on so easily and smell delicious. Banana is the scent of the season (also limited edition), but it also comes in almond, mango, strawberry, rose, and moringa 'flavors'. 

The face mists come in varying scents and do slightly different things, but in this heat wave they are essential in helping keeping your face cool and collected. They would be good for anytime of the year really; especially if you work in an office where your co-workers are constantly messing with the thermostat, ahem, and one minute you are hot and the next cool.

Both of these products are worth checking out on your next visit to their store or online. There is also a new extended men's range and of course all the products in scents you've come to love are still available. The beloved body butters can now be personalised for yourself or as a great gift! 

Not only do The Body Shop provide some great products you can use them knowing they aren't tested on animals. 

I was particularly drawn to the satsuma scent and bought a few things for my hand bag! It was a fun night with fellow bloggers and friends, it's always nice to be invited somewhere you already love and admire. Also, on the night Wagamama's provided us with food! Full meals that were delicious along with some samples of their starters! 

*I was invited to visit my local branch of The Body Shop as a blogger for the #gobananas launch, I was not asked to write a review nor was I compensated financially, I was provided with a gift bag with a few products to try out. 

Visit The Body Shop - Reading 

The Oracle, Unit 24, Broad St, Reading RG1 2AG

(Wagamama's is also located in the Oracle on the Riverside!)

Easy Choc Dip and Drizzle Cookies from Dr Oetker {recipe/product review}

I don't have a microwave. Some people find that weird and others don't have them either and so can relate. It really hasn't affected my kitchen life. 

Until I agree to try out a recipe from the Dr. Oetker website and even picked the recipe I thought looked great, only to find out that the White Easy Choc pot suggests it to be microwaved. It was at this point I was annoyed with myself for not paying attention to all the details. 

However, as I re-read I was excited to see I didn't need a microwave at all because I could just put the pot in a bowl and then pour hot water around it just like a bain marie aka water bath aka double boiler type situation. Perfect! 

This recipe is one of the easiest cookie recipes I have tried and would be a great one to make with kids, once the cookies are dipped you could easily let them decorate them with all sorts of sprinkles! I kept mine plain because I was lacking in sprinkles... I should really stock back up..... 

Back to what I was saying these are easy cookies to make and what I haven't said yet is that they are soft and chocolatey! They would make a perfect treat after school or dinner or bake sale! As Dr. Oetker are the proud sponsors of the Great British Bake Off I think I can safely say .... 

Get ready, set, bake! 

Easy Choc Dip and Drizzle Cookies

100g unsalted butter

75g dark brown sugar 

1 medium egg yolk 

100g plain flour

25g cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1 pot of Dr. Oetker White Easy Choc

Heat the oven to 190˚C (170˚C fan oven, 375˚F, gas 5). Line 1-2 baking trays with baking parchment. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy and well blended. Beat in the egg yolk.

Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder into the butter mixture and beat until just combined. Divide the mixture into 16 rounds approx. 4cm (1 ½ inches) in diameter and place on the baking trays, spaced slightly apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until just firm and lightly cracked on top. Cool on the baking trays for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Melt the Easy Choc as directed on the pot, and leave to cool for 10 minutes. Arrange the cookies on a board lined with baking parchment. And, using a teaspoon, thickly drizzle half of them with the melted Easy Choc. Half dip the remaining cookies and place back on the parchment to set.

*Dr. Oetker got in touch with me and sent me a few of the products mentioned above to bake these cookies from their website, the recipe can be found here  link no longer available. There was no other compensation given - all opinions are my own for more information please see my contact/policy page above. 

Panasonic Slow Juicer: MJ-L500 Review

To start with I was given this juicer by Panasonic after visiting them at their headquarters and spending a day in their Idea's Kitchen! That was like ages ago now. However, I think sometimes with kitchen gadgets you have to give them time to see if they are actually something you use.

I'd be lying if I told you I use this juicer every day, but I do use it more often then other novelty appliances. My favorite thing to use it for is homemade squash.

It's nearly impossible to drink some fruit juices naturally, they are either too sweet or sour or bitter or whatever they have to be diluted. Which is basically squash without all the additives and extra sugar or sweetener.

It's also a great tool to make smoothies and juices! Recipes linked below! I have yet to test it using frozen fruit, but it is one of it's features. Basically when the fruit is frozen it doesn't separate the juice, but makes a sorbet. Might be something I try as the weather gets warmer.

It's called a slow juicer, but it's not literal, it's slow because it squeezes the juice out slowly, extracting more juice and preserving more vitamins. Which is what makes it different then other juicers.

Overall I find this juicer easy to assemble, use, and to clean. Which is something people moan about when I have read other reviews on juicers. If you are in the market for a juicer I would suggest this one!

Juice and Smoothie Recipes: 

Apple & Carrot Juice
Pineapple Fizz 
Super Detox Smoothie
Orange Major
Cold Buster Juice II

*Find out how I got on at the Panasonic Idea's Kitchen here! (November 2016)

*All opinions are my own, I was given the juicer after my visit to the ideas kitchen, but I was not asked to provide a review of the juicer nor was I compensated in any other way. Please see my contact/policy page above for more information. 

National Picnic Week with Udi's Gluten-Free range!

It’s National Picnic Week and I think that everyone should have a picnic! When I say everyone I mean everyone! Even those with different food intolerances. My husband cannot have any form of citrus and it can be difficult; you’d be surprised by how many things use lemon or lime juice as a preservative.

It's also that time of year when people are starting to line up their favourite festival's! Throw some of these ideas below into a bag and you're all set to enjoy your day out! 

So, when Udi asked me if I’d like to receive a box full of some of their new Gluten-Free products I said yes! I am always happy to spread the word of good products that are suitable for those who are looking for food alternatives! I know their pain. 

They sent me: (pictured: left to right)

Soft & Delicious Blueberry and Chocolate Muffins

Flaky & Delicious Pastry Mix 

Soft & Tasty Sundried Tomato Bagels 

Soft & Delicious Multiseed Bread

Crispy & Delicious Bagel Chips

Everything you need to make a picnic great! As an American I would tend to eat the muffins for breakfast, but since I’ve lived in England muffins are more of a treat. Therefore you just throw them in your picnic basket and wah-la instant picnic treat! ….Actually you may want to place them gently on the top somewhere so they don’t get squished. 

The pastry mix I honestly haven’t had an opportunity to try yet. I do intend to make something, most likely sweet and picnic friendly. I am very curious to see how it turns out and will update this post when I do make something! 

I used the sundried tomato bagels in place of bread; it is a great way to add flavor to the same old same old lunch! Just toast the bagel before adding on your favourite condiment, cold meats, and cheese! Yum! These possible don’t suit picnics very well, because they are best after being toasted. However, if like us you have a picnic in your backyard/garden then it works. I am going to apologise for not having a photo of this! I was a bad food blogger and just ate them, but I have no regrets they were good! 

Sandwiches are the ultimate picnic food. You need to have bread to have sandwiches and sandwiches to have picnics. A picnic without a sandwich is like rain on your wedding day, not ironic, but unfortunate. I like a good bit of Multiseeded Bread especially filled with pickle and cheese. There seems to be some debate on if pickles are gluten-free and some are and some aren’t so please check before eating! 

The Bagel Chips are indeed crispy and delicious! I loved snacking on these and dipping and topping them with various things like cream cheese (not all brands are gluten-free), hummus (try Udi’s recipe), and pate! My little people and I devoured a whole box and tub of hummus for lunch one sunny afternoon. Super easy to add to any great picnic! 

Be sure to check out the official Udi’s website for more information on their products! They also have a great section of recipes including one for a gluten-free hummus! 

notes: In association with Udi’s, please see my contact/policy page above for more information. Please check with any branded or store bought ingredient to be sure it’s gluten-free. All brands are not created equal. 

This isn’t my first post for Udi’s check out my other posts: 

Happiness in the form of Udi's Gluten Free Food

Ancient Grain Crisp(y) Chicken

Chocolate Cupcakes

Update February 2017 - Udi's are no longer available in the UK, but can still be found in the USA! 

No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Tart {Valentine's Day Dessert}

This weekend couples all over the world will be celebrating the ultimate day of love and romance, Valentine’s Day. (This Saturday if you didn't already know!)

Basically it started because of a guy named St. Valentine and apparently he married couples that were refused by the church. He was jailed for it, but while in jail he “healed” the jailer’s daughter. Before he was executed he gave her a card and signed “Your Valentine” as a way of saying goodbye. It wasn't until the High Middle Ages that the day became associated with “romantic love.” Courtly love was very popular then and it’s them we have to blame for the mushy over the top lovey dovey crap we see today.

By that last statement you may think that I am a bit of a cynic or something, but I do love the idea of a holiday that celebrates love. As Frozen has taught us love saves and heals us and that I think is worth celebrating!

Another thing that ‘heals’ people is chocolate. Chocolate is associated with many things and during this love holiday it’s a popular choice of gift and celebratory treat!

Why not wow your loved ones with this amazing No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Tart!

It’s easy and delicious and rich. All the things you want in a Valentine’s Day dessert. Chocolate pairs very well with most fruits and especially with red berries like strawberries, raspberries, and cherries.

Cherries can be a bit tricky because of their pits, but if you have a cherry pitter tool it makes pitting the cherries easy peasy lemon squeezy. OXO Good Grips sent me a cherry pitter to try out, along with a 3-piece Berry Bowl &Colander Set that came in handy when rinsing the cherries before placing them in creamy chocolaty ganche and I used my OXO Good Grips small silicone spatula when mixing my ganache. 

Wait no longer here’s how I made this rich Chocolate Cherry Tart!

No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Tart

419g of chocolate cream filled Oreo Cookies

100g butter, melted

200g dark chocolate, broken up

200g double cream

30-35 cherries, pitted and rinsed

Gently butter a 9 in or 22 cm tart tin and set aside. Place the chocolate biscuits (3 (UK) packages minus four cookies (to eat)) in a food processor and pulse until they look like breadcrumbs. Add the butter and pulse a couple more times until the crumbs and butter combine. Pour into the tin and press down and up the sides of the tin, try to even it out as best you can. I just used my hands it was the easiest way to get it pushed down.

Place in the fridge to cool while you pit the cherries and make the ganache. Pit the cherries according to the instructions of the pitter tool. In a heat proof bowl place both the broken up chocolate and double cream and set on top of a simmering pan of water. Gently stir with a spatula while it’s melting. Once it becomes a smooth shiny ganache pour into the tart tin and then add the cherries. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.

notes: In association with OXO, for further information see my contact/policy page and also check them out they have some great kitchen tools! Recipe is adapted from mowielicious blog. Also I did a short spontaneous video and I uploaded it here. It’s un-cut and I didn't know what I was trying to say half the time, but I thought I’d post it anyway! Let me know what you think!!

Black Pepper Panna Cotta with Caramelized Peaches & Caramel Drizzle {product review}

After you read the title you may think I am crazy. Perhaps I am, but that is neither here nor there. 

A couple years ago I went to a taste event hosted by the Innocent Smoothie peoples and they served us pepper ice cream with canned peach slices and caramel sauce. 

It really didn't sound appealing to me, however I try everything once. It was good. It was unbelievably good. The combination just worked and I was thoroughly impressed.

I swore I would attempt it at home, but wasn't really sure a whole batch of pepper ice cream would go down well in my family where half of us are little people who only like strawberry ice cream. So, I hadn't recreated it at home.

Then when I had the opportunity to try Sainsbury’s Panna Cotta Mix, the whole pepper/peach/caramel combo just felt right. I did and I was not disappointed. It was very similar to the pepper ice cream that I was happy with it. The Sainsbury's mix had clear and easy instructions. It makes a simple and easy dessert!

I was also correct as in my girls took one taste and went blech. If you think you may be like my girls and think blech at the pepper in your panna cotta then just make it without and continue you on with the peaches!

Panna Cotta

1 box Sainsbury’s Panna Cotta dessert mix

            250ml milk

            250ml double cream

10g Black Pepper Corns

Follow the instructions on the box, but while you are heating and stirring the milk and double cream add the peppercorns. Once the mixture is ready sieve out the peppercorns and discard. Pour the panna cotta mix into desired moulds, bowls, or glasses as I used here. Chill for 4 hours or more.

Before serving make the …

Caramelized Peaches

2 fresh peaches, sliced

50g golden caster sugar

¼ tsp sea salt flakes

4 tablespoons caramel sauce

Combine the sugar and salt and coat the peach slices in the mixture. Fry on a dry skillet/frying pan until the sugar starts to turn amber, flipping the peaches through out.

Divide between each glass with the set panna cotta and drizzle the caramel sauce on top. Enjoy!

notes: In association with Sainsbury’s, all opinions are my own for further information please note my contact/policy page. Fresh peaches in this country are just not up to par with the peaches I had in the states growing up, so please use frozen or canned peaches if that suits. Just be sure to pat dry the canned peaches. 

Find out what else I tried at the innocent inspires event here! 
I have made panna cotta before here! 

Snowball {cocktail review}

When I think of the word “snowball” I immediately think of a snowball fight! Or of those Hostess cakes Sno Balls. 

When I came across this Snowball cocktail like drinks I was intrigued.

If you like me have never heard of a Snowball, they are an egg-based cocktail with lemon and lime flavoring. If you are making them from scratch they are usually made with an egg based alcohol called Advocaat, which is similar to egg nog and topped up with lemonade.

It’s popular here in the UK especially during the winter months, it’s commonly thought of as a winter warmer.

At first I wasn't sure what I thought of them, they have a very distinct flavor. After one I just had to have another.... and it's then I decided that when I think of snowballs I would not only think of snowball fights and Hostess cakes, but these cocktails! 

There is the refreshing side of the lemony-lime flavor and the slight eggy flavor gives it a warm comfy feeling.

They definitely fit this time of year perfectly! I dressed mine with a couple of cocktail cherries and a slice of lime. A slice of lemon would work just as well. 

These Sainsbury’s Smooth Snowballs are available in a package of four and would make a great addition to any winter party! 

notes: In association with Sainsbury’s only the product was provided for this review, all opinions are my own, please see my contact/policy tab for further information.

Orange, Passion Fruit, & Champagne Jelly desserts {product review}

After being at home with my girls for the last 7 years, I have jumped back into the working world. At the moment I currently have 2 ½ jobs. It seems like I have found myself with a lot on my plate.

I am finding out what it really means to time manage. So, I was pretty proud of myself for making these jellies’s in the morning so they would be set for after dinner!

It’s pretty impressive if I even have dinner on the table on time these days!

Jelly is one of those things that everyone loves. It doesn't matter how old you are. As we get older our tastes buds change and sometimes our favorite childhood treats just don't taste the same. This Taste the Difference range of jellies from Sainsbury's is full of flavor and has fun flavor combinations! 

These jellies can be made according to the instructions and therefore will be suitable for the whole family, but making it with the suggestions I listed below make it a bit more adult.... then again maybe not?

I was sent Orange, Passion Fruit, and Champagne Jelly and Blackcurrant, Elderflower, and Cassis Jelly to try out.

First I made the Orange, Passion Fruit, and Champagne Jelly with half orange juice and half prosecco. I added in some canned mandarin’s for texture and topped with whipped cream and passion fruit seeds/juice.

Then I made the Blackcurrant one in champagne flutes to add a bit of festive fun and topped that one with some whipped cream as well.

There are so many ways to be creative with this range, such as:

• Use prosecco in place of water, as suggested on the bottle
• Use your favorite fizzy drink, lemonade or an orange soda
• Different juices to match the flavors of the chosen jelly (ex: elderflower juice in the blackcurrent or orange juice in the orange etc…) if you do use half water half juice sometimes it is a little too soft when setting if you use just juice.
• Add in matching fruits, canned usually works best because the fruit will be soft.
• Make it a jelly terrine!
• Make it in a flat baking tray and once it’s set use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes
• Make it in a trifle (my husband wanted me to do this and I just don’t like trifles that much…. I know I know we’ll talk about this later!)
• Make it in fun shapes using jelly moulds
• Top with whipped cream or meringues or ice cream
• Drizzle with all sorts of fruit syrups

Jelly is fun for all ages and these Taste the Difference ones from Sainsbury’s were super easy to make and they make a great treat for any time of the day! Especially during the holiday season that is full of rich and heavy foods. Why not lighten the load a bit with a jelly dessert! My favorite part is that they are made in advance and takes some of the stress away from the big day! See my time management is already getting better! 

notes: in association with Sainsbury's they sent me the jelly to try all opinions are my own please see my contact/policy tab above. 

Teavivre Tea For Life (review)

Tea has been around for hundreds of years and probably one of the most popular drinks around the world. I love trying new and/or different teas then the usual English Tea. Teavivre make a variety of different flavors that they ship around the world.

This is the second time they have sent me tea to review and I was just as impressed this time, as I was last time.

Superfine Taiwan Moderately-Roasted Dong Ding Oolong Tea is a very rich tea with lots of flavor. It too has a subtle sweet taste that is great for a morning cuppa!

Superfine Taiwan Qing Xiang Dong Ding Oolong Tea this tea is similar to the above, the obvious difference as the above is roasted. It is a popular tea, most likely due to the sweet mellow taste.

Taiwan High Mountain Oolong Tea is a great tea for first time drinkers of Taiwan oolong tea. It has a flowery fragrant, but a very sweet taste.

Taiwan Monkey Picked - Ma Liu Mie - Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea has a smooth fruity flavor with a hint of honey. It is called “monkey picked” because a legend says that the cliff where oolong tea leaves grows can be too abrupt and so a monkey is trained to climb the cliff and pick the precious leaves. A soft fire bakes the leaves in about 6 minutes; it is what gives this tea its distinct flavor.

Anxi Monkey King – Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea is low in caffeine so a great evening or bedtime tea. This tea smells amazing! It is also a very smooth tea, with a sweet aftertaste.

notes: For more information and other tea flavors check out the Teavivre website! Check out my first post! The tea was provided for the review no other compensation was given. Please see my contact/policy page for more information! 

Quorn Cottage Pie {recipe review}

When ever I am exclaiming I love something, I’d say 9 out of 10 times it has to do with food.

There are many reasons I love autumn the most out of all the seasons, but the food is one of them. Who doesn't want something nice warm and comforting for dinner after a cold gloomy day?

My first go to comforting dinner is soup, then cottage pie. Cottage pie is one of those dinners that the whole family loves.

We aren't vegetarians, but I do buy Quorn as a healthier protein. I got into the habit when I first started Slimming World; I am no longer a member, but habits die hard.

I used the recipe provided here on their site. I used only one tablespoon of soy sauce because I didn't have the lighter version that is naturally less salty, I only had dark soy sauce. Other then that I stuck to the recipe.

It turned out really good, it had a lot of flavor and the whole family enjoyed it.

The one thing I would change next time is the parsnip in the mash. I didn't like the root-y flavor it gave the potatoes. Instead I would use a sweet potato or carrots. In my opinion they would have given a better flavor. 

Over all it filled all my criteria of a warm and comforting dinner and to be sure it was served on a cold gloomy day which made it all the better!

For more Quorn inspiration follow them on Twitter or Facebook! 

notes: In association with Quorn, I was given a voucher that supplied me with the Quorn mince, no other compensation was given – all opinions are my own. Please see my contact/policy page for further information.