Three Easy Mocktails from Blake Lively’s Betty Buzz Soft Drinks 

One of the best things about being an editor is the opportunity to try lots of exciting things. I love Blake Lively’s films and was excited to try her range of drinks, Betty Buzz.
The range is gorgeous. They look great and taste even better. They are fresh and original. Almost like they have been home made. I will definitely try them again in the future. Here are three mocktail ideas from Betty Buzz.

Betty Buzz is made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours and flavours, resulting in the perfect mixers for easy at home mocktails. 

Betty Buzz Ginger Apple 

1/2 bottle Betty Buzz Ginger Beer | 50ml Cloudy Apple Juice | 15ml Lemon Juice | Cinnamon Syrup | Apple Fan 

Combine ice, apple juice, lemon juice and cinnamon syrup. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Pour Betty Buzz Ginger Beer over top. Garnish with an apple fan

Betty Buzz Ginger Beer – Clean, fresh ginger taste with the perfect balance of spice and bubbles. 
RRP:  From £2.50 per 266 ml bottle 
Available from: Whole Foods Market

Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit Spicy Sparkling Faux – Loma

1/2 Bottle Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit | 15ml Lime Juice | 3-4 Jalapeño Slice 

Salt the rim of the glass (if desired). Fill shaker with ice, jalapeños and lime juice. Close and shake generously to combine. Pour into a lowball glass over ice and top with Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit. Garnish with jalapeño slices

Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit – made with 24% real Pink Grapefruit juice this delivers a tangy, lightly sweet and fresh citrus hit. 
RRP: From £1.80 per 150ml can and £2.50 per 266ml bottle and as a multiple pack from Amazon  24 x 150 ml cans from £29.99

Betty Buzz Lemon Lime Flirty Shirley 

1/2 Bottle Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime | Splash of Grenadine | Cherry 

Add ice to a highball glass and add a splash of Grenadine. Pour Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime over top. Stir together gently. Garnish with cherryBetty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime – Refreshing with deliciously authentic flavours
RRP: From £1.80 per 150ml can and £2.50 per 266 ml bottle and as a multiple pack from Amazon  24 x 150 ml cans from £29.99

Mellow Patch Company Rejuvenating Skincare Duo

Rejuvenate Skincare Duo

Unveil the Power of Radiance and Rejuvenation.

Imagine a skincare routine that’s more than just a routine. It’s a transformative journey to radiant, youthful skin that defies time. Meet our Rejuvenate Patch and Rejuvenating Facial Serum, the dynamic duo that’s about to rewrite the rules of beauty.

Rejuvenate Patch: The Daily Boost Your Skin Craves

Key Ingredients in the Patch: GHK-CU, Pomegranate Extract, Ginseng, Green Tea Extract, and Blackberry Extract

Our Rejuvenate Patch is your daily amount of skin renewal. Crafted with an array of nature’s finest ingredients, each patch delivers a consistent supply of rejuvenating goodness to your skin. Here’s the magic behind it:

  • GHK-CU: Renowned for its remarkable anti-aging properties, GHK-CU enhances skin firmness, improves texture, and reduces signs of aging.
  • Pomegranate Extract: Bursting with antioxidants, it shields your skin from free radicals and imparts a brighter, more radiant complexion.
  • Ginseng: This natural energiser enhances radiance and vitality, giving you that refreshed look you crave.
  • Green Tea Extract: A potent antioxidant, green tea extract protects your skin from environmental damage while potentially reducing inflammation.
  • Blackberry Extract: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it nourishes and revitalizes your skin from within.

Daily Ritual: Simply apply one Rejuvenate Patch a day and let it work its magic for 24 hours, ensuring your skin receives a continuous infusion of rejuvenating goodness.

Rejuvenating Facial Serum: The Elixir of Youth

Key Ingredients in the Serum: Hyaluronic Acid, Blue Tansy, Yuzu Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, and Cannibatol

Our Rejuvenating Facial Serum is your ticket to radiant, youthful skin. A powerhouse of rejuvenating ingredients, it’s your daily invitation to indulge in the ultimate skincare experience:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: The foundation of beautiful skin, it keeps you plump, smooth, and beautifully moisturised.
  • Blue Tansy: Beyond skincare, it calms your senses and eases your mind, contributing to a serene, balanced complexion.
  • Yuzu Oil: Brightening and toning, it adds a refreshing touch to your routine for a radiant, youthful look.
  • Argan Oil: Rich in nourishing nutrients, it offers protection and soothing care with a touch of luxury.
  • Avocado Oil: A multitasker that fights inflammation, acts as an antioxidant, and promotes collagen production.
  • Cannibatol: Our secret ingredient adds a unique touch to the serum’s formulation, contributing to a truly transformative skincare experience.

Day and Night Indulgence: Use the Rejuvenating Facial Serum both morning and night to unlock the ultimate pampering session for your skin.

The Dynamic Duo: Unleash the Magic

Individually, the Rejuvenate Patch and Rejuvenating Facial Serum are extraordinary. But together, they create a synergy that redefines beauty. The patch ensures a continuous supply of active ingredients, while the serum complements by hydrating, nourishing, and soothing your skin. This dynamic duo revitalises your skin from the inside out, leaving you with a radiant, youthful complexion that exudes confidence.

Elevate your skincare game and embrace the beauty of rejuvenation. It’s time to unveil your radiant, youthful skin with our Rejuvenate Patch and Rejuvenating Facial Serum.

Aspartame Concealed in Everyday Products Sparks Transparency Debate

  • A new investigation reveals product labels fail to disclose actual aspartame percentages, hindering consumers from monitoring intake.
  • The study reveals which products most commonly contain the controversial sweetener, with chewing gum, yoghurt and fizzy drinks all being prone.
  • Certified nutritionist weighs in on why more transparency around aspartame contents is crucial, due to additive’s concerning effects. 

A new study has investigated the true aspartame content in everyday household food and drink items. The findings raise concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the presence of aspartame in commonly consumed products.

Data analysts at naturally-infused water brand, DASH Water, conducted an analysis of products from one of the UK’s largest supermarkets to investigate the use of the artificial sweetener.

Despite the widespread use of aspartame, the study underscored a significant issue – products do not disclose the percentage of aspartame included. This lack of transparency exacerbates the problem, as consumers are left in the dark about their aspartame intake, making it difficult to monitor and potentially leading to overconsumption. Without knowing the exact content in popular products, consumers face challenges in making informed decisions about their dietary choices.

While the exact percentages of aspartame are unclear, the findings did reveal the products that most commonly contain the additive. It was found that 100% of chewing gum products contain aspartame. In other food categories, 40% of jelly products, 17% of low-fat/fat-free yoghurts, and 9% of mints contain this artificial sweetener. Even immune support vitamins and supplements, crucial for health-conscious consumers, were not immune, with aspartame found in almost 1 in 10 products.

Turning attention to beverages, the results were equally concerning. Almost 3 in 5 sugar-free fizzy drinks, and nearly 1 in 5 sugar-free squash and cordial drinks contained undisclosed amounts of aspartame.

Qualified and clinically trained nutritionist, Lara Buckle, The Wellness Detective, calls for more transparency around aspartame content:

“It is essential to understand the potential effects of aspartame overconsumption on the human body and why moderation is crucial. Aspartame, a low-calorie artificial sweetener, is widely used as a sugar substitute in various diet and low-calorie products. While regulatory agencies like the FDA consider it safe for consumption, concerns persist. Overindulgence in aspartame can lead to adverse outcomes.

Metabolically, aspartame has been linked to disruptions in calorie intake regulation and blood sugar, contributing to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Emerging research also indicates that artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, may affect the composition of gut microbiota, which can have far-reaching consequences on metabolism and overall health. Moreover, individuals sensitive to aspartame can experience adverse reactions such as headaches and migraines. While such sensitivity is not common, it underscores the need for individualised dietary choices and moderation.

Over-reliance on aspartame can alter taste preferences, potentially diminishing the appeal of naturally sweet and nutritious foods. Lastly, it can create a psychological effect where individuals feel they can compensate for reduced calorie intake by making poor food choices elsewhere in their diet.

To maintain a balanced and nutritionally sound eating pattern, it is vital to moderate aspartame consumption and prioritise whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. While aspartame can be a valuable tool for those managing their sugar and calorie intake, a well-rounded diet remains the cornerstone of good nutrition.”

The absence of detailed information on aspartame content poses challenges for consumers striving to monitor their intake. Our findings underscore the need for greater transparency and disclosure in the food and beverage industry to empower consumers to make informed choices about their dietary preferences. 

Find more information on aspartame

Olivanna Launch Amazing Biodegradable Sheet Face Masks | Beauty

Olivanna has just launched their new biodegradable Instant Hydra-Glow Sheet Mask. Infused with soothing aloe vera, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and protecting antioxidant brown algae, it acts as a second skin to penetrate the ingredients into the tissue thanks to the use of biocellulose as the mask material. We have used them and they really work. Leaving us looking and feeling great.

This soothing serum-infused bio-cellulose sheet mask provides a triple dose of potent actives to give tired, dull skin a boost of hydration and radiance.

Frost Loves: Your Christmas Party Essential – The Cocktail Society

I used to hate ready made alcoholic drinks but The Cocktail Society definitely changed that. They taste great and look stylish. Perfect for gifts, stocking fillers, or for yourself.

Heading to a party and wanting to bring something a bit more exciting than a box of chocolates? The Cocktail Society offer the full range of award-winning, bar-quality cocktails in beautifully packaged 200ml and 500ml bottles, making the perfect gift for cocktail aficionados. 

RPP: £12.00 – £26.00 for 200ml – 500ml Bottles. Available from The Cocktail Society

Blake Lively’s Betty Buzz Soft Drink Cans Launch at M&S Wrexham

The Betty Buzz range of premium adult soft drinks, founded by American Actress, Blake Lively, has launched in M&S. The Betty Buzz range of cans will launch into the newly-built 15,000 sq. ft. M&S Foodhall in Wrexham, North Wales today. This is the first UK in-store listing for Betty Buzz in a major national supermarket. The store will open to the public from today, in time for Christmas.The Wrexham M&S Foodhall will list three variants from the Betty Buzz range in 330 ml cans including Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit, Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime and Betty Buzz Ginger Beer at an RRP of £2 per can.

Betty Buzz launched in the US in September 2021 and landed in the UK earlier this year with a listing at Whole Foods. The Betty Buzz range offers consumers premium non-alcoholic drinks made with fresh ingredients and free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours and flavours.  Blake Lively recognised how non-alcoholic drinks are the unsung heroes of the drinks world and wanted to give them as much love and attention as alcohol. 

Betty Buzz is the official training kit sponsor for the Wrexham AFC 2023/4 season for both the women and men’s teams. Wrexham AFC is co-owned by Hollywood actor Rob McElhenney and Blake’s Hollywood actor husband Ryan Reynolds and this latest announcement further cements Betty Buzz’s connection with Wrexham. 

STOCKISTS Betty Buzz Sparkling GrapefruitRRP:  From £2.00 per 330ml can and £2.50 per 266ml bottle. Available from: Whole Foods Market, Amazon and M&S Betty Buzz Ginger Beer RRP: From £2.00 per 330ml can and £2.50 per 266 ml bottle Available from: Whole Foods Market and Amazon and M&S Betty Buzz Sparkling Lime RRP: From £2.00 per 330ml can and £2.50 per 266 ml bottle. Available from: Whole Foods Market,  Amazon and M&S 

The Best Christmas Winter Cocktails By Lixir Drinks

It’s no secret we love cocktails at Frost. ONE of the best things about Christmas is the gorgeous and indulgent food and drinks that we can enjoy, guilt free, in the name of celebration and these Christmas cocktails by Lixir drinks will not fail to disappoint! Lixir have opened their drinks cabinet and bought you the best seasonal flavours, that not only taste divine but will visibly impress your guests, all with limited effort. 

Christmas Negroni

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Blood Orange & Cinnamon Tonic 
  • Gin 25ml
  • Campari 25ml
  • Lillet 25ml
  • Garnish with dehydrated orange & a candy cane 

Instructions:

1. Add the Gin, Campari and Lillet into a mixing glass. 

2. Stir for 1-2 minutes 

3. Pour over ice into a short Tumblr. 

4. Top up with Lixir Blood Orange & Cinnamon Tonic

5. Garnish with dehydrated orange and a candy cane

White Margarita

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Classic Indian Tonic 
  • Coconut syrup 25ml
  • Milk/ Oat milk 100ml
  • Silver tequila 50ml
  • Triple sec 20ml
  • Lime juice 15ml
  • Coconut rim around glass
  • Garnish with Cranberries & Lime 

Instructions:

1. Caught the rim of the glass with lime juice

2. Add the coconut flakes to the rim

3. In a shaker pour the milk/oat milk, tequila, triple sec, lime then add ice. 

4. After shaking pour into highball glass full of ice

5. Top with Lixir Classic Indian tonic to lengthen & lightly stir

5. Garnish with lime wheel and cranberries

Santa’s Bellini (Lower ABV)

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Rhubarb & Ginger Tonic 50ml
  • Prosecco 50ml
  • Sugar 25ml
  • Garnish with Mint leaves and some Jazzie sprinkles 

Instructions:

1. Combine Lixir Rhubarb & Ginger Tonic, prosecco and sugar into a shaker

2. Shake for about 2- 3 minutes

3. Then slowly pour into a flute glass

4. Garnish with mint leaves and jazzie sprinkles

Gingerbread Martini 

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Ginger Beer or Lixir Ginger Ale 
  • Vodka 50ml
  • Fresh lime juice 20ml
  • Ginger syrup 25ml
  • Garnish with Biscuit/ shortbread crumbs around rim

Instructions:

1. Add into the shaker the vodka, fresh lime juice and ginger syrup

2. Shake aggressively

3. Then pour into a chilled martini glass

4. Top with Lixir Ginger Ale or Lixir Ginger Beer

4. Garnish with Biscuit crumb rim

Photo credit @RGNproduction

Drinks development @private_mixologist

Teeth Talks: Dentist Helps Us Brush Up On Our Dental Health

One in three adults in the UK suffers from some type of gum disease, says, Clinical Director and Lead Dentist at Paste Dental, Dr Alan Clarke.  Teeth play an important role throughout our life, so we asked him all the nitty gritty teeth grinding questions to help improve our overall oral health…

 

Aside from regular trips to the dentist, how can we best take care of our teeth at-home? 

“It is so important to have your own bespoke oral care plan. We are all different, at different stages of life and have specific oral health needs, also linked to our general health and if underlying conditions are present. I love creating a specific routine for my patients at Paste Dental in Belfast, it’s never a one size fits all, and it needs to be reviewed as needs change.

 

Flossing is key! Floss daily, honestly it’s a game changer. Interdental cleaning with floss or inter-dental brushes will reduce plaque loading, freshen your breath and prevent baseline inflammation which can progress to gum disease. Right now I am using CocoFloss products – from the US, a great tool.

 

Friends of mine have just released an unbelievable product from their company Parla (as featured on dragons den) which is 100% biodegradable floss, letting us as professionals continue to promote great oral care while being mindful of the impact single use plastic has on our planet!  Brushing twice daily, a balance diet and education about your own needs will serve your gums and teeth well.

 

Not all toothpaste is created equal, so make sure you’re using one that’s right for you. Whether you need fluoride, sensitivity relief, or whitening, there’s a toothpaste out there for everyone. Even better chat to your dentist and plan a bespoke regime, tailored specifically to you.

 

Two minutes may not seem like a long time, but it’s the recommended amount of time to brush your teeth.

 

Be careful with drinks you assume are super healthy! Acid attacks are very common from this sort of potion, leading to tooth translucency, enamel wear and dentine hypersensitivity.

 

Eating a balanced diet can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds, can help maintain bone density. Additionally, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can help stimulate saliva production and clean teeth naturally.

 

Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate dry mouth and prevent tooth decay. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day and sip water regularly.

 

What are the dos and don’ts of brushing? 

Brush for 2 minutes when you wake up and 2 minutes before you go to sleep – that’s a great start. I recommend an electric brush (it can easily regulate the force – preventing over-brushing) and with AI now it can show you where you missed in real time.

 

Spit don’t rinse your paste! Leave that gritty texture and coating on your teeth, it will help remineralise, block dentinal tubules to reduce sensitivity and maintain a fresh breath for longer.

 

For a manual brushing fan, check the bristles and make sure they are not frayed or splayed – usually every 6 weeks we should swap to a new brush.

 

Store you brush away from the toilet, not in a closed container and firmness of bristles is really a personal preference. Also hopefully it goes without saying but don’t share your toothbrush! I love the Te-pe manual brushes because you can steep the toothbrush head in boiling water without damaging the bristles, no fear of bacterial contamination here.

 

What are the worst habits we should break for better dental hygiene? 

Not flossing enough! Honestly. It’s the one thing I tell my patients. I would prefer they floss over anything else. Once you personally get into a great interdental cleaning habit, bleeding gums are gone, fresh breath is back and a clean mouth reigns. It will also save you thousands in dental bills in the future, trust me!

 

How often should we floss? What are the signs of gum disease and how can we prevent it?

Daily!  Everyday! – twice if you can! Gum disease is multi-factorial. With genetic components, the presence of specific oral pathogenic bacteria, smoking and oral hygiene playing a role we as professional try to cut through the noise and find out objectively what is the root cause. A great tool we now use is salivary micro biome testing. This objective data will let patients see exactly what bacteria is present and if it is having a truely damaging affect on their oral health.

 

Signs such as chronic bleeding gums, bad breath, mobility of teeth and more seriously tooth loss are all linked to gum disease!

Interestingly we also find patients who have active gum disease present have significantly lower health outcomes in terms of heart disease, diabetes and COVID-19. Our body is a system and as a cosmetic dentist but primarily a dental health professional it’s important that we join the dots for patients and help foster holistic treatment planning. I believe we can help prevent gum disease through patient education on their own health, the causes and risk factors of gum disease, a bespoke oral care plan and patient understanding to self manage at home!

 

What are the benefits of interdental brushes? Should we use them alongside flossing? Can children use them?

As we get older, spaces can develop between our teeth as the jaw bone grows overtime. Tooth loss also creates odd spaces as teeth drift or change position. We don’t need to worry but certainly need to be aware of how to look after our mouth as this happens. Floss is great for small spaces but as the bone reduces in height and remodels larges spaces can appear which need a much larger tool for effective cleaning. Floss and interdental brushes are so necessary. You want to use the biggest brush that fits into the space comfortably, with bristles sweeping under the gum line and around each tooth margin. Revise and resize. Every 3 months it is vital you, or ideally in partnership with your dental/hygienist or dental therapist, revise and resize your brushes (spaces will increase as inflammation reduces), we want your cleaning to remain efficient and effective. Children don’t need this level of cleaning as their teeth are much more compactly placed together.

 

What are the benefits of a water flosser? Should we be using one daily?

I’m not a major fan of waterflossers as a tool on their own but some patients swear by them for removing food particles and debris. Certainly not a replacement for effective interdental cleaning but maybe a nice add on to help maintain a fresh breath!

 

How can women best look after their teeth during significant life milestones such as pregnancy and the menopause? Can HRT affect teeth & gums?

Menopause and pregnancy bring a variety of challenges to oral health. Blood flow levels in the oral mucosa and gingiva change, gingivitis and inflammation can increase and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can cause ulcerative flare ups lasting several weeks. My advice is to try your best to maintain your oral health routine, don’t beat yourself up about missing some element, life is complicated and don’t let perfect be the enemy of simplicity and consistency.

If morning sickness is causing havoc, try to brush at a different time of the day, adapt your routine to suit you but try to aim for some sort of consistency that is achievable! Life is amazing, you are smashing it, remember that!

 

What are the most common dental mistakes / misconceptions you’ve heard about or seen with your patients?

1. People fear judgment from us firstly. At Paste Dental Belfast we cast that aside from the minute people walk into our clinic. As dentists we are here to give you information, to guide but to help you make informed choices for your own health! Don’t fear judgment.

2. Vaping is totally safe, actually not quite true! Also I am seeing an emerging trend towards Swedish tobacco pouches, again not safe (major oral cancer link).

3. Dentistry is expensive! Yes – but a good structured oral care plan will help avoid the need for expensive dentistry in the future.

4. Sugar is evil. Again, no!  A balanced diet is key, it’s all about the frequency of sugar exposures and length of time taken for oral bacterial acid levels to neutralise.”