Mount Purious - Rosehip Oil

Skincare has always been an essential of mine, Mother always told me to look after it and only use simple products. She has great skin and has only ever used Vaseline or a really basic thick cream, the more fussy it is the more it doesn't work in her eyes!

Being a Vegan has taught be a lot about nature, I'm starting to get more interested in Naturopathy, Herbalism, Natural Medicine and looking at how we can use our natural surroundings to the best for us and the environment.

The new Skincare brand Mount Purious also believes in similar values and I've tried out their Rosehip Oil to see what difference it makes to my skin. There are no fillers, chemicals or anything added to this product, its simply just Rosehip Oil!

Properties of Rosehip Oil include high amounts of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, B-Carotene- Vitamin A. According to some studies, benefits of using Rosehip Oil include Anti Ageing, reduction of scarring, helps fix Eczema, anti inflammatory, helps damaged skin, sun damaged skin and improves pigmentation. Miranda Kerr and David Gandy uses Rosehip Oil, so if its good enough for supermodels its good enough for me! I've seen other reviews and people have been getting great results with wrinkles!

Ive been using it for a month now, I've also been using a Natural Avocado Soap instead of using face wipes and the 2 combined have done wonders for my skin! I apply lots of it at night to work its magic, it's not greasy or makes your skin feel oily at all.

My skin is so much softer, clearer and brighter! People have said I look like I have a glow, which has never been said before! Even through lots of sweaty exercise, the Rosehip Oil has managed to calm my skin down and make it feel hydrated and pampered. Also strangely my eyelashes and eyebrows have been growing really fast! Interested to see if anyone else experienced this?

Mount Purious cold press their Rosehip Oil, this is very important as through any heating process the great properties will be reduced. It's 100% Certified, Organic and Vegan, a brilliant product and will forever be in my skin care ritual.

Stace x

The Group Gym Review

With National Gym Memberships down according to The Telegraph there seems to be an awful lot of new budget gyms popping up everywhere. Pure Gym, Exercise4Less, The Gym Group and soon to be added to that list is Mike Ashleys Sports Direct Gyms. With Memberships ranging from £5 to £20 who could turn down an opportunity to actually afford it for once, and this is probably why there is such a push for these budget gyms at the moment. I have a feeling that this declining figure will soon be on the rise again and the more expensive gyms will be in fear of the new 'budget' Brands taking over the market.

I recently went down to the newly opened The Gym Group in Gosforth Newcastle to have a sneak peak at the new facilities and to see what you can get for bargain £12.99 a month.

First impressions are everything and instead of a normal reception area, there are glass booths you can go into to enter the gym, disabled access is also available at all of their gyms. Each member gets his or hers pincode to enter the gym, which allows the booth to open and for you to be transported into the otherside...very Austin Powers like.

There was a steady stream of people going in and out of the gym but with anything brand new and technical there was a few glitches and some customers who's Pincode didn't work were left waiting until a member of staff allowed them in.  I am presuming it was a teething problem due to this being opening week. The Gym Group already have over 60 gyms Nationwide and more opening soon (including another one opening in Newcastle City Centre next to The Gate) so this concept must be working.

The gym is all on the ground level and it is humongous! It has a great energy when you walk in, and you feel like everyone is there to work hard, unlike some other gyms where people only go to socialise and walk on the treadmill at 2MPH.

To the far left is the Olympic Weight Lifting and Free Weights section, with large mirrors along with wall, it allows for you to look at your form and technique. Im big on this, no it's not because I like looking at myself in front of a mirror but when lifting 65kg's and up...technique is everything...something slightly out of line and injuries do happen. There are also lots of machine weights too if you're just a beginner.

The Cardiovascular section is also fantastic. Treadmills, Cross Trainers, Bikes, Spin Bikes, Steppers and Rowers, theres plenty to choose from. Plasma screen TV's surround the gym so you don't get bored and with so much equipment even in peak times there was plenty still available.

Also available is a section for TRX and Core Training, Plyometric boxes, Kettlebells, Slambags, Swiss Balls and plenty of Personal Trainers to help you out too.


There is a wide range of classes available throughout the day and week. Just like all of The Gym Groups classes these take part in the gym. The only slight downside I can see to this is that for the body conscious or for anyone who gets embarrassed easily they might not like the idea of doing a class in front of the whole gym. The classes available at the Gosforth Gym include Spinning, HIIT, Bootcamp, Circuits, Tabata, LBT (legs, bums, tums) Boxerfit, Stretch& Relax, Abs, Suspension Training, Insanity, Pump and Kettlebells. So with a variety to choose from theres something for everyone.

In conclusion I would say The Gym Group have a fantastic concept here.  No tie in contracts and you can have a duel membership, so you can visit more than just one location (good news there is another Gym Group already open in Heaton) also they offer Corporate Memberships, great for looking after your staffs health and wellbeing. A word of caution, parking can be difficult in this area. However the gym is more suited and positioned for locals and people working in the area rather than someone who will drive into the location.

With a great variety of classes and equipment, it makes it easier to mix up your workout so you don't get bored and stuck in the same routine. Most of their Gyms are 24hours, fab for shift workers who don't normally get an opportunity to be a member of the gym, the Gosforth Site isn't 24hours but open all week from 7am till 11pm.

The low cost budget gyms are definitely taking over and dominating the industry now, with £12.99 a month membership you really can't go wrong! Big thumbs up from me for value-for-money and product offering.

Stace 

Health Benefits of Chilli

With the North East Chilli Festival coming up this weekend on the 4th and 5th of July, I thought this would be the perfect time to tell you all about the health benefits of Chilli! 

We are a little odd finding pleasure in pain but a well known study by Psychologist Paul Rozin suggests that we humans love a bit of 'constrained risk' which we experience sensations like fear and pain but end up enjoying it because we know that they aren't harmful. People love to live on the edge!

High Levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin C to fight Infections 

Vitamin A helps with the synthesis of red blood cells and is an essential component of rhodopsin, the protein that allows retinal receptors in the eye to absorb light. It is also necessary for proper growth and development and to support immune system health. 

Vitamin C is required by the body to help synthesise collagen, promote the healing of skin wounds and aid in the development of strong bones. It also acts as an antioxidant by preventing free radical damage to DNA. A diet rich in vitamin C may lower your risk of hypertension, cancer, heart disease and osteoarthritis. 

Chills can be good for your Heart 

Studies show that Countries who eat the most spicy food have much lower incidence of heart attack and stroke. Potential reasons could be that Chilli peppers can reduce the damaging effects of LDL (bad cholesterol) and Capsaicin may fight inflammation, which has been flagged as a risk factor for heart issues.

Reduce Inflammation

Chilli's may also assist with good digestion. Though many associate Chilli with causing upset stomachs, it actually prevents acid reflux and kills the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

Clear Congestion

Capsaicin is the source of the Chilli's heat and the hotter the pepper the higher Capsaicin concentration there is. Eating Chilli's can cause some people to break out in a sweat and make the eyes water and nose to run. This reaction can clear out airway congestion! So perhaps add some chilli to your meals when you have a cold.

High in Minerals

Chilli's are high in many minerals such as Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium. 

Lower Blood Pressure

Vitamins A and C strengthen the heart muscle walls, and the heat of the pepper increases blood flow throughout your body. All of this equals a stronger cardiovascular system.

Lose weight

In another study they found that 1g of chilli reduced cravings for salty, sweet and fatty foods and increased energy expenditure. Capsaicin is also a thermogenic compound and increases the metabolic rate, which aids in the fat burning process.

Pain Relief

Probably the best-known current medicinal use of capsaicin is in creams that can be applied to help ease the symptoms of arthritis, shingles, back pain, neuralgia and post-surgical pain.

Cancer Treatments

The American Institute for Cancer Research reports that eating rich capsaicin sources like chilli peppers may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells, though more research is needed.

Diabetes

Regularly eating hot chilies reduces insulin requirements, which may have implications in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.



So good to know that eating the hot stuff is good for us after all but do be careful though, with anything in life overdoing things probably isn't good for us. 

Everything in moderation! 

I've been making my own flavour oils, one of them is Chilli of course! If you want to do the same pick a good quality Virgin Olive Oil, and gently warm it through over the hob with what ever fresh ingredients you like. Do this for 5-10mins, making sure it doesn't get too hot or reach boiling point. This will ruin the flavour. Pour into a sterilised glass container (Kilner do some great ones) and leave for 2 weeks for the flavours to infuse. My Chilli Oil knocks the socks off!  

http://www.chillifest-ne.co.uk/index.php

Stace x

Raw Strawberries and Cream Cake (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Its that time of year again...Wimbledon! When normally temperatures soar, a festival like scene erupts over Murray Mound, office arguments start over who can beat who, when it's perfectly acceptable to start drinking Pimms and Champagne through the day, when you suddenly get the urge to go down to the local park and practice your backhand and the world seems ok again because nothing is bigger then Wimbledon.

And what goes with Wimbledon? ... Strawberries and Cream of course.

This seems like the perfect opportunity to have a little slice of Raw Strawberry and Cream Cake Slice, refreshing, creamy and fruity all in one. All Vegan, all natural, no processed nasties in here!

Make sure that the Coconut Milk you use has no added ingredients or preservatives..sometimes companies sneak them in! Always check the tables.

Makes a 10" by 6" tray.

Ingredients 

Base

• 1 Cup of Almonds 
• 15 Dates (soaked in water for 30mins) 
• 1/4 Cup Desiccated Coconut

Middle Layer

• 1/4 can full fat Coconut Milk (about 100ml)
• 1 1/2 Cups Fresh Strawberries
• 2 Cups Cashews (soaked in hot water for 30mins)
• 1/2 Cup Agave Syrup
• 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil

Top Layer

• 1/4 Can Full Fat Coconut Milk (100ml)
• 1/2 Cup Strawberries (for decoration)
• 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Cashew Nuts (soaked in hot water for 30mins)
• Desiccated Coconut for decoration (I mixed mine with some strawberry juice for a nice pink colour)

Method

Drain the Dates and place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until a sticky dough forms. Press firmly into a lined tray. I found using my hands was easier to start with and then finish off with a spatula for a nice even surface. Place in freezer.

Drain the Cashews, place into food processor with 1 cup of strawberries (leave the rest for the outside), the Coconut Milk, Coconut oil and Agave Syrup. Whizz together till a smooth mixture forms. 

Take out the tray from freezer. Cut the rest of the Strawberries into slices, and place on the outside of the tray. Carefully pour the mixture into the tray making sure the mixture has worked its way between the Strawberries. Place in Freezer. 

In the meantime make the top layer. Apart from the Strawberries and Desiccated Coconut which will be used for the decoration, blend all the ingredients together until you get a smooth silky like mixture. 

Take the tray out the freezer, make sure the middle of the Strawberry layer is firm, you don't want the two layers mixing.  Pour the mixture carefully on the top, bear in mind that the coconut oil will make this layer harden quickly. Make sure the mixture is spread into the edges, and give the tray a little shake to even out. 

Place the sliced strawberries and desiccated coconut on the top however you wish! 

Pop in the freezer for another 30mins, then take out for 5 mins to rest and serve. Best to cut the cake when its just out the freezer with a sharp knife then leave the slices to defrost a little before eating. 

Stace x

Joe and The Juice Review

This week saw the opening of Joe and The Juice Newcastle, which first opened up in Denmark and their Juice revolution quickly took over other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Switzerland, Norway. These countries are a little ahead of Britain in terms of they look after their health and wellbeing far more then us Brits! We are catching up.....slowly.

Me and my friend are really into health and fitness, we both work in the industry so this was the perfect place for us to have a catch up. The staff were helpful, but the only menu to look at was the huge one behind the till, which I found a bit daunting and I felt a little under pressure by 3 members of staff staring at me to make a decision. I said to one of the staff "ah I bet you get this all the time with people not being able to make decisions" He said "No not really"...Just me then...awkward. Because the menu is so big, and there's so much choice I was a bit overwhelmed and it was hard to make a decision, so I would of preferred it if there were a few menus dotted around on the tables. If you are going, have in mind what you would like.  The decor is dark, Brooklyn NYC type,  really stylish but you can hardly see the colour of your drink which doesn't help, but it is a very relaxed chilled out vibe and is perfect for getting away from the busy bodies.  I apologise for the lack of picture quality but it is dark...think Hollister dark.

I love a green juice and went for the Bodyguard - Cucumber, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach and Apple. My friend had the Joe's Roots - Beetroot, Carrot and Ginger. Both were really lovely! They do Salads, Sandwiches, and Coffees too. All freshly prepared there and then, no pre packaged, artificial ingredients that I could see. My only criticism on their products was that they didn't have many protein choices, so a lot of their juices are high in sugar and carbohydrates, and when I asked if they had any vegetable protein powders to add to my drink, the only option was a chocolate one, I can't imagine that would taste very nice in a green juice. All they need to do is add some more vegetable protein powder options and it would be perfect. 

This place is suitable for all dietary requirements, they cater for intolerances and allergies, vegans and  vegetarians. A little odd on the location (placed in the women's section of John Lewis), I can imagine this place really taking off on a student campus or on the high street, I hope they advertise a lot so people find out about it. Saying all of that I would definitely go back and I'll be recommending people to try it out.

Stace x

NIP+FAB Product Review and Gym Bag Essentials

I've seen so much hype about Nip + Fab recently, mostly due to Kylie Jenner becoming the face of the brand and everything the Jenners/Kardashians touch turns to Gold! I first stumbled across Nip + Fab when I bought the Yoga Blend Shower Gel 500ml and Body Cream 500ml ages ago and fell completely in love with it! The smell really is amazing and it relaxes me...which is quite a statement considering it's just a shower gel and body cream. In it contains Lavender, Coconut Oil and Rose and they last for ages, it doesn't smell false or chemically at all, its smells very natural and its just so so relaxing! They should definitely bring this scent out in a candle. I've tested so many products in the past and the natural products definitely appeal to me more, Im not keen on putting chemicals on my skin.

I was so impressed with it I've decided to try a few of their other products. 

First up was the other showers gels in their range, I was so impressed with the quality of the Yoga Blend that I wanted to see if I got the same from the others. I bought a large 500ml of the Energy Boost containing Lemon, Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit. And a trio set of Yoga Blend, Detox Blend (Frankincense Oil, Tea Tree, Green Tea and Jasmine) and Destress Blend ( Frankincense, Orange Blossom and Sandalwood). 

The fragrances of the shower gels were lovely but I found them a little synthetic so not as much of a natural scent as I was hoping for and it didn't have as much of an effect on me as the Yoga Blend. Still lovely smelling but the Yoga range is still my firm favourite out of these! 

The hand cream set in the same fragrances were really nice, thick cream which settled into the skin quickly, they all smelled lovely and had a more natural smelling scent then the shower gels but again (maybe I'm biased) but I still love the Yoga Blend so much because I do find it relaxes me.

Next up is the Body Slim Fix from the Fitness Range, obviously I'm so keen to try products that has anything to do with fitness at all. And although I disagree with any companies claiming of you can drop a dress size from a bottle (which we all know doesn't work) I wanted to see if it had any effect on me at all. The Body Slim Fix aims to moisturise, tone and firm the skin, improves body contoures for a firmer and slimmer appearance. I put this on after a shower and after a few days (surprisingly) I did start to notice a difference, my skin definitely felt smoother and more tight and toned. So if you girls are looking for an added piece to your gym bag and need an extra boost of confidence this is it.

The NIP + FAB Dark Spot Fix is something I wanted to try for a while as I've seen good reviews on it...even though I'm no where near the age of needing this sort of thing, I don't have dark spots or wrinkles and my skin is 1000 times better since switching my diet to Vegan. I do believe what you put into your body is far more important then the creams you put on it. Saying that since I was 18 Ive always looked after my skin, and now I try and put more natural things on it. But I decided to give it a go... prevention rather then solution right!

The serum contains Illumiscin to reduce the age spots and prevent more appearing, Vitamin C to improve skin tone and Olive Leaf for brightening, softening and increased elasticity.

I applied it at night after cleansing and toning, then after I would apply a moisturiser on top. My skin did have a glow to it, a added boost and I looked more awake. I was really impressed with this, Ive tried other anti ageing type products...such as the Holland & Barrett Olive Oil Eye Cream and that didn't have much of an effect on me. I do like that NIP + FAB use natural extracts in their products. 

Overall I would say the NIP + FAB are a great beauty range and their products are really high quality without the rediculous price tag. I have various gym bags.....you other gym bunnies will understand.... and these shower gels, hand creams and fitness body slim fix will be in all of them!

Stace x

Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Pasta (Vegan & Gluten Free)

I love carbs! When I was a professional athlete a lot of my meals was based around Carbohydrates, but then over the years and a few appointments with various 'sports nutritionists' (I say that reluctantly) I was advised to avoid Carbs. Yes you heard, I was running 70miles a week had 2-3 training sessions a day and I was told to cut out Carbs. At the time I thought this was fine, because it's the professionals telling you this, it's their job to know their stuff and they said I could potentially run faster. DUMB. SO DUMB. Did it make any difference?...Yes... I had no energy for training, my training quality went down, I was cranky and on edge all the time and I didn't lose weight which I thought I would. There were no positive effects to me cutting carbs out of my diet.

Now I know everyone is different but when I cut carbs I stop losing weight, when I eat carbs I lose weight! No joke. There's a misconception that carbohdrates are the devil food and if you want to lose weight everyone needs to cut them out and eat high protein instead. Well I'm here to tell you this is complete and utter rubbish. One type of diet does not work for everyone. Every single human on this planet has different DNA and not everyone reacts the same to food.

Some people look at a Carb and put on 4 pounds, some people can eat anything they want and not gain an ounce, some people just have to look at sugar/ fat/ protein and put on weight and some people can eat as much chicken, eggs, steak and lose weight. There is no ONE diet.

Take for instance a few of my family- Dad can drink a couple of pints everyday, eat big Sunday Dinners and not gain anything but if he eats desserts or sweets he gains weight. My Mam has chocolate, coffee and cake most days and she's tiny...yes she runs, but if she has too many carbohydrates she puts on weight. My sister is the worst of them all (in a lovely way) she can eat anything and everything and she never puts on weight, downsizes her potions and little and has one less chocolate bar a day and she loses it instantly. You see everyone is different even blood relatives!

 The various Sports Nutritionists I was working with didn't advice me as an Individual but rather as 'this is what works for most people'. So I now know that I will never respond to a high protein low carbohydrate diet, it simply doesn't work for me....but I know plenty of people it does work for. Books may tell you to eat this that and the other, but the bottom line is not all diets are suitable for everyone.

The number one rule I will tell you is Listen To Your Body. 

 The body is an amazing piece of equipment and it will tell you instantly if something is wrong. 

When I eat gluten, wheat, milk, eggs, beef, lamb, cashews or yeast I immediately get headaches feel very tired, sick and generally unwell. Keep a food diary and record how you react to everything you eat. A long process I know but it is completely worth it. 

Here's a beaut of a dish...Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Pasta. Because Carbs are amazing and fill us up and they don't make us fat.Well not me anyway....I once did Atkins and I put on weight, I stuck to it word for word and my weight went up! Hilarious. I was cranky, deprived and day dreamed about food all day. Now I eat Carbohdrates with every meal and I'm actually skinnier. I'm not talking about Carbohydrates from processed packaged rubbish, my carbohydrates are mostly from natural sources such potatoes,rice, various grains, oats, rice flour, fruit and vegetables and the pasta I use is rice pasta. I don't believe in one diet for all, and I'm sure there lots of people who react well to living on a high protein low carb diet. Not me though it just doesn't work. Since going Vegan I feel so much healthier, Im able to wake up much earlier and easier, I can concentrate more and I have more energy. When I don't eat this way I feel very unwell, its taken me a lot of trial and error over the years but I like to think that I've found the perfect diet for me.

If you are a carb concious then this sauce goes perfectly with courgetti :)

The ingredients in this are all so good for you and the basil fresh out the garden takes it to another the level.  Please don't use dried it's not the same. The whole family has tried this and they've said it's the best pasta sauce they've had.....and they are all Bolognese lovers! If you prefer a more Arribiata style pasta sauce then add a little fresh chilli.



Ingredients (serves 2)  

• 3 Whole Peppers (I used 1 yellow, 1 red, 1 orange)
• 250g Cherry Tomatoes (I used red, orange, purple) 
• Olive Oil
• 2 Whole Garlic Cloves
• 400ml Passata
• 1 Small White Onion
• Handful Fresh Basil
• Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• Black Pepper
• Himalayan Salt
• Dried Oregano
• 160g of pasta (I used gluten free rice shell pasta)

Method

Put the Oven on 210 (electric) Cut the Peppers into large chunks, discard seeds and stalks. Place on baking tray with the Cherry Tomatoes, 2 crushed Garlic Cloves, drizzle with Olive Oil, sprinkle on Oregano, Black Pepper and Himalayan Salt and place in oven for 30mins. 

Chop up the onion and fry off gently in olive oil, make sure the heat is low and take your time to caramelise them, this should take around 10mins.

Pasta can take around 15mins put that on now so its ready in time.

Once done place everything but the garlic in the pan with the cooked onion (if you like garlicky dishes put them in, I prefer the sauce without it) put the balsamic in and fry for one minute, after this put the fresh basil in and cook for another minute, turn off heat.

Take a blender and blend everything up into a smooth sauce, put back on a very low heat and add the Passata, turn up the heat for a couple of mins and serves over the cooked pasta. Add some fresh basil leaves on the top.

Enjoy

Stace x

Refreshing Summer Green Juice (Vegan)

Its summer time!....Well apparently... I personally haven't seen much sun in Newcastle which is a little depressing, and the weather has had me craving less salads and more winter food.

But on the odd occasion the sun does show its face, it's beautiful in North East England and this refreshing drink is perfect to go with the mood. I've just started growing my own herbs and used my mint from the garden in this recipe. I love creating my own recipes and look forward to creating more with my own home grown herbs, Ive just made a beautiful tomato sauce with basil and that'll be up on here soon.

For now enjoy this one.....

Ingredients (serves one)

• 1 Handful of Spinach
• 1 large slice of fresh Pineapple
•  Few sprigs of fresh mint 
• 1 teaspoon Spirulina 
• 1 teaspoon of Wheatgrass 
• 1 teaspoon Hemp Protein 
• and add a little water if its too thick for your liking

Blend it all up and off you go. Easy Peasy. 

Love Stace x

Neal Yards- Lavender & Aloe Vera Deodorant Review

Recently at a Vegan Festival there was a Neals Yard stall, haven't never tried anything from Neals Yard before I decided to try a couple of their products as I had heard from others what wonderful stuff they do. All Vegan friendly and more natural ingredients really appeal to me. I was a little scared trying this product, a more natural deodorant had me thinking it would be less effective and I would end up being a little stinky at the end of the day. The lavender and Aloe Vera deodorant is a natural product ....gentle but effective, its smells absolutely wonderful, its free of preservatives and aluminium salts that block the pores and not to mention the bottle looks really pretty. The deodorant is naturally cleansing, contains organic essential oils from lavender, tea tree, ylang ylang, aloe vera and alpine moss extract which prevents bacteria growth. 

I spend a lot of my day on my feet and with going to the gym or doing various exercise most days a deodorant is key for my everyday living! This kept me fresh all day and I never once had a whiff of stinky smells! Its one of my favourite products at the moment and I think this will definitely be apart of my kit in the long term. It has beat any other deodorants I've tried, which have all been chemical types, so this natural product really is a beauty wonder.

http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/bath-and-body/body/deodorant

Stace x

The Barbie Smoothie

You know you have your co-ordination skills on point when your meals match your outfits... Yes I'm being a little silly with this post...we can't be serious all the time! But when I made this up I was head to toe in bright Pink so thought I'd make a smoothie to match! This delicious smoothie, is a gentle wake me up, perfect for those in a rush! Looking sweet and innocent my Barbie Smoothie is a great breakfast which packs a punch with vitamins, but it also looks delicious too. I whizz mine up in the morning while doing my stretches and yoga.


 Ingredients (Makes 1)

• Handful Strawberries
• Handful Raspberries
• 300ml Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 2 tablespoons Oats
• 8 Cashew Nuts

Method

Whizz everything up in a blender and off you go!

Buckwheat Porridge (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Porridge the fuel to keep us going through the day....but why oh why is it so temperamental?! Either it ends up too dry and turns into cement like mixture or its over runny and more like a oaty soup then a thick creamy dish.

Ive done a Buckwheat Porridge Recipe (which I absolutely love at the moment). Hopefully my method should mean that we will always end up with that creamy porridge with a perfect consistency.

Buckwheat Porridge (seves 2)

• 60 g Buckwheat 
• 220ml dairy free milk (almond, coconut, soya)
• 100ml water

Toppings

• Handful Blueberries
• Hemp Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Pine Nuts

Method
Soak the buckwheat in water overnight, this softens it up for the morning and makes it so much quicker for when your in a rush! Drain the water off and place in a pan with the dairy free milk/water and gently simmer for 10mins, stir occasionally to make sure non of the mixture sticks to the pan. If the temperature is too high the liquid might evaporate quickly and you'll need to add more! After 10mins the buckwheat should absorb the liquid and expanded into a creamy mixture. If you find you do have a bit to much liquid left, turn the heat up slightly and stir to make sure the buckwheat doesn't catch and burn.
Take off the hob and split between 2 bowls and I tend to top mine with fresh blueberries, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and pine nuts. No need for added sweetness the blueberries should give you enough! 

Stace x

Yankee Candle Coconut Range

Coconut has got to be my all time favourite smell&flavour! From using Coconut in cooking with oil, cream, milk and water and making delicious recipes with it....to using it in my skincare with creams, hair products and body sprays....plus also using it as a fragrance in the home. I love it! It has a holiday vibe, and puts me in the chilled out mood. Which is why I'm so excited about Yankee Candles new Coconut Range!! These will fill the house full of happy holiday vibes while also looking really stylish too.

The range is available at www.VERY.co.uk for £23.00 each

No.1 Coconut & Sea Air
No.2 Coconut & Beach Flower
No.3 Coconut & Mandarin
No.4 Coconut & Lime
No.5 Coconut & Vanilla Bean
No.6 Coconut & Pineapple

Mount Purious- Body Hemp oil

A couple of weeks ago I went to the NE Vegan Festival at the Stadium of Light. Full of food and beauty stalls this is my idea of heaven. As I start my journey into Veganism I need to surround myself with as much information and awareness as possible. My reasons for becoming a Vegan are mainly health based after reading various books, journals, and watching documentaries I decided to make the switch. I don't feel deprived at all and Ive really never felt better. The ability to create dishes and try foods I've never heard of is one of my favourite hobbies, so I'm thoroughly enjoying becoming a Vegan.

One of the many stalls at the Vegan Fest were Mount Purious, a North East Organic Skincare company. All of their oils are 100% Pure and Certified, no GMO's, pesticides, insecticides are used and they are certified to COSMOS (Organic standard by the UK Soil Association). All vegan, cruelty free, unfiltered, unadulterated and truly raw.

This is just what I've been looking for, I put so much effort and thought into the food I eat, shouldn't I be doing this for what I put on my skin too? Chemicals are literally everywhere, I recommend every I know to read the book Clean by Dr. Alejandro Junger, it tell us about the toxins that surrounds us every single second of the day from the toothpaste we use, to the plastic cup we drink out of, the cleaning products we use and the western medicine prescribed to us.

Mount Purious range includes Argan Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Hemp Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil and loads more that I want to try! And since it's a North East company and I love helping local companies I will definitely be trying the different products.

I went for the Hemp Oil, as I was told by the guy running the stall ( Im pretty sure he was the owner) that Hemp Oil is great for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Since I've had eczema as a kid Ive always struggled to get rid of it so this all natural wonder product was perfect for me.

The Hemp Oil contains high levels of essential fatty acids, omega 3's and omega 6's and amino acids which our bodies need but struggle to product naturally, so we have to source it from elsewhere e.g food. The product is Hemp Oil and that is it. No added chemicals, or other oils or any other ingredients, just purely hemp oil bottled up.

The Oil is lovely, it doesn't smell like a Jo Malone shop.... but I didn't want it to, the oil smells earthy and of Hemp (shockingly)! I use Hemp a lot in the food I eat so I knew what sort of smell to expect.  I would of been really disappointed with the natural hemp oil if it was covered with fake smelling chemicals. It does leave the body greasy to begin with but after about 5-10mins it sinks in and makes the skin feel wonderful and smooth.  I did ask people if they could smell it on me and they said no, so don't panic and think you'll be smelling like a grass field. After using it for 2 weeks my Eczema has compltely cleared up! No western medicine used at all, and all provided by nature. This is music to my ears and just what Ive been looking for....thank you to the guy who recommended it to me!!

Stace x

Sprouted Bean Rainbow Salad (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Sprouting my own beans and legumes is something I've just recently got into, it's really easy and you can do it at home. The sprouting process activates and multiplies nutrients particularly Vitamins A, B, and C, it neutralises enzyme inhibitors and promotes the growth of vital digestive enzymes. Sprouting makes it far easier for the digestive system to absorb all those nutrients we need. Beans and Legumes are naturally covered in a thick shell which stops all the nutrients being absorbed into the body. Its very scientific and I'm not going to attempt to break down the chemical and biological processes to you now! Sprouting can take a few days depending on how much you want them to grow, so bear that in mind if you're wanting  to make something with them.

It was a lovely day in Newcastle for once and I really craved loads of fresh vegetables..... They do say listen to the body! I wanted to make my salad colourful, hence the rainbow bit of the title. Picking vegetables with different colours means that we are getting different types of vitamins and minerals so always mix your food up! The great thing about salads is that you can chuck almost anything you want in it and with a lot of my recipes I don't use scales I measure mostly with my hands. This is really lovely for a little picnic (we did a mini one in our garden) or for a bbq, lunch or dinner. I also used buckwheat in this recipe, which is becoming my favourite grain... now overtaking quinoa! It's thicker and nuttier then other grains, high in protein and it's so versatile! Il be making lots more buckwheat recipes in the future.

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 200g Sprouted Beans (mine were a mix of mung beans, lentils, chickpeas, black eyed beans and adzuki sprouted over 3 days) 
• Handful Sugar Snap Peas
• 2 Handfuls Cherry Tomatoes (I used red, yellow and purple)
• Handful Red Cabbage 
• 1/2 Red Onion 
• 1 Carrot 
• 1/2 Avocado
• Cress
• 60g Cooked Buckwheat (I cook a big batch of it and use it over 3-4 days)
• Handful fresh Coriander 
• Sunflower Seeds

Dressing

• 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Agarve Syrup
• 1 tablespoon Wholegrain Mustard
• Juice of 1/2 Lemon
• Pink Himalayan Salt and Black Pepper for seasoning

Method

Chop the onion, red cabbage, carrot into small square pieces (try and get them all to be the same size) and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large bowl with the mixed sprouted beans, sugar snap peas and buckwheat. In a separate smaller dish mix all the dressing ingredients together, and pour the dressing into the large bowl and throughly mix all the ingredients together. Turn out into serving dish or plate and place on top avocado (chopped into quarters) then sprinkle over the cress, fresh coriander and sunflower seeds. 

Stace x