Lentil Bites - Fairfields Farm Crisps

It's all too easy to mindlessly munch on snacks without noticing just how much you're eating. We've all had that moment, where without looking we reach into a packet of sweets, thinking you have a few left only to discover you have already eaten all of them without realising. It's a problem that all of us at The Amazing Blog have encountered, which is why we always try our best only to consume healthy and filling snacks. As the year has flown by, and summer is knocking at our door, fitting into that killer summer outfit or being beach ready is becoming less theoretical. So, if you're not already familiar with them, let us introduce to Fairfield Farm and their healthier and tastier Lentil Bite crisps. 

Fairfield's Farm produces artisanal crisps, and are always researching and looking for new ways to make our favourite savoury snack healthier. By moving away from the traditional potato and instead using lentils and pulses, the crisps are a healthier option as they are higher in protein, gluten-free, lower in fat and calories! Meaning even if you accidentally end up mindlessly snacking - which with these delicious flavours seems unlikely - it's a guilt free mistake! We tried all three flavours (Fresh Tomato and Herb, Jalapeno and Lime, and Blue Cheese) and can tell you that despite being a much healthier food, no taste whatsoever was lost. In fact, all three are so delicious that it's impossible for us to pick a favourite. 

The story behind Fairfield's Farm is wonderful, a family run farm that has been farming in East Anglia for three generations. In 2016 they were voted East of England Co-operative’s best producer supplier and scooped up a great taste award. This family run company has no gone global, supplying to around 20 countries. What's more, as of this year all their energy will be directed at making the farm use sustainable technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and solar power. With each 20g packet coming in at under 100kcal, means that when you get the mid-day munchies you don't have to worry about not fitting into that new outfit! You can purchase the crisps here for £13.00 for a box of 18 packets.

London Farmer's Markets - Friday Favourites

This weekend we can think of nothing better to do than hit a Farmer’s Market and peruse locally sourced products, taste some delicious foods and hopefully enjoy a little bit of sunshine. As such, everyone at The Amazing Blog has pooled their collective knowledge and selected a few of our favourite Farmer’s Markets in London.

First on our list is the Farmer's Market in South Kensington. Nestled between three fabulous museums (the V&A, Natural History Museum and Science Museum) this is a fantastic way to enjoy a Saturday. Located 5 minutes away from South Ken tube station, on a little street, this market is bursting with delicious local produce. Pick up some vegetables from Ted's Veg, organic eggs from Rookery Farm, free range meat from Beatbush Farm and purchase some utterly delicious bread, cakes and pastries from Oliver’s Bakery. You can easily buy your week’s grocery shop from here. However, if you don’t fancy that, then why not spend a few hours soaking up some culture or history in one of the fine museums before heading to the farmer’s market for a delicious lunch. We highly recommend The Parson's Nose and their sausage sandwiches.

Open every Saturday from 9.00-14.00; you can see more information about what to expect and how to find this gem of a place here.

If you want to combine your Farmer’s Market experience with a bit of shopping, then head to Pimlico Road near Sloane Square, which sits in leafy Orange Square under the watchful eye of Mozart’s statue. It is asparagus and strawberry season at the moment, and this is definitely the place to pick some up while they’re at their freshest and sweetest. We love this market and think it’s the perfect place to stroll around after a long shopping session; it can be hard work finding that perfect summer dress. With plenty of room to sit and soak up the atmosphere, you’ll be hard done by not to find something delicious to take home with you. We highly recommend this market if you’re looking for some fabulous and fancy artisanal bread and cheeses or seasonal fruits and vegetables. While you are there, you simply must stop by Favourite Stall winner of 2017, Moreton Mushrooms. Their selection is to die for, and they will greet you like old friends. 

Open every Saturday from 9.00-13.00; this market holds a special place in our hearts. For more information have a read here and thank us later.

If what you look for in a Farmer’s Market is diversity and a vast array of options, then look no further than the weekly market held at Alexandra Palace. Large enough to serve the 3000 people who visit every Sunday, this market has anything and everything you could dream of. From Smoked meats and fishes to jams and relishes to handmade pies, this market is an amazing way to spend a happy Sunday sipping freshly pressed juices while tasting homemade cakes, Mediterranean dishes and smelling exotic spices. What’s more is that, alongside the delicious food stalls, the market hosts an array of artists and craftsmen selling ceramics, books, prints and jewellery.   

This is the perfect example of what makes London such a magnificent city. After all, there aren’t many places that showcase such diversity, beauty and community.  So take the kids or head over with a group of friends, soak up the sun and enjoy the best of what London has to offer. If you get bored, which seems impossible, you can also soak up the beauty of Alexandra Palace and the surrounding grounds. For further details, such as the best entrances and particular stalls click here. 

So what are you waiting for? Text your favourite person and spend a day enjoying one of these great market’s and discover or remember the amazing things London has to offer – we hope to see you there.
 

Almond Massage Oil and Bust Gel - GMT Beauty

When we at The Amazing Blog find an effective and inspired product, we look for any excuse to feature them again, so when the opportunity arose to sample GMT Beauty’s Body Concept range we leapt at the chance! Having tried GMT's Natura Concept range previously and having loved it, we decided to try the Almond Massage Oil and the Bust Gel.

The Almond Massage Oil is a high-quality, natural organic oil full of Vitamin E to help nourish skin. Almond oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as Omega 9 and 6, which are instrumental to the body’s metabolic processes. The added vitamin E in this product acts as a powerful antioxidant which helps to preserve skin’s youthfulness and vitality. You can use this oil to combat cellulite through massage or to simply relax after a stressful day. Due to the neutral aroma and pure ingredients this oil is ideal for any skin type, including sensitive skin. What's more, the product is completely free from parabens, perfume, mineral oil and silicones - all of which are ingredients that could irritate delicate and sensitive skin. 

An important step, but one that seems to be most forgotten, is to incorporate your neck, décolletage and bust into your daily skincare regime, especially if you want to maintain youthful skin. Why keep your face looking youthful and firm but neglect a tell tale area just a little further south? The Bust Gel improves the structure and tone while also helping to tighten and firm the skin. The ingredients consist of a high-quality mixture of natural and organic oils. It contains rutin and escin which helps strengthen capillary walls while nourishing and moisturising skin, contributing to the development of a youthful radiance. The gel is rich in antioxidants, which are 100 times more effective than vitamin C in fighting free radicals. The gel accelerates collagen synthesis, rejuvenating and firming the skin and slowing down the ageing process. The Bust Gel is limited edition so you might want to purchase it before sells out!

Although the company is based in Latvia and prices are given in Euros, you can purchase GMT products in Pounds through PayPal from their website.  The Almond Massage Oil costs roughly £11.00; however it is currently sold out on the website, but it is available from GMT's UK Stockist Vian for £3.95, click here for more informtion. The Bust Gel costs roughly £30.00 from the GMT website, and is once again £3.95 from Vian. 

PureLash Lash Extender & Conditioner - Jane Iredale

Full and long lashes are our favourite accessory here at The Amazing Blog, whether you're foregoing makeup or glamming up. We especially love when our lashes are lengthened and strengthened and making  our much more mascara long-lasting. That’s why we were delighted when Jane Iredale sent us their Purelash Lash Extender & Conditioner.

This multi-purpose product is the perfect way to achieve thick, long and strong lashes. It can be used as a mascara primer, adding measurable thickness and length to the lashes when used under your favourite mascara and helping the mascara to last-longer. Not only are you left with fluttery and flirty lashes, but it also allows you to use less of your mascara, therefore helping your purchase last longer. The second purpose is perhaps our favourite; apply the product to clean lashes before bed for an overnight lash treatment. The Aloe Extract and Vitamin B Complex Factor moisturises the lashes, helping them to grow stronger and healthier. Hydrolysed Wheat Protein aids in thicker growth and with the added bonus of curlier lashes. You can even use this product to condition your eyebrows if you're coveting some bushier brows.

The majority of mascaras slow the growth of the hair follices along your eyelid. This results in scarce lashes that struggle to grow, and is why the Purelash Lash Extender & Conditioner is such a beneficial product. What's more, the product is cruelty-free so as your lashes grow, your guilt won't!  If you're still somehow not convinced, think about it this way, you wouldn't skip the conditioner in your hair-wash routine, so why skip it on your eyelashes?

Purchase the Pure Lash Extender and Conditioner here for £16.00. 

Sweet Pea & Honeysuckle Eau de Toilette and Fragranced Drawer Liner Sachets - Heathcote & Ivory

The beautiful floral aromas that fill up every space is one the best and most delightful aspects about the Summer. Here at The Amazing Blog, we love the light, delicate and sweet floral scents that drift past us and help firmly secure our experiences in hazy summer memories. Heathcote and Ivory have released a classic Sweet Pea and Honeysuckle range that we think captures the scent of the season. They have a variety of products within this range, but we thought we would try the Eau de Toilette and the Fragranced Drawer Liner Sachets.

Unlike other floral perfumes, which can be sickly or oppressing, the Sweet Pea and Honeysuckle Eau de Toilette offers a light, refreshing and lasting fragrance. With a leafy and aquatic top note of magnolia, the aroma is complemented by its musk, cedar wood and amber base notes. Romantic white jasmine and gardenia flowers entwine with the gentle and clean scent of crushed green leaves, to make you feel like you're surrounded by a blooming and fresh garden.

The Fragranced Drawer Liner Sachets are a lovely way to maintain your clothing’s freshness, and imbue their delightful scent into your clothing, mischievously clinging to the bottom of your favourite summer skirt. The lasting smell is more delicate than the perfume but still very present, and has a more grounded scent which balances beautifully with the lightness of the Eau de Toilette.

You can purchase these refreshing summer scents from Heathcote and Ivory’s website, the Eau de Toilette from here for £10.00 and the Fragrance Sachet Draw Liner Sachet’s from here for £6.50