Piccolo Baby Food Review

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Baby food is big business, and pouches even bigger still. Convenient and healthy, most – if not all- parents will give their little ones baby food pouches. They are great for eating out, keeping in a bag for an emergency, or just for a meal indoors. They are also great for when parents are too tired to cook. Piccolo are an Italian brand bringing Mediterranean goodness to the market.

Piccolo Pure – is their first single fruits range, for which they have handpicked and blended the tastiest fruit varieties including Stanley Plum, Fairtrade Banana, Fairtrade Mango and Williams Pear: each chosen because their delicious and distinctive tastes, making them perfect for little ones as their taste buds begin to explore first flavours. My son loved all of these. He devoured them in minutes.

Their Pure Banana and Pure Mango blends are the only baby food pouches to hold Fairtrade accreditation, as they continue their commitment to give back through ethical and sustainable sourcing and by donating 10% profits to charity.

 

They have also launched variety baskets of Piccolo recipes crammed full of delicious fruit and veg to excite little ones’ taste buds.  And with a pouch to get parents through Monday to Friday, there won’t be any need for that last-minute empty cupboard panic when their baby is hungry. I think this is a brilliant idea. It takes some of the pressure of parenting. Something which is always much needed.

 

Finally, they have new recipes launching this summer, using nutritious, organic ingredients and distinctive flavours including coconut, cinnamon, sage and rosemary.  They are launching a delicious Lamb Ratatouille (with a hint of rosemary), perfect for recreating the end of summer Mediterranean feeling, our first fish based pouch with Salmon Fish Pie (with a pinch of parsley, basil and thyme) and a very English Roast Pork, Parsnip and Apple recipe.

My little one tried the ones in bold and loved them all. Particular favourites were the Lamb Ratatouille with a hint of rosemary and Squash, Mac & Cheese with a hint of sage. 

 

Stage 1

  • Blushing Berries, Pear & Banana
  • Banana, Coconut & Baby Brown Rice with a pinch of cinnamon
  • Pear, Strawberry & Yoghurt with wholegrain Oats

Veg Only

  • Sun-ripened Tomato and Red Pepper with a dash of olive oil
  • Parsnip Carrot & Leek with a hint of thyme

Stage 2

  • Lamb Ratatouille with a hint of rosemary
  • Tomato, Lentil & Angel Pasta with a dash of olive oil
  • Squash, Mac & Cheese with a hint of sage
  • Roast Pork, Parsnip & Apple with a hint of rosemary
  • Salmon Fish Pie with a pinch of parsley, basil and thyme

 

As you can see from the list, the recipes are exciting and different. They make some other baby food pouches look very boring indeed. We are a fan of Piccolo, the brand is a great way to feed your child in a healthy and sustainable way. Frost loves.

 

What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum + Trends in Green Beauty for 2017

hydratingfacialserumwhatskinneedsI am a huge fan of green beauty. Anything natural or organic usually gets my approval. I have been using What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum for months now and I really love it. It has hydrating in the title, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Plenty of beauty products don’t back up their promises. This serum however left my skin feeling so hydrated that I rarely used a moisturiser afterwards. It is not too greasy and it really sinks into the skin. It left my skin looking amazing. I cannot sing its praises enough. It is light and non-greasy, always a win. It has jojoba oil which improves skin tone, and it also contains Plantolin which has anti-inflammatory properties. Great for scarring, pigmentation, skin cell renewal, skin balancing and hydrating & nourishing skin. Great stuff.

 

Now here are some Trends in Green Beauty for 2017

Having flawless skin is like effortlessly having great style – It’s always on trend!

One of the easiest ways to achieve flawless skin is to use natural and organic products as many have multiple properties which can clean, clear and protect your skin.

We’ve rounded up the top 5 organic beauty trends to look out for next year:

 

SEAWEED

We all lust after thick and voluminous hair, and just like mermaids, one of the best ingredients for thicker hair and a healthier scalp is from the sea.

Absorbing all the nutrients from the ocean, seaweed has high levels of calcium, and omega 3 and 6. These essential fatty acids are great for stimulating hair follicles, promoting growth and hydrating your scalp and hair.

Just like a green juice for your hair, the marine extracts help hair to rebuild itself and grow stronger.

Including seaweed in your diet is also a great way to keep your thyroid gland healthy, which in turn can effect the health of your hair, Dr Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar (Amazon, £7.17) explains:

“The Japanese also eat good quantities of seaweed which contain important trace minerals like selenium and iodine for healthy thyroid function. A wealth of immune boosting minerals, vitamins and amino acids can be found in seaweed, so try adding a little to your soups or mix with mashed potato.”

JOJOBA 

There are hundreds of different oils in skincare ingredients but only a few have cult status.

This organic oil is known to be great for balancing oil production in the skin as it almost tricks the skin into believing it already has produced enough oil. Jojoba oil is a non-comedogenic, so it is perfect for all skin types including those with acne or sensitive skin.

Skincare expert at What Skin NeedsSonja Dymalovski, recommends using a skincare that includes natural oils such as jojoba oil, as they reduce the chance of breakouts.

“Natural oils tend to be much gentler on the skin which is why so many people favour organic skincare. Jojoba oil is easily absorbed into the skin, which is wonderful for people who might have drier skin. I would recommend using a organic serum like What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum (£17.99, http://www.whatskinneeds.co.uk), as it also contains Plantolin which has anti-inflammatory properties.”

PROBIOTICS

Many celebrities use probiotics as an added extra in their beauty regime, Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr and Halle Berry has all stressed the impact of a healthy gut in their skincare.

Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns, explains:

“The skin is also closely connected to the gut and supporting gut function can help to reduce skin outbreaks. There are a number of studies linking the use of probiotics to positive outcomes for eczema, acne, rosacea and anti-aging.”

Probiotics can have a calming effect on the skin by balancing the bacteria in your digestive system.

“To support your skin include fermented foods in your diet, such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and miso soup. You can also take a supplement, such as Pro-Ven 25 Billion (Boots, £13.95)”

 

POMEGRANATE

We know we love eating them but what about in skincare.

A powerhouse antioxidant, anything with pomegranate listed in their ingredients is sure to have amazing anti aging properties, boost collagen levels, and can help to protect the skin from further damage.

New studies have proven the anti-aging powers of pomegranates, so try and get as much of them in you and on your face as possible.[1]

Shona Wilkinson, from Superfood UK, explains:

“Pomegranates are native to Iran and India, in Ayurveda they are a symbol of fertility and prosperity!  They are packed full of nutrients and contain high levels of vitamin C. Try tossing the pomegranate seeds on a salad for a brilliantly colourful, crunchy, and nutritious addition and add them to your smoothies for a great taste.”

GREEN TEA

Just another reason to go green; not only is green tea packed full of antioxidants and nutrients, great for brain function and a natural boost to your metabolic rate, it also has a wonderful effect on the skin.

The high concentration of catechins gives Green Tea its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging effect on the skin. Studies have shown it can also reduce the risk of sunburn![2]

Nutritionist and weight-loss expert, Lily Soutter, explains how green tea can also curb your hunger cravings:

“The catechins found in green tea also help balance blood sugar levels. An added bonus is that green tea can help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, as the polyphenols can help the body both eliminate cholesterol and stop its absorption. Try having 2 to 3 cups daily, in between meals.”

 

Pizzolato Showcase their Honest Organic Produce

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Our favourite West London Italian, Pizzicotto famous for their wholesome, organic and sustainable produce and of course their activated charcoal pizzas invited us back once more for an afternoon of cheese and wine. With such a focus on the quality of their products, it made sense to introduce us to the company behind their beautiful organic wine, Pizzolato. Served alongside some traditional Italian Fayre and in good company, we were able to get an insight into how special Pizzolato’s wines really are. With a combination of a wholesome, family run business and exceptional quality produce we were taught about how the organic wines served here are a cut above the rest.

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Contrary to popular belief, the ambassadors from Pizzolato explain to us that the art of winemaking was by and large an organic process as chemicals did not arrive until after the 70’s. The Family however decided to keep the wines organic which then further developed into sulphite free wines in 2007. In the case of their prosecco, this produces a much riper fruit and has much of a similar quality to it’s French counterpart Champagne. The outcome is much more complex than your average supermarket prosecco with a shelf life of just around 2 years, the prosecco is enjoyed young, fresh and a pure test of the grape is in a sulphite free wine. If we want to get into the nitty-gritty of why this wine is especially spectacular, we must look at the fact that grapes are picked by hand and the fact that a sulphite free wine has much more clarity than a natural wine which is not filtered. Another reason for the unbelievable drinkable and pure prosecco is that the minerals from the prosecco comes from stones from the Dolomites, the mountain range near to where Pizzolato produce their liquid gold. If that wasn’t enough reason to switch to Pizzolato’s selection of fantastic organic wines, we then learn that they all have a vegan certification meaning that absolutely none of their products come from animal origin as in the case of many wines, the addition of bentonite which produces clarity does carry this source.

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With a host of wines to try from the winery, it is not only their prosecco which is outstanding, they also produce a selection of red wines, white wines and dessert wines which ooze an incredibly mineral, fresh and what can almost be described as without the alcoholic taste. Special mention goes to The Barbarossa, the rich intense flavour of this wine comes from the fact that it is produced like the Amarone, one of the finest, richest red wines to come out of Italy. This of course is dry and chocolate and perfect with a big bowl of Pizzicotto’s mouth-watering meat dishes. Now, if this hasn’t made you run for the door to grab some cheese to go with your Pizzolato wine, consider this; Did you know the reason strong cheeses are a good accompaniment to wine is that it brings out the body of the wine due to it containing natural glutamate, which are the natural salts.

Pizzicotto is open Tue-Sun

www.pizzicotto.co.uk 

For more info on Pizzolato and to purchase visit

www.lacantinapizzolato.com

From Babies With Love: The Baby Clothes Company Which Gives Its Profits To Charity

At Frost we love ethical companies and great products. Combine the two and we are in heaven. One of life’s great joys is buying clothes for babies, so when I came across From Babies With Love I was intrigued. From Babies With Love lets you buy gorgeous organic baby clothes while supporting orphaned and abandoned children around the world. They are an amazing company who deserve as much support as possible as they donate 100% of their profits to helping children. 
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baby clothes, organic baby clothes, charity , abandoned babies, orphans, do good

Here is their story in their words:

“We support orphaned and abandoned babies to live in SOS Children’s Villages.

The children have lost their parents through war, famine, disease or poverty.

SOS Children creates communities for children who have nobody to turn to. The children are cared for by their SOS Mother; they live in family homes in the village with their SOS brothers and sisters. SOS Mothers care for the whole family, comforting, celebrating; doing all the things that parents do.

This enables children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves, on the streets or in slums, to have a second chance in life.

The children’s circumstances are not their fault, and by being loved, cared for and educated, they go on to lead independent lives, breaking the cycle of poverty.

As SOS Children’s Zambia Director, Florence Phiri explains, for an orphaned or abandoned child, the difference a children’s village makes is huge: “when they come to the village they are given a family – brothers, sisters and a mother to look after them. They have a home and can begin a new life.”

To find out more about SOS Children visit their website www.soschildren.org

Whether you’re buying baby clothes for newborns, first birthdays, baby showers, maternity leave or a special treat just because, every purchase enables these children to grow up in loving family homes.

A heartfelt thank you.

From Babies with Love x”

https://www.frombabieswithlove.org

Follow @frombabies on twitter

 

 

Khadi Anti-Aging Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Oil Review

Khadi Anti-Aging Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Oil ReviewWe tried this natural product and loved it. It made a real difference to skin. It promises a lot and delivers. Recommended for hydrated, glowing skin.

 

Give your skin a new lease on life with the Khadi Anti-Ageing Face and Body Oil. Formulated according to the ancient principles of Ayurveda, this natural and organic wonder oil protects the skin against free radicals, boosts cell growth and repairs damaged cells, whilst improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

In addition, it also minimises pigmentation spots, leaving the skin clearer and more rejuvenated. The khadi Anti-Ageing Face and Body Oil costs just £11.90 and is available from selected health stores and independent pharmacies across the UK and Ireland, as well as online at www.khadihair.co.uk.

 

Containing pure Ayurvedic herbal infusions that have been prepared and blended by Ayurvedic experts in India, this unique facial oil is rich in essential oils, herbs and flowers that have proven complexion boosting benefits.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural healing that promotes a holistic view of beauty and wellness, which is key to the khadi brand: the aim to promote a beauty routine that incorporates the healing powers of herbs, oils and plants to achieve a more beautiful body.

 

 

This wonderful anti-ageing formula is packed full of beneficial natural ingredients:

  • Organic sesame oil helps nourish the skin. The fatty acids contained in the oil, such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid, are effective moisturisers that keep skin supple and soft
  • Almond Oil traps moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and nourished
  • Organic rose softens the skinand helps to delay the signs of ageing. Rose contains high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage. It also locks moisture into the skin, preventing it from becoming dull and dry.
  • Essential oilsof patchouli, myrrh, lavender and vanilla soothes the skin and calms the mind.

The Khadi Anti-Aging Face and Body Oil absorbs quickly in to the skin, leaving a subtle and refreshing aroma.

 

How to use:        
Can be used in the morning and evenings, apply to damp skin and gently massage using a circular motion. It can also be used as a body oil and massage oil

 

 

 

Hampstead Tea Review & New Cocoa Green To Revitalised Organic Range

Hampstead Tea welcomes new Cocoa Green to revitalised organic tea rangeWe are quite obsessed with tea at Frost so we jumped at the chance to review this Hampstead Tea range. We reviewed:

Velvety Cocoa Green – a velvety smooth blend of equatorially sourced cocoa and premium whole leaf Darjeeling Green Tea that will satisfy even the most passionate of chocoholics with its deliciously rich taste. This is amazing and unique. As smooth as it says and just chocolate enough. 

Pure Darjeeling– Hampstead’s signature award-winning tea is an easy drinking aromatic tea with gentle, floral, muscatel tones. An exquisitely rounded and mellow tea, the Darjeeling autumnal flush is delicious with a slice of lemon or on its own. A delicious tea and a superior Darjeeling. 

Strong English Breakfast– a full strength tea combining both Assam and East African tea leaves, this bold blend is rich and rousing with malty tones. A favourite of our editor. This English Breakfast will be a huge hit with tea fans. Full strength for a proper brew, rich and satisfying. 

Dreamy Jasmine Green – young jasmine flowers harvested in Asia are blended with special bergamot from the Reggio Calabria region of Italy, renowned for its bergamot fruit, to scent this seductive floral tea. Perfect for fans of green tea. Fruity and floral as it is yummy. 

All the teas are organic, bio-dynamic and fairtrade. Celebrity fans include Deliciously Ella and Gwyneth Paltrow.

 

Pioneering tea brand, Hampstead Tea, is at the forefront of a tea revolution. Bio-Dynamic, organic and Fairtrade, its range of premium teas have been revitalised to deliver exceptional taste and style for every cup.

Staying true to the purity of the source, Hampstead Tea’s stylish and modern new look is as crisp and clean as the new tea range itself. Single-estate sourced from The Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling, the world’s first Bio-Dynamic Demeter certified tea estate, Hampstead Tea use only tea leaves grown in total harmony with nature and in an environment free of chemical pesticides. Delivering delicious flavour with peace of mind, the new range of refreshed and trend-setting blends is set to inspire tea drinkers to join the Bio-Dynamic movement.

Leading the pack is velvety Cocoa Green, a UK-first whose unique and innovative taste profile is perfect for those looking to indulge. This decadent smooth blend of equatorially sourced cocoa and premium whole leaf Darjeeling Green Tea will satisfy even the most passionate of chocoholics with its deliciously rich taste.

Championed by legions of celebrity fans from Gwyneth Paltrow to Deliciously Ella, Green Tea is known for its detoxifying properties and antioxidants which deliver that extra boost to the immune system. With dark chocolate and Green Tea proven to be the most effective combination for an energy boost[1], Hampstead Tea are setting trends by taking the well-known cleansing properties of Green Tea  to a new level of taste.

Tapping into the growing popularity of more powerful teas, Hampstead Tea’s black tea range now includes Strong English Breakfast for those who prefer a more robust drink. A full strength tea combining both Assam and East African tea leaves, this bold blend is rich and rousing with malty tones and the perfect wake me up on a cold winter morning.

Hampstead Tea maintain the fine quality of its award winning whole leaf Bio-Dynamic teas, whether they be white, green, oolong or black, by sourcing them from one single estate – a rarity amongst tea brands – making no compromise on quality at any stage in their production. The company works in partnership with The Makaibari Tea Estate, India, to grow all the teas according to Demeter standards and in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. Hampstead Tea pay a premium for their tea direct to the estate, directly contributing to the quality of life of the workers living on the plantation.

All ingredients blended with Hampstead Tea’s Demeter certified Teas have a clearly defined origin and are sourced from Bio-Dynamic farms. It is this attention to purity which ensures Great Taste Peace With Peace of Mind across the Hampstead Tea range.

Hampstead Tea have upgraded the taste profile and packaging across the whole range of their Black and Green Teas so as to continue to deliver premium quality and inspire a new generation of discerning organic tea drinkers to select Hampstead Tea as their brand of choice.

 

 

Have a LUSH Christmas and give back this Winter.

Whether you’re a customer of LUSH or not, everyone with a functioning nose who has ever walked down a high street cannot mistake the welcome and familiar fragrance of a LUSH cosmetics store. Well be prepared for the smell to turn festive just in time for Christmas when LUSH introduce their Winter Range.

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The appeal of LUSH is not only in their lingering and innovative scents, we love them because they don’t test on animals, they’re 100% vegetarian their products are made fresh in store, and they practice ethical trading. In fact we learnt a lot about LUSH and we think you’ll be just as impressed as we are.

Like many other Fair Trade or Eco traders which seem to be on the up, LUSH can tell you exactly where the ingredients are coming from and where your money is going. The incentive has been dubbed The Sustainable Lush Fund or The SLush Fund which has the idea of moving their ethical buying practices beyond simply buying fair trade ingredients but to develop supportive partnerships with the communities that produce them. LUSH donate 2% of the amount spent on raw materials and packaging to the Fund, the money is then used to start sustainable farming and regenerative community projects. To date, the £1.2 million raised has supported the development of 32 projects in 19 countries.

Some of the materials attained in these communities can be found in some of your tried and tested LUSH favourites and also the gorgeous new LUSH products such as Moringa Oil in the Lush Gardener Cold Pressed Soap, Fair Trade Shea Butter in the Santa Baby Lip tint and Ylang Ylang Oil found in the Peeping Santa Bubble bar.

If that’s not enough convincing as to why you should shop at Lush this winter, here’s our round up of our Winter Top Picks;

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LUSH Gardener; £4.50

This cold-pressed soap not only contains the refreshing scents of Bergamot and Sage, after use, the soapy water can be re-used on your prized flowers due to it’s aphid-discouraging ingredients. This is an absolutely cracking gift for any green fingered family members.

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BIG BANG bubble bar; £3.75

A magical mix of 23 of LUSH’s finest ingredients including softening Avocado Butter, Zesty Grapefruit Oil and Refreshing Lemon Myrtle Oil. Luxury in a one fruity scented package.

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Toothy Tabs; £5.95

With five different varieties to choose from, nibble one of these while brushing and you’ll give your teeth an extra bit of sparkle. Our favourite was the Bling variety these include Papain for that extra bling and Guarana seed for that extra buzz. Best of all, they’re suitable for Vegans.

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First Snow sparkly dusting powder; £5.95

This sparkling powder leaves the skin looking like its been kissed by twinkling snowflakes and what’s more, the smell is just heavenly. This has to be our ultimate winter favourite and an essential stocking filler.

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Santa’s Lip Scrub; £5.50

A moisturising cola-flavoured lip scrub that leaves your lips scrubbed and primed and welcome for kisses under the mistletoe.

And of course; you’re going to want all of your precious cargo wrapped up in one super, multi-functioning, Eco-Friendly…

Knot Wrap; from £4.50

Give two presents in one with the ultimate re-usable gift-wrap. LUSH Knot Wraps are available to wear, use and most importantly, display proudly under a Christmas Tree, so purchase one this winter for a loved one…or yourself.

For those of you looking for a ready to buy option, LUSH have got their most impressive gift box range yet for you to get your hands on this Christmas. From budget to premium they have got it fully covered;

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Budget

Secret Santa; £9.95

Features our two favourite Christmas bath products the Dashing Santa bath bomb and the Peeping Santa bubble bar all tied up in a Santa Knot Wrap.

Mid-Range

Magic Carpet; £38.95

Wrapped in a beautiful Magic Carpet Knot Wrap, this gift set includes the best bits of LUSH including, Fairy Dust dusting powder, Gorgeous moisturiser and Pearl massage bar as well as a few other popular goodies!

High-End

Under the Mistletoe; £79.95

We cannot wait to crack open this one just in time for Christmas, this super-duper loaded gift set have 16 of LUSH’s best including old favourites such as Sex Bomb bath bomb, Ro’s Argan body conditioner as well as brand new soon-to-be favourites, Santa’s lip scrub, Snow Fairy shower gel and the super festive and sparkliest of them all, Five Gold Rings bubble bar.

Before we leave you thinking we haven’t given you any more reason to shop at LUSH, did we mention the LUSH Spa…?

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With three locations across London and five other Spas nationwide, LUSH Spa will ensure you will leave with the ultimate blissed out vibes. You can check out a selection of their treatments here as well as product info and online shop;

https://www.lush.co.uk

Organii : Organic Shea Butter Shower Gel | Beauty

organiishowergelWe reviewed Organii : Organic Shea Butter Shower Gel. Organii is not very well known but is an organic brand created by Pravera. The packaging is super cute, fun and stylish. Although it looked a bit like a smoothy and it made me want to drink it. At £5.95 for 300ml it is an affordable price point for something which is organic. It lathers well and becomes a slightly creamy foam. The shower gel comes in six scents, Aloe Vera and Bamboo, Argan, Liquorice, Peach, Shea Butter and Strawberry. We reviewed the Shea butter one.

The gel has a lovely scent and cleanses skin well. It doesn’t dry out the skin or irritate. As well as being organic, the gel is also vegan.

Have you tried the Organii range?