Great Lakes Gellatin® Co - Collagen Hydrolysate (10 x single servings)

With this damp and chilly start to May, we find that this sort of weather plays havoc with our over exercised and achy joints. However, this is where at The Amazing Blog we’ve learnt that taking a good collagen supplement comes into its own, as it reduces joint inflammation and stimulates the collagen synthesis in the body. Meet Collagen Hydrolysate, from the Great Lakes Gellatin® Company, which has 20 different amino acids that help to heal and repair the connective tissue. 

The Great Lakes Gellatin® Company is the pioneer of collagen hydrolysate technology. Founded in 1988, it was initially known as Grayslake Gelatin Co (which started production in 1922). They were the first company to research and develop the collagen and gelatin benefits, and ever since has been a market leader in this sector. Great Lakes Gellatin® Co are a family-run business, and was created from the founder’s promise to help and educate others into having a healthier lifestyle. Numerous scientific studies have shown to how collagen hydrolysate supports tendons and ligaments through strengthening the connective tissues, thereby helping to prevent injury and speed up recovery. It also helps muscle mass and strength through promoting lean muscle The cattle from which the collagen is sourced, are grass fed and pastured-raised in Argentina and Brazil, and animal welfare is one of this company’s main priorities. The brand’s products are kosher and free from gluten, MSG, GMO, and verified glyphosate, and easily fit into both the keto and paleo diets. It is also free of allergens and sensitisers: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, seeds, fish/shellfish, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, gluten, corn, mustard, celery stalk/leaf, yeast or yeast derivatives. This ground-breaking company also offers a wide range of other flavoured collagen hydrolysates, gelatin and keto products. 

We tried the Collagen Hydrolysate (unflavoured) in 10 x sachets a box. This has one ingredient only: 100% bovine hydrolysed collagen powder, which is a derived protein found naturally in bones, skin, and cartilage. This contains amino acids, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline which are responsible for the growth and repair of the body. In addition, collagen represents almost a third of the natural proteins found in our bodies. However, as time goes by, the production of collagen declines, which where a hydrolysed collagen supplement comes into play. It supports the digestive tract, increases joint health, improves bones density, tightens and hydrates skin, and strengthens hair and nails. It also has the added bonus of aiding sleep and concentration. The effects of bovine hydrolysed collagen on joints and bones have been scientifically proven to act as a kind of ‘intracellular glue’ giving support, shape and bulk to the blood vessels which feed bones and joints as well as vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver – and yet it’s not a medicine. This low molecular weight protein is easily digested just a few minutes after eating. It will not congeal because it has been hydrolyzed for quick assimilation and improved hydration to the connective tissue. We found that these Great Lakes Gellatin® Co Hydrolysed Collagen unflavoured powders to be colourless and odourless; they dissolve quickly in cold or hot beverages, which means you can put them in your coffee, tea or smoothie (see our berry smoothie above). It is also possible to dissolve them into soups or mix into yoghurt. One sachet (6 grams) or two (12grams) a day are enough. We stirred one sachet into our smoothie until the collagen powder dissolved - about 10-20 seconds - it’ll be quicker in hot liquids. If you need a little inspiration, you can take a look at their Recipes Page here for more ideas. To purchase Great Lakes Gellatin® Co Collagen Hydrolysate 10 x Single Servings, go to Amazon UK here  at £5.99.

Pura Vida Organic: CBD Deodorant (Stick)

Whether you’re back working out in the gym, taking a jog around town, or having fun at home with friends and loved ones, it’s true to say that sometimes we struggle to keep our body odour in check. As the weather is warming up, at The Amazing Blog we’d like to recommend a natural and effective deodorant that kept us dry and fresh all day long. We’ve already introduced Pura Vida Organic with some of their CBD hair and skincare products here, and today we’re back featuring their CBD Deodorant (stick).

Based in Croatia, Pura Vida Organic is an organic certified CBD skincare and cosmetic brand founded by Jennifer Deegan are in 2015. This brand only uses the purest organic ingredients and has a wide range of product, especially for problematic and sensitive skins. A graduate from Formula Botanica, Deegan suffered from skin problems herself, and is a firm believer of the brand philosophy ‘pure life’: "I couldn’t find 100% natural and organic products that met my standards – so I made them myself. Once I discovered what really worked for my skin, I wanted to share it with everyone else.” During this process, she discovered the amazing benefit of CBD, which is why Pura Vida Organics have developed a wide range of CBD infused products, including: Anti-ageing serums, balms, elixirs, massage oils, shaving gels and many more; all of which use broad-spectrum or isolate CBD (THC-free) as the primary ingredient. In 2018, Pura Vida Organic passed the Current Good Manufacturing Practice  regulations enforced by the FDA (CGMP) and the international standard for quality management systems (ISO9001). In 2019, they were the first CBD skincare production facility to obtain the COSMOS Organic and Natural Certification . Recent winners of Best Face CBD Product and Best Body Butter at The Organic Clean Awards, they are also Bronze winners for their entire body care range in Cosmetique Magazine. In addition to their high-quality CBD products, Pura Vida Organic cares deeply about sustainability. All plastics are recyclable, and boxes are made of 25% grass pulp, recycled paper and cardboard. All labels use vegetable dyes and vegan-friendly glue, and all products are 90% handmade, which decreases energy consumption from mechanical production. 

This time, we want to try their CBD Deodorant (Stick), which comes in a compact twist-up tube. Like other products in their range, this CBD Deodorant is infused with 300mg of CBD. Here the cannabidiol is effective at killing odour-causing bacteria on the skin. It also balances, soothes and moisturises the armpit – ideal if you have just epilated or shaved. Plus, being used near the sweat glands helps to regulate both the sweat/sebum production. What we love about Pura Vida Organic's CBD Deodorant, is that it also uses zinc oxide and coconut oil, two other super-effective anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients, to maximise the control of bad-smelling odours. Along with the lavender and sage extracts here, it leaves a fresh, not over-powering, floral scent. With the addition of arrowroot powder, shea butter, and myrica fruit wax (AKA bayberry wax, it’s a vegan emollient), these leave the underarm skin soft and silky smooth. To our joy, we found absolutely no stinging when we applied this direct after epilation. In fact, this actually soothed the armpit. It’s long-lasting and kind to the skin and one of our #amazingfinds for this week. As it’s 100% natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free, if you’re looking for an effective and natural deodorant with no paraben, preservatives and zero irritation, then this is the one for you! You can buy this 30ml CBD Deodorant (stick) here for €9.50. 

CBD Leafline - Skin Therapy: Cellulite Toning Body Lotion

Have you been sorting out your summer clothes and dreaming of getting back into your swimwear? We have! By doing this during #lockdown, it became apparent to some of us at The Amazing Blog that we needed to start toning up our tums, bums and thighs! And what better way to get started than by using a Cellulite Body Toning Lotion. This is from one of our favourite award-winning CBD skincare brands CBD Leafline from their range of Skin Therapy. You may remember that we’ve reviewed some of their products here.

CBD Leafline was founded in 2018 by CBD enthusiasts Paul and Sonia Shrive. Having had a lifesaving encounter with CBD in Africa during his youth, Paul wanted to create quality CBD-derived products for others to share the same benefits of wellbeing. Thanks to their experience in manufacturing, distribution, and wholesale; and Sonia’s expertise in marketing and customer service, they finally launched. And after further research and development their first CBD-infused skincare line, Skin Therapy made its debut last year too. Studies have demonstrated that topical use of CBD has helped regulate the sebaceous glands, and reduce inflammation. All products in the CBD Leafline range  are natural and combine high-quality whole-plant hemp oil containing broad-spectrum CBD (THC-free) with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, omega 3/6 and amino acids which interact with other vegan ingredients. These are derived from plant and fruit extracts, such as marine collagen (always seaweed not fish), retinol, hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5. All CBD Leafline products are independently tested (see here) and the brand is a CannaPro certified business.

Let’s talk about cellulite. In simple terms, it’s a build-up of fat under the dermis combined with weakening of the connective tissue, which in turn creates an orange peel ripple look on the body. It is a harmless and natural condition that affects about 9 out of 10 women - and some men. This is where CBD Leafline’s Cellulite Body Toning Lotion comes into its own. The antioxidants in the 100mg of CBD here, helps the production of collagen in the skin as well as reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the body. Not forgetting that the cannabidiol neutralising free radicals and the rich antioxidants help the skin stay youthful for longer. The carrier oils are olive, coconut and apricot kernel packed with fatty acids and further antioxidants that work to rehydrate and slow down skin ageing. Together with the ‘triple fruit extract’ of melon, strawberry and papaya, work in synergy to tone, tighten and exfoliate. The melon fruit extract is rich in vitamins A and C offering yet even more antioxidant compounds. When vitamin A and C are applied topically, they too are good at hunting down and neutralising free radicals and, most importantly, reduce the appearance of ‘orange peel’ skin. Strawberry fruit extract soothes and tones the skin and reduces the size of pores by tightening and firming skin. Whereas the papaya fruit extract also contains vitamins A and C that brightens and tones the skin giving it a natural lift whilst soothing, softening and promoting new skin cell growth. Finally, the four essential oils of orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit release a soft, fresh citrus aroma and they cleanse, purify, nourish and protect. CBD Leafline suggest applying this once a day to the cellulite-prone areas (in our case, thighs!) and gently pinching and massaging the area to stimulate circulation and blood flow. We found that by using this Cellulite Toning Body Lotion in the morning, after exercise and shower, was the best way for us to get optimal results. Then we used a wooden hand massager to gently stimulate the area, and as a final step, applied the Cellulite Toning Body Lotion. Yes, we have achieved smoother and less bumpy thighs but what we really noticed was how soft and hydrated it left our skin. It’s another one of our #amazingfinds of the week and also a must-have, if like us, you’re preparing to get your body bikini-ready after this very long #lockdown. To purchase CBD Leafline’s Cellulite Body Toning Lotion in 100ml for £34.99, click here.  

SKIRR: Anti-chafing Stick Sport Body Balm

In this new world of lunchtime walks, jogging or running for our daily 10k steps - we’ve heard lots of moans and groans of newfound soreness from skin rubbing or blisters. So, when we at The Amazing Blog  heard about Skirr Skin with their Anti-Chafing Stick Sports Body Balm – we had to give it a try – after all, prevention is better than cure!

Skirr Skin is a sustainable sports skincare brand based in Argyll, Scotland, for eco-conscious adventure and endurance athletes looking for body care to address sport-specific problems and protect their skin from chafing and blistering. Chafing and blisters are caused by friction from clothing or two areas of skin rubbing together. It can worsen during very sweaty and wet conditions causing extreme discomfort. We don’t want that! Skirr, an old Scottish word for glide or move faster, and is founded by registered nutritional therapist and entrepreneur Moira Newiss. Having graduated from Formula Botanica, Moira always dreamed of being an entrepreneur with an eco-focused company. When she couldn’t find a brand that sold natural and sustainable products for sports skincare, she was eager to start her own to combine her passion for sport and the environment. Soon, Skirr Skin was launched in February 2020 with her first product, the Anti-Chafing Stick Sport Body Balm. This was formulated and tested out at the Tyndrum24 Ultra race in January 2020 at the Scottish Highlands and proved itself to have effective protection for runners over 70 miles! Moira believes she has created not only an eco-friendly product but a product that protects athletes (and novices) who have struggled with chafing. One of these athletes is Kyle Gordon, who is the brand’s first ambassador, a full-time Scottish elite cyclist who is training for the Commonwealth Games 2022 and spends between 15 – 25 hours a week in the saddle. We couldn’t wait for our tester to try this Body Balm. 

The Anti-chafing Stick Sport Body Balm  contains eco-friendly, natural and organic ingredients that help to prevent blisters, chafing and maintain healthy skin. It also acts as a nourishing moisturiser to keep the skin supple and in good condition. It is suited for multi-sport use, including running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and surfing. We think that you’ll never go wrong with this Sport Body Balm! It even contains 30% more product than its main competitor. It is packaged in fully recyclable cardboard so you can enjoy sport as well as preserve the outdoors. Skirr suggests using the Sport Body Balm by pushing up the tube’s bottom and applying it directly to areas where you may experience chafing, such as the feet, groin, neck, or chest. The ingredients are unique and critical here. Coconut oil contains nourishing fatty acids that help hydrate and protect the skin. Jojoba seed oil is a crucial ingredient proven to combat acne, dry skin, and other skin conditions such as chafing. Beeswax creates a protective layer on the skin. It also removes dead skin and keeps the skin soft and hydrated. Sunflower oil is a highly absorbent non-irritant that helps combat dry chafing skin. Finally, vitamin E will help make the skin look its best, and rosemary will relieve any pain and inflammation. Our tester is new to exercise, with both running and cycling, and complained bitterly about the soreness on the inside of his thighs. He even purchased lycra shorts to wear under his tracksuit bottoms – but alas these didn’t offer a solution. After we handed him the Skirr Sports Balm to try, he eulogised how even after a whole weekend of full-on activities, there was no more soreness. He was also impressed with how this Sport Body Balm both protected and soothed. He has subsequently abandoned his undergarment of lycra shorts! You can purchase the Anti-chafing Stick Sport Body Balm directly on Skirr Skin’s website for £19.99 here. 

Karma Coast: Karma Organic CDB Hemp Tea

Back at our desks after the Easter break, we thought today we’d share about one of our #amazingfinds from The Amazing Blog, particularly if you’re looking for natural products to help steady nerves, reduce stress, and give you some much longed for, uninterrupted sleep. As regular readers will know, we’re big fans of CBD products (see here) because of the numerous benefits it provides, especially the calming effect. Which is why we’d like to introduce Karma Coast  and their Organic CDB Tea.

Karma Coast was founded in 2018 and is based in Tynemouth. Their aim is to produce high-quality, organic and vegan CBD products to help improve overall wellbeing. The co-owners, Dylan Mortimer and Magdalena Dopierala, have a wealth of knowledge in cannabis sector and have over 20 years of combined experience in professional healthcare. They offer complimentary wellness consultations in their Tynemouth dispensary, either over the phone or via video link, with a mission to improve the quality of life for the local community or for further afield. Karma Coast believes that CBD products can help to supplement our endocannabinoid system and are an alternative way to create and maintain wellness. They source their hemp from a Polish organic farm in the Bieszczady Mountains, where the plants are gently harvested, dried and finely sorted by hand and their organic hemp tea is farmed without any herbicides or pesticides. They’ve developed a wide range of high-quality products, including CBD tea, coffee, oils, tinctures, vapes, topicals and hemp clothing and merchandise. Their key focus on quality has made Karma Coast the winner of five independent awards, such as ‘Best Organic CBD Products 2020’ at the UK Enterprise Awards  and ‘Best Organic CBD Products 2020’ at the Northern Prestige Awards.  All of their products are packaged in recyclable, compostable, biodegradable and reusable materials. 

They very kindly sent us their Karma Organic CDB Hemp Tea which is made from 100% organic hemp with full-spectrum CBD, meaning that it has all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavanols, lipids, waxes, and chlorophylls with the regulated amount of 0.2% THC – which as regular readers will know, this amount will not get you high! However, these compounds will give you an ‘entourage effect’, which increases the benefit you get when multiple components of the plant work synergistically. These compounds also help to improve clarity and aid conditions such as anxiety, stress and sleep disorders. The potent terpenes like linalool, are known to help sleep and inflammation and studies have also shown terpenes can produce an antidepressant-like effect. This Hemp Tea is made with 100% organic, natural, allergen-free, and vegan hemp leaves with no herbicides or pesticides. The hand-picked, dried, and finely sorted leaves reserve the maximum amount of nutrients. To prepare this loose tea, use one teaspoon of hemp tea, per cup, infused with boiled water. We found that if you want a mild and deliciously fruity tasting tea, it needs to be left to brew for 3 to 5 minutes max, or if you let it steep for longer, i.e. 10+ minutes, you’ll reap more of the benefits; but it also has a deeper and slightly bitter taste – where we’d recommend adding in some honey. They suggest drinking it at breakfast time to help set you up for the day, but we preferred drinking at night, as we found it gave us a much better quality of wonderful and unbroken sleep! You can buy the Karma Coast’s Organic CDB Hemp Tea here starting from £10.00 for 30g/20 servings to £50.00 for 200g/133 servings.