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

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!

1CBD: CBD Infused Chocolates

Finding delicious CBD infused chocolates has had us all at The Amazing Blog on a bit of a mission. Much as we love CBD, sometimes, when it’s infused in chocolates or gummies, it can have a bit of an earthy or bitter aftertaste. This is where 1CBD have succeeded, where others have failed, as they have very shrewdly invited a master chocolatier to help them create their range of 1CBD CBD Infused Chocolates – and they are delicious!

1CBD launched in 2018 and are based in the North East of England. Started by marketeers and business partners Oman and Oliver, their journey of CBD discovery all began when they were commissioned to develop and work with another CBD brand. From here, they saw opportunities to bring their own CBD related products to market, and so, 1CBD was born. Keeping a high-quality control on the cannabidiols (CBD) that they use, is paramount for the brand, which is why they only source their broad-spectrum CBD oils from Colorado. They feel that the USA has more advanced manufacture and unique C02 extraction techniques, than that of the rest of Europe. Plus, the hemp plants are grown outside in the sunshine with no exposure to artificial UV lights, harmful chemicals or pesticides. All CBD oils are prepared in small batches, always freshly prepared, ensuring consistency, taste and potency. The broad-spectrum here means that there’s zero THC, and all raw extracts are vigorously tested and HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysed by independent laboratories across the USA. Products range from CBD oils, capsules, balms to edibles. However, what piqued our interest, was their handmade, ethically sourced CBD Infused Chocolates, that they commissioned with the award-winning master chocolatier Paul Williams from Chocamor of ‘fiendishly good chocolates’ fame, to create on their behalf. The brand said, “What Choc Amor offered that the other chocolatiers didn’t, was the combination of premium quality cocoa in the chocolate, multi award-winning chocolate flavours and the unavoidable fact that their chocolate really does taste amazing!” And we couldn’t wait to try… 

Who doesn’t love chocolate? And with a whopping 20-25g of broad-spectrum (THC-free) 10% phytocannabinoid pure hemp CBD oil in each piece, it made us love them even more! These CBD Infused Chocolates come in 100g bags and contain a total of 300mg of the broad-spectrum CBD. They also tick our sustainability box, with how these stylish cardboard boxes are completely compostable, together with the cellophane bags. With three mouth-watering flavours, it was hard to choose a favourite, chocolatier Paul Williams said, “We decided to launch the range with three of our best-selling flavours, Raspberry Burst, Salt Caramel and Twisted Latte. These flavours combine really well with the CBD oil so that the consumer can enjoy a chocolate sensation, one mouthful at a time.”  What makes this pairing of chocolate and CBD so interesting is they both contain cannabinoids. Together these activate the endocannabinoid receptors, which in turn boost the anandamide levels (aka ‘the chemical of happiness’), and right now, who doesn’t need that? 

All these ingredients have a health benefit. The hemp extract has antioxidants and healthy omega fatty acids, making it great for hair and skin or just stress relief. The cocoa mass not only gives it its flavour but in moderation, it can help keep the heart-healthy. Like the hemp extract, cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, which can help hydrate and nourish the skin. Soya lecithin can raise good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). Natural vanilla flavouring brings a flavour, but it’s also rich in antioxidants. Sugar gives sweetness to the chocolate, and also, according to some scientists is can be beneficial for brain health. The whole milk powder found here is a good source of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium as well vitamins A, D, E and K.

Let’s get back to these chocolates, each one has its own merits.  We loved the dark rich Raspberry Burst for its floral and fruity notes combined with the 60% cocoa solids. There is even a touch of balsamic vinegar and tiny pieces of dried raspberry in each square.  The Salt Caramel Blonde is a 50/50 unique blend of milk and white chocolate. It also has the smallest crunchy salty caramel flakes buried in the chocolate chunks, as well as rich double cream and butter; we savoured every delicious mouthful, especially as a midday pick-me-up. Last but not least, was the Milk White this is white chocolate at its very best… with the simple ingredients of single-origin cocoa butter, sugar, milk, soya lecithin and vanilla extract (and of course the CBD) it’s moreish, creamy and not too sweet. I’m not normally a fan of white chocolate, but this was my favourite. I’m ashamed to say, that keeping an eye on the CBD dosage (70g a day), went out the window, as I found myself greedily reaching for yet another square… For CBD novices and aficionados, I would heartily recommend these chocolate treats. They say, “Great for improving cognitive function, feeling energised and absorbing CBD with a fantastically moreish taste.” We say, “Please give us more…” To purchase any of the three CBD Infused Chocolates see here. They are currently on special offer for a limited time only at £9.99 

Paso’s CBD Milk Chocolate

Do you love chocolate? Because here at The Amazing Blog we certainly do! With the past year of world turmoil, we’ve been on the search to find comforming products to help relax during this time of uncertainty and take a step back. We’ve heard lots about our #amazingfinds of today with their chocolate, their very special CBD chocolate, no less. meet Paso CBD 75mg Milk Chocolate which gives you just that.

Paso CBD stared when best friends (and cousins), Alex and Sophie left their jobs in consulting and law to venture into the cannabis industry. They created this company with the idea of creating enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life. Their friends were hesitant about CBD products, which only motivated them more to create products that normalise CBD. They pride themselves on their high standard products that are 100% organic, premium CBD and ‘non-psychoactive’ which they source from hemp extract from farms in Colorado and Oregon. Even though their products are entirely hand made in the UK. They support Cool Earth which is an organisation that is committed to ending tropical deforestation and conservation of the rainforests. Paso has cleverly been able to master producing edible CBD products, that actually taste good. Some of the products in their line include vape pens, cartridges, e-liquids, CBD gummies and oils. Their chocolate comes in White, Dark and Milk; Milk is the one we’re going to talk about today.

We’re impressed with their branding and the sleek royal blue cardboard packaging which reveals the silver foiled chocolate. This all feels very premium. Milk chocolate is THC-free and broad-spectrum. Each square of chocolate contains 3mg of CBD, where you break off a couple of pieces to help you relax and unwind (the maximum daily dose they recommend is 70mg per day). The chocolate is rich and creamy with caramel notes, and is made with hemp extract (including CBD), 42% cocoa mass, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, natural vanilla flavouring, sugar, and whole milk powder. All these ingredients have a health benefit. The hemp extract has antioxidants and healthy omega fatty acids, which makes it great for hair and skin or just stress relief. The cocoa mass not only gives it its flavour but in moderation, it can help keep the heart-healthy. Like the hemp extract, cocoa butter is high in fatty acids which can help hydrate and nourish the skin. Soya lecithin can raise good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). Natural vanilla flavouring brings a flavour, but it’s also rich in antioxidants. Sugar gives sweetness to the chocolate and also according to some scientists is can be beneficial for brain health. The whole milk powder found here is a good source of minerals such magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium as well vitamins A, D, E and K. We have to be honest and say that we noticed a slight after-taste, which we didn’t mind too much and nibbled at it throughout the day, but it’s rich and we didn’t need much to get our chocolate fix and feel fully satiated. We’ve heard that it’s good to eat before bed to help with sleep, hah! Who needs that excuse? To enjoy this simple pleasure, you can purchase your Paso CBD Milk Chocolate 75mg for £8.00 here. We would like to thank CBD-Produce who kindly sent us this and several other CBD food products from the extensive range. Whether this is your first time trying CBD, or you are an experienced user, we think you’ll find something to tempt you at this great one-stop-shop for all things CBD. 

Elements For Life - Hot Chocolate

Are we all still desperately trying to cling to our New Year’s resolutions to go dry/ give up meat/ drag out the spandex and work each of our muscle groups, and supposedly therefore be a better person? Well, here at The Amazing Blog we may be able to offer you a glimmer of indulgence to ease up some of those more draconian ways to detox, all in the form of a chocolate … We know, chocolate is the root of many a slip up in the new regime schedule. However, there is a tin of gloriously burnished powder which should have a polished halo perched above its silver lid to signify its credentials. We are talking about one of our #amazingfinds Elements For Life – see our recent posts on their other products here.

Yes, we may be talking hot chocolate, but Elements For Life have created one is richly smooth, and sweet. This hot chocolate doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, GMOs or soya, the sweetness is derived from the sugar from coconut blossom, the evaporated nectar of the coconut tree, adding sustainability and diabetically friendly to the worthiness (because of its very low average glycemic index) As if that wasn’t enough, the Elements For Life team have made it suitable for those who may be lactose intolerant, and vegan by keeping this wonder-drink completely dairy-free and containing no milk solids.

We tried the Original and Spiced versions. The Spiced is warmed up by the addition of the winter spices cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. All we need now is the toasty log cabin with open fire and we have nirvana. However, we aren’t tied to the usual hot chocolate with this blend, as there is also the option of adding some ice and blitzing away to produce a very refreshing tipple. The benefits of raw chocolate, in both health and taste have been known for a while - it stands to reason that a natural product which hasn’t been put through the usual manufacturing processes will inevitably retain more of it’s core nutrients, and therefore with many of us now having to take a serious look at the minutiae of what we eat, a raw chocolate such as this makes clear sense.

And to keep that halo gleaming brightly, the whole team behind the Raw Hot Chocolate brand are keen to show they believe the sustainability of a product in this day and age has to address the issues beyond the contents of our mug. All ingredients used in their range are sourced for their high ecological standards and are agro-chemical/pesticide free from small-scale growers and farming co-operatives to ensure fair trading. The packaging is also made from recycled material or re-used from other sources, including their boxes and printed material. Small wonder then that with such highly prized credentials, Elements For Life have walked away with award upon award for what they offer us in this market place - and most specifically these two tins of delicious warmth! Priced at £6.99 for 175g all available from their online shop here they also offer refills priced at £4.99. And now, back to that log cabin and open fire to keep warm!

Christmas Food

We love the festive period at The Amazing Blog - the time for twinkling lights, mulled wine and time spent with loved ones. As if that’s not enough, Christmas is also the time for gourmet food choices, from the classic roast, to the after dinner cheese board. Tis’ the season for overindulging and treating ourselves, and with the New Year diet looming, it seems only right to make the most of the festive treats on offer. There are also few things we love more than to receive a selection of foodie treats on Christmas morning, so we thought, why not compile some of our favourites, so you too can give the gift of food!

Firstly, we came across Cottage Delight, a brand based in the Staffordshire moorlands, bringing hand-crafted and innovative flavours to the condiments market. Established in 1974, the vast amount of experience helps the brand to lead the way in providing delicious additions to our meal (which more often that not, are even more delicious than the foods they are paired with). We were therefore excited to try their Gin & Fizz Set, compromising of two jams, a curd and marmalade - perfect to spice up any scone, crumpet or piece of toast.

Firstly, we tried the Raspberry & Prosecco Jam - a delectable treat to jazz up any morning. Made with 43g of fruit per 100g, this jam is characteristically tangy, but with a depth of flavour thanks to the addition of prosecco. Similarly the Lemon Curd with Gin has a zesty kick, yet an almost buttery texture that is not only indulgent, but also delicious. The addition of gin cuts through the tartness - ideal for any gin lovers in your life. For those who gear towards orange, the Marmalade with Gin has a fruity and juicy flavour - we love it spread across freshly made bread. Finally, for those who like a traditional strawberry jam, the Strawberry Jam with Marc de Champagne is a great option. Made with whole strawberries, this reminded us of our Grandma’s homemade jam. The champagne adds a luxurious aftertaste, solidifying this set as the ideal Christmas present. If that’s not enough, then the box itself is ready made for present giving, so there’s less hassle with wrapping, and more time to indulge in a glass of mulled wine (or two). Purchase a Gin & Fizz Gift Set here for £9.95.

Secondly, for any chocolate lovers, we recommend Elements for Life. We tried their Yummy Scrummy Brownies not so long ago (see here), and more recently, their Raw Chocolate Making Starter Kit. Founded by Dan and Paula Knowlson, experts in raw chocolate, this brand continues to ensure products are suitable for vegans, diabetics and coeliacs, as well as those with lactose intolerances. This is something particularly difficult to find at Christmas, so we’re sure this set would be popular with anyone who suffers from a dietary requirement. That said, we all equally enjoyed this set, whether intolerant to common allergens or not.

The Raw Chocolate Starter Kit contains 100g raw cacao powder, 100g raw cacao butter, 100ml Sweet Freedom syrup and a reusable silicone chocolate mould. You can also choose your mould design, picking from the spiral swirls (which we went for), or the Valentine’s hearts. Using Peruvian Criollo raw cacao powder and butter, the ingredients are the best of the best, providing a rich and smooth chocolate that has a low GI. This makes it suitable for diabetics, furthermore displaying the inclusive nature of this brand. In terms of making the chocolate itself, we found the process incredibly easily. Simply melt the cacao butter, add the cacao powder and Sweet Freedom syrup and you’re done - pour into the moulds, pop them in the fridge and return to professional looking chocolates. To purchase a Raw Chocolate Making Starter Kit for £17.99, click here.

Although we’re big sweet lovers at The Amazing Blog, we’re equally enticed by flavoursome and spicy dishes. For the spice lovers in your life, we present Steenbergs’ Mediterranean Mini 8 Spice Box, a set packed with numerous spice blends, heavily influenced by the Arabic side of the Mediterranean. Having tried their Botanicals for Cocktails in October (see here), we were keen to try this set for ourselves - and can confirm that it will indeed be well received by any foodies in your family.

Founded by Axel and Sophie Steenberg in 2003, Steenbergs is passionate about providing top quality and organic spices, with over fifteen years of experience to draw from. You can therefore be safe in the knowledge that by gifting their Mediterranean spices set, you’ll be helping your foodie recipient to create delicious meals, with ingredients they can trust. This set compromises of organic tagine, ras al hanut, za’atar, organic harissa with rose, organic Italian herbs, organic Lebanese 7 spice blend, organic paella spice blend and organic chermoula spice blend - a vast array of flavours to create a multitude of dishes. Our personal favourites are the organic paella spice blend, which helps us to create an authentic taste of Spain, and the chermoula spice blend, which we were admittedly less familiar with - but now cannot be without. To purchase your own Mediterranean Mini 8 Spice Box for £15.99, click here.

Finally, for something a little more luxury, we came across Haupt Lakrits, a Swedish liquorice brand aiming to bring gourmet products to the market. Having tried a variety of their products, we can confirm that these are far from the packet of slightly squashed liquorice wheels in your cupboard, but instead, provide a new take on a traditional classic. Even those less enthusiastic about liquorice were found sneaking these on our lunchbreak - testament to their scrumptious flavours.

Firstly, for those of us with a penchant for liquorice, SÖT (€9.00) proved to be popular. Thanks to being cooked for 8 hours and stored for 10 weeks, this liquorice is soft and sweet, and has a pleasantly chewy texture. Secondly we tried the Hallon (€9.00) flavour, liquorice dipped in 60% Belgian milk and dark chocolate and coated with raspberry and vanilla. These proved very popular amongst those will less of a liking for traditional liquorice, and we found they work well with rose wine. Thirdly, we tried the limited edition God Juhl: Merry Christmas (€11.00) jar. Coated in Belgian white chocolate and flavoured with a Swedish Christmas spice mix, this liquorice is undoubtedly festive, even covered in a glittery outer layer. Finally, we tried the slightly lighter God Helg: Happy Holidays (€11.00) liquorice. Dipped in Belgian white chocolate, the additions of lingonberry and saffron add sweetness, yet the fruity nature helps to cut the sickliness often associated with white chocolate. Like God Juhl, this Christmas edition liquorice is best paired with a glass of mulled wine. Visit the Haupt Lakrits website here to purchase your own liquorice delights - some flavours are also available as gift sets, smaller jars and refill packs.

So there we have it - four foodie treats guaranteed to put a smile on your receiver’s face. And if you’re thinking ‘I’ve already finished my Christmas shopping’, then why not treat yourself instead? After all, we think the festive period is the perfect excuse to indulge!