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Christmas Appeal 2023 “Raise for Resilience”

Wishing all our readers Merry Christmas 🎅🏻 & Happy New Year 🥳

This year, we’re supporting
Seed Madagascar & we hope you’ll join us in supporting them, too.

SEED is an award-winning UK-registered charity and a Malagasy NGO. Their name is an acronym for SUSTAINABLE, ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT.

Having recently returned from
#fortdauphinin #madagascar & seen all the great works that they do, we want to help raise their profile for the Christmas Appeal 2023 “Raise for Resilience.”


Southeast Madagascar is a beautiful part of the country with the most incredible and unique wildlife (see photos from my trip above and below ), but it’s also extremely poor. This is where SEED works tirelessly with the local people to implement sustainable development & solutions, conservation and community work.


They also have an Etsy store:
“Stitchsainteluce”, where we bought the most beautiful hand-embroidered cushions. Plus there are other embroidered textiles, which include placemats, purses, and many more.

Please see the link on the charity’s Instagram or Facebook
@seedmadagascar bio. Or to help support SEED go directly to the link here.

Thank you so much for your support 😘 Even a small donation will help to make a huge difference 🙏🏻

Canax : Mellow Meno CBD & Vitamin Capsules

It is no surprise with all its many natural benefits, that we’re big fans of CBD products at The Amazing Blog, and we wanted to share a new CBD discovery with Mellow Meno CBD & Vitamin Capsules by Canax. It’s a product that has been primarily created to help ease some of the symptoms for women in perimenopause or menopause As well as being a Wellbeing Editor’s Choice winner at this year’s Beauty Shortlist Awards, they are also one of our #amazingfinds.

Canax was founded in 2020, based in Nottingham it’s the product of co-founders and best friends Jess Cohen and Sophie Garner, a paediatric nurse. They initially met through their husbands, who were football players for Nottingham Forest. The idea of creating premium CBD products started when Jess' mum was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (rare cancer that targets the plasma cells). Sophie said, "We came across CBD a few years ago, Jess's mum was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and she has found that CBD along with medical treatment has helped ease her daily anxieties and encourages sound sleep which is vital in any type of healing and recovery." As a nurse, Sophie had a first-hand account of how CBD helps her patients, and as mums, they know how overwhelming life can get. That's when Jess and Sophie realised they wanted to help others. They created Canax with a motto: less of the stress. "That's why our Mummy Gummies CBD range has been designed to fit perfectly around your own busy life, helping you take the edge off whenever you feel the need.” They are dedicated to providing only the highest quality organic THC-free CBD which is derived from a farm in Oregon, USA. Their products also offer a simple buying process with a rolling subscription service. All their ranges are organic, palm oil-free, and plant-based, meaning that Canax is suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike. Their best-known product, Mummy Gummies, has highly rated reviews and has been featured in major magazine publications. 

As mentioned earlier Mellow Meno CBD & Vitamin Capsules has been created to aid the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Like all their other edibles, they contain absolutely no THC and are in a concentrated form of CBD Isolate only. Which is a purified crystalline form, and it is completely tasteless and odourless, which makes it the ideal candidate for use in edibles. It has soothing properties to help sleep, mood, and anxiety. In menopause, CBD is known to alleviate hot flushes and improve bone density by stabilising the hormone changes often caused by the menopause. CBD also has anti-inflammation properties that help cure acne for clear skin and ease rosacea.

The capsules are also made up of six other natural ingredients: Zinc, B12, B6, magnesium, vitamin C, and sage. Zinc is an essential element used for cell growth, hormone release, immune response and replication. Vitamin B6 and B12 have many advantages, and these two convert food into energy that helps create the organic chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Ultimately it helps with focusing, energy levels, and mood. Magnesium, another vital element, is crucial in producing energy, forming proteins, maintaining genes, and regulating the nervous system. Vitamin C, as you may know, is high in antioxidants. It helps protect the body's tissues from harmful free radicals and stabilises the linings of blood vessels. It can help soothe menopause symptoms such as varicose veins, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Vitamin C also helps reduce the risk of severe medical conditions like heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. Lastly, native to the Mediterranean region, sage can relieve symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. It has been used as a natural remedy for menopause for hundreds of years, and fun fact, sage is actually part of the mint family.

What we like about Canax is that they’re very transparent about what's in each product, and their website provides an ingredient list of each product and what they do. The recyclable pink and yellow hue pack contains 30 CBD capsules with 20 mg of CBD in each. They recommend taking one capsule daily as they are, or emptying into a glass of water. Regardless of whether you are menopausal or not, we think these capsules are a great way to get daily 20mg of CBD (and all the vitamins) particularly if you don’t like the hempy taste of the oils. The brand also recommends taking these capsules continuously to reap the benefits, "You need to give Mellow Meno 7-10 days to kick in and really see the wonderful effects it will have." To get full use of the product, it's best to store it in a cool and dry place. For us as regular CBD takers, this is a low dosage, however, we think they offer a great introduction to those who are newbies to CBD. You can make a one-time purchase of 30 capsules or buy a monthly subscription here for £39.99 or £31.99. 

Trelonk Cornwall : Molecular Wellbeing Head Strong #04

During the past year at The Amazing Blog, like so many, we’ve felt the need to surround ourselves with a blanket of calm. When Edwina was offered this stress-busting Molecular Wellbeing #04 Head Strong to judge for The Beauty Shortlist Awards, she leapt at the opportunity! It’s from the award-winning Cornish essential oil brand Trelonk best known for harnessing cutting-edge innovation in plant science.

Although Trelonk was officially launched in 2021 by Mark Parnall, Trelonk Estate, where the brand was conceived, has a rich agricultural history dating back between 1891-1907. Today, the Trelonk Estate goes back to its original farming roots by harnessing new agricultural technology and improving farming practices to grow and harvest specialist crops. Preparations for their brand “Trelonk” began in 2018, with Trelonk being incorporated into Parnall Group. Despite all the challenges COVID brought, the Trelonk website officially went live in Spring 2021. Founder Mark Parnall said, "Living through Covid-19 has caused a shift in attitude towards plant science, along with compelling research showing the effectiveness of particular plant molecules on human health." With a focus on plant technology and oils, Mark believes that there are remarkable opportunities to connect the origins of authentic Cornish crops and science to help those interested in natural remedies. The brand’s mission is to enhance health and wellbeing through sustainable farming operations that positively affect the environment. “By growing and processing on-site, we aim to provide full traceability and authenticity of the products, underpinned by regenerative farming methods and strong environmental credentials." This idea has won the brand the 2021 Blue Patch Sustainable Innovation Award. As expert aromacologists (study of the influence of odours on human behaviour), they use advanced extraction technology to identify the most compelling plant molecules to use in their formulas. With the use of botanical actives, also known as terpenes, the brand primarily uses the power of inhalation, as it’s the fastest method of delivery (60-90 seconds) and the nasal receptors communicate with nerve cells via neurotransmitters in the limbic system. These positive effects may be felt within minutes! This combination becomes a high-impact wellbeing solution known as ‘Whole Plant Therapy’. For those that are novices to aromatherapy, Trelonk has made an informative list of their frequently used ingredients and their benefits on their website see here. Sustainability is at the heart of the brand, not only with many of the ingredients being grown and harvested on the Trelonk Estate but also with the use of deep violet-blue biophotonic glass bottles stopping harmful UV light and keeping the potency of the oils inside. They describe themselves as ‘where botanicals also meet technology’, Trelonk’s therapeutic formulas are founded solely on scientific research analysing the molecular make-up of plants and identifying the active elements. They’ve recently unveiled £1 million worth of scientific equipment, where they work with scientific partners in three state-of-the-art laboratories designated for plant tissue culture, oil extraction and molecular research. The three ranges of hand-blended Molecular Wellbeing essential oils are ‘Power Through’, ‘Head Strong’ and ‘Lights Out’.

The Head Strong range is designed to help support and uplift mental health and wellbeing. The trio of blends offers differing benefits, for instance, #04 for Stress-Busting and Anxiety, #05 for Concentration and Focus, and #06 for Confidence and Positivity. Trelonk's expert aromacologists explained that the ‘mother blend’ (or base formula) for all three in this range is a combination of bergamot for uplift, rosa damascena for strengthening, ylang-ylang for stress-busting, geranium for balance, sandalwood for calm and green mandarin for nervous tension and restlessness.

We’re going to talk about #04 for Stress Busting and Anxiety which recently won a Wellbeing Editor’s Choice at The 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards.  Apart from the plant active in the ‘mother blend’ above. What makes up the ten plant actives complete are the key additions with petitgrain, yuzu peel oil, eucalyptus and helichrysum flower oil all of which offer a well combined citrusy and floral uplifting scent. The petitgrain is known for its sedative qualities calming nerves and aiding anxiety, with its bright distinctive orange blossom accent. Yuzu peel oil is very similar to bergamot extract, and it can also balance one's mood. Yuzu has a sweet and citrusy scent and has dominant uplifting properties while calming the mind at the same time. Eucalyptus relieves exhaustion, elevates mood, and rejuvenates the spirit with its distinct camphoraceous smell. Finally, the helichrysum provides support in releasing emotional trauma.

We love how it oozes with encouraging citrus notes from the green mandarin, the richer and warmer notes of rosa damascena and helichrysum add weight to the blend, balancing the mind into a state of assurance. The extract has soft floral tones and a fresh aroma, making the oil mood affirming and providing comfort during heightened stress. What we found interesting (take note Trelonk) is that Edwina has carried this around with her continuously when out and about, and like a nosegay, it has kept her safe and clear of catching covid when others around her have fallen sick. A coincidence? maybe.

There is a Nasal Inhaler, which Edwina uses, it’s pictured above at £6. it’s easy to use, you put the wick inside the glass tube and add up to 20 drops of the oil, then waft it under your nose, whenever you feel the need. It helps create your own personal aroma bubble! It also comes as a gift set here. Trelonk also recommends different ways to use their Molecular Wellbeing blends. The first is putting 3-5 drops in a steam diffuser, and it's perfect to use while you do your morning yoga or everyday morning routine. Second, you can add 25 drops of the oil into 100g of Epsom salts in a bath, which feels fantastic after a long day. Lastly, you can apply two drops into a teaspoon of carrier oils of your choice, and apply directly to the skin.

The Head Strong #04 is another one of our #amazingfinds and certainly resonated with Edwina, who is a big fan of all things aromatherapy. The Head Strong #04 and Nasal Inhaler are available together for £28.90 here  We hope to try more products from Trelonk to focus more on our mind, body, and overall health. We think this is a must-have for all.

Purdy & Figg : The Original Citrus Hand Sanitiser Spray

Now with Omicron, yet another strain of COVID-19 on the rise, it’s even more critical to keep hands clean and sanitised. And at The Amazing Blog with how often we use hand sanitiser, it’s a must to have one with a good fragrance too. This is where Purdy & Figg's Original Citrus Hand Sanitiser Spray comes into play. Plus, we love their coordinating Refillable Atomiser, making it even more convenient to carry hand sanitiser in our party bags this season.

Purdy & Figg is a company that was founded in pursuit of reducing "the number of toxic chemicals that we use on our skin and plastic waste around our homes." NHS nurse Purdy Rubin and horticulturist Charlotte Figg shared this passion and began experimenting with creating natural cleaning products for the home. When cold and flu season rolled around, these founders wanted to create a solution, "For a better, bacteria-killing and moisturising alternative to the toxic mass-produced hand sanitiser gels found everywhere else." Beyond their passion for finding good, natural products, they have helped others discover ways to make their own products. Purdy & Figg held "workshops to share their knowledge with others on how they could create great products at home, to save money and to help the planet." Purdy & Figg remains a family business with Purdy's sons now at the helm, and Charlotte & Purdy still creating new sprays and products. 

The Original Citrus Hand Sanitiser Spray is an effective sanitiser and made with 70% pharmaceutical grade alcohol and safe, pure essential oils. This spray has a sweet orange, pink grapefruit and niaouli flower scent, making it smell infinitely better than your standard hand sanitiser. For a sanitising product, it's impressive that there are only a few key ingredients: pharmaceutical grade Isopropyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (witch hazel), vegetable glycerin and three 100% pure essential oils. Witch hazel is a popular ingredient in skincare due to its anti-inflammatory and bacteria-fighting properties. Vegetable glycerin is Non-GMO and vegan friendly, and this ingredient is essential in helping the skin stay smooth while retaining moisture. This hand sanitiser has proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria. What we love is the uplifting fragrance of pink grapefruit, sweet orange, and the aromatic niaouli flower essential oils, which are energising with anti-depressant and naturally anti-bacterial properties, making them a winner. The essential oil niaouli will probably be new to our readers, it’s a relative of the tea tree plant with many similar healing benefits which is why it’s probably used here. It has sweet camphorous like top notes and undertones of eucalyptus, blends particularly well with the other essential oils pink grapefruit and sweet orange.

Purdy & Figg packages their products in sustainable glass bottles with the option to purchase refills. They even created a 15 ml refillable aluminium atomiser spray bottle in vibrant colours of red or blue (suitable for spotting quickly in a handbag!) With any of the four preferred Purdy & Figg sanitisers, fill up this container to have a stylish yet practical (and sustainable) way to carry your favourite sanitiser. Made of aluminium and glass this reusable container is small and convenient, allowing you to keep it unobtrusively in a pocket or in a tiny party bag.

We’re big fans of hand sanitiser sprays, as they’re easy, quick-drying and less fiddly to use than their gel cousins. Simply spray this Purdy & Figg sanitiser onto your palms then rub your hands together to ensure complete coverage and take in the beautiful scents of the essential oils. There are four fragrance blends to choose from with Floral, Woody, Frankincense & Myrrh and Citrus. Oh, and we must mention that they were voted best hand sanitiser of 2020 by ITV This Morning! This is another one of our #amazingfinds. To purchase the 50ml Original Citrus Hand Sanitiser Spray and 15ml Refillable Atomiser Spray, together, for £17.99 see here. We also think this makes a very practical stocking filler.

2022 Beauty Shortlist & Wellbeing Awards - Are Now Open for Entry!

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Good to grow: 2022 Beauty Shortlist & Wellbeing Awards open for entries with new blue beauty and plantable beauty categories and fresh faces on the judging panel.

Entries have opened for the upcoming Beauty Shortlist Awards which will celebrate the highest-scoring brands and products that celebrate NATURE on Wednesday 2 March 2022.

Honouring the most-loved earth-safe and ocean-safe beauty and wellness products – all tested by experts – the ethical, natural and organic showcase returns with over 40 new categories embracing blue and green beauty, more age-specific skincare and self-care categories, eco-packaging, holistic health, eco innovation, nutrition, aromatherapy, CBD and more.

2022 BEAUTY SHORTLIST & WELLBEING AWARDS ENTRY FORM (ENTRIES CLOSE 29 OCTOBER)

ENTRY FORM

If you had to pick the most stellar month of the year for beauty and the planet, September would be up there: Organic September, a new season with lots of new launches, the Great British Beach Clean, World Car Free Day - and it’s FSC week soon, celebrating & raising awareness of responsible forestry 🌳

Never have we lived through a time when comforts and joys have been more important to our wellbeing - and it’s exactly those that are celebrated every year at the Beauty Shortlist Awards:

You are warmly invited to celebrate the top-scoring beauty, grooming and wellness of the year with the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards on Wednesday 2 March.

These independent and 100% sponsor-free global Awards celebrate the highest-scoring ethical brands and products of the year, evaluated by beauty and wellness industry experts:

  • natural + organic beauty, personal care

  • nutrition, wellness, health supplements, CBD & eco cleaning

  • men’s hair, skincare, self-care, body & shower products

Happy September!