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Want a taste of Italy without the hassle of getting there? The answer is Canvino, a fabulous new sparkling vegan wine which comes in recyclable cans. Easier to transport than bottles, the cans are lightweight and the wine stays sparkly and cooler for longer!  image (c) Mike Pickup
The wine comes from grapes sourced from a family-owned vineyard which has produced wine for a century using the traditional Charmat or tank method. In case you're wondering, that is the main process used for Prosecco and Lambrusco wines. Canvino comes in two flavours, Rosé and Bianco, ideal for indoor or outdoor celebrations. Sparkling Bianco is a crisp and dry white wine, medium bodied, easy to drink. Although dry is style it is fresh and fruity with light floral notes. Rose is medium-dry, lightly sparkling and refreshing with well balanced fruit notes. Launched in 2021, all natural Canvino is the perfect companion for any event and is 100% vegan too. Marc Laventure, Co-Founder of Canvino, said; “The canned wine market has soared in popularity over the past few years in the UK, so we are delighted to launch Canvino as the perfect new addition to your favourite portable tipples. We’re proud to deliver crisp and refreshing Italian sparkling wines that are as easy on the eye as they are to drink. Whatever the occasion, add some fizz to the party this year with a Canvino.” Can I recommend it wholeheartedly? Yes, definitely. Gets a big 10 out of 10 from me! Canvino is available from houseofcanvino.com, Amazon and other selected retailers. (I was sent some cans of Canvino to try in return for an unbiased review, which all of my reviews are!)  BRAINZYME® PLANT POWERED BRAIN FOOD
Brainzyme® Focus brain food supplements are designed to improve focus, mood, memory and give a 100% natural energy boost. The fast-acting capsules are easily absorbed to help you achieve ‘flow state’, which allows you to work efficiently without becoming distracted or feeling under pressure. There are three products in the Brainzyme Focus ® range: Original, Pro and Elite. How do they differ? Focus Original™ helps you focus and feel calm. It combines Guarana and Choline nootropic components including L-Theanine, EGCG and Polyphenols with a Brainzyme® blend of B-vitamins and minerals to support your body and brain. In short, it may help you get more done! Focus Pro™ great for boosting motivation and giving additional memory support. 20 active ingredients include high levels of L-Theanine, EGCG and Polyphenols to help you focus on the task in hand, Guarana to keep fatigue at bay while allowing you to maintain alertness, Choline for brain function, Ginkgo Biloba to help support memory and increase blood flow to the brain while delivering vital oxygen to improve brain power. [note: after only a week of trying these supplements, my energy levels have increased and I do not tire as easily as before.] Focus Elite™ Enhances mood, helps memory, boosts focus levels whilst relieving stress. Jam packed with nutrients to support long-term brain health, it utilises Panax Ginseng to invigorate brain and body while supporting social functioning and mood. It also has Guarana, Ginkgo Biloba, Choline and Curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. L. Acidophilus, a live culture, is included as scientists increasingly find more links between gut health and brain performance. Acetyl L-Carnitine, a mitochondrial energy optimiser,supports energy production at the cellular level. [note: when I take these Elite supplements, I find I am able to concentrate more easily without my mind racing off in several different directions at once which it normally tends to do!] Brainzyme® Focus supplements are available from www.brainzyme.com Brainzyme® was launched in 2016 by Edinburgh company Better Nutritional Science Ltd. as the UK's first ‘natural nootropic’ to help support brain function. Brainzyme’s brain food supplements contain plant-powered ingredients, vitamins and minerals that have been scientifically proven to support concentration, cognition, memory, mental performance and reduce tiredness. Brainzyme® is based on ingredient research from leading neuro-cognitive and nutritional experts, including the 18-member panel at EFSA. Better Nutritional Science Ltd. was awarded Scottish Enterprise’s Wider Innovation grant in 2017, 2018 and 2019.  (promoted post)
 I love Puressentiel products. This family company with a background in herbalism and naturopathy have collaborated with doctors, pharmacists, scientific researchers and aromatherapy specialists to develop the Puressentiel range. They sent me their Muscles and Joints Pure Heat Roller and Pure Heat Gel to try and I have to say that they do tick all the boxes. Recommended for athletes and those suffering from muscle and joint pain, these products are the natural way to help relieve pain or strain. They each contain 14 essential botanical oils with anti inflammatory, anti swelling, analgesic properties. These include chamomile, cloves, eucalyptus, cajuput, wintergreen, juniper, marjoram, peppermint, lavender, limonene, nutmeg, niaouli, Scots pine and rosemary. What a glorious combination! They are quite strongly scented due to the eucalyptus and menthol, a pleasant smell which helps make you feel relaxed. You only need to use a little of the product which feels cool and tingly on first contact with the skin and becomes warmer so you know it is going to be beneficial! The heat gel and roller don't leave stains and are non-greasy and non-sticky so making them ideal to use anytime, anywhere. Puressentiel products: - made with 100% natural active ingredients - contain pure and natural essential oils and have no parabens, colourants, GMO, phenoxyethanol or synthetic fragrances - are not tested on animals Sold at Boots, Holland & Barrett, Amazon or direct from the company.  Made from the finest responsibly-sourced Madagascan cocoa and crafted by expert Belgian chocolatiers, these dark chocolate chips from Nibble Simply are sweetened with coconut sugar, which the experts say, is better for you! Grown in mineral-rich soil, Madagascan cocoa is one of the very best and one of the most exclusive, cocoas in the world, accounting for less than 1% of chocolate globally. Another thing, cocoa is full of flavonoids with antioxidant qualities which help protect skin against damage from UV rays and pollution that speeds up skin ageing.  Goodies from the Nibble Group are fabulously different! Their lower-in- sugar, vegan snacks and bites are made with the best all-natural ingredients, nothing at all nasty lurks within! And they contain a fraction of the sugar of other snack bars. The two delicious ranges are: NIBBLE SIMPLY: Made with a handful of the finest ingredients, the little keto-friendly bites are super healthy with 55%+ fewer carbs, 60%+ less sugar and 160%+ more protein than their cookie counterparts. NIBBLE PROTEIN: Protein-packed bites are made with antioxidant dried plum purée. No sugar-laden dates or high GI sweeteners here. I was sent a pack of Nibble's yummy Madagascan chocolate chips to try and yes, they are fabulously rich and tasty! Definitely moreish!
All NIBBLE natural bites are vegan, soy and gluten free. The clever people there have avoided the most commonly used proteins: whey (dairy-based) and soy. Instead they opted for pea protein which contains no dairy or soy (common allergens) and it is sustainable - so, goodie! no cows required! It is also alkaline forming to help keep your body in balance and since it is a slow digesting protein, studies show it keeps you fuller for longer than whey protein. What's not to like? Nibble also contains other healthy ingredients including gluten-free oats, toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds and tasty dried plum purée. Now, dried plums, prunes by another name, are in fact, the original superfood. Well-known for being high in fibre, they're also tops for antioxidant power and contain over 40% less sugar than dates. As well as that, nutrient-rich dried plums are a good source of iron, potassium, boron - necessary for strong bones & muscles, magnesium and vitamins K and A. Wow! They are deliciously low GI too. No wonder dried plum purée is the base of the Nibble Protein range.  Pukka Herbs has launched a fabulous bedtime tea which is absolutely chocca with immunity supporting ingredients.
Blended by Pukka’s Master Herbsmith, Sebastian Pole, Night Time Berry is a taste of fruity heaven with 100% organic blackcurrant, echinacea and elderberry combined with nature’s A-list night-time herbs; lavender, chamomile and valerian, making this the absolutely perfect bedtime brew. Nature’s finest ingredients for sleep and immunity : Elderberries: Bursting with brightly coloured pigments that act as natural antioxidants, elderberries are a natural source of vitamin C. Echinacea: A renowned immune tonic, echinacea can be particularly helpful to maintain seasonal wellness. Valerian: Traditional tonic to support restful sleep. Valerian can help us to drop off into an undisturbed sleep Chamomile: contains an antioxidant called apigenin which works on brain receptors to help initiate sleep. Night Time Berry (RRP £2.99) is a new addition to Pukka’s popular sleep range which includes Pukka’s Organic Night Time tea and supplements. I've been trying Pukka night time berry tea to see if it would help improve my sleeping pattern. I have to say that I am surprised (because I've tried many others which have no effect on me at all) and very pleased to say that it has indeed improved my sleep .... and what's more, it's lovely fruity taste is extremely relaxing .... zzzzzzzzzz  Would you like more energy?
Would you like to know how to reach your maximum cognitive capacity? Read on ..... Your productivity levels can rise to new heights with this new energy supplement shown to enhance mental performance We start the day with the best intentions and motivation to get things done. Yet how often do we end the day feeling tired and frustrated because there are still tasks to do? Take charge of your energy and increase your productivity with NEW Pro Plus® Ultra This superior caffeinated energy source which contains a unique blend of slow-release caffeine, vitamins and adaptogens, has been shown to support focus, boost energy and enhance mental performance. Commenting on the benefits of energy enhancers, productivity hacker and founder of the UK’s No. 1 peak performance podcast Take FLIGHT, Mark Whittle says: “Productivity doesn’t happen by accident. Accomplishing the things you need and want to do requires continuous energy and focus. I recommend long-lasting energy supplements such as Pro Plus® Ultra to all my clients wanting to improve their performance, both physically and mentally.” Pro Plus® Ultra contains Guarana Extract, a natural source of caffeine, and slow-release caffeine to provide a sustained release of energy throughout the day, improving your mental focus and sharpening your attention. Pro Plus® Ultra can help reduce the impact of stress on the brain and body’s functions thanks to the adaptogen Ashwagandha, shown to enhance mental clarity and boost energy levels. Thanks to added Vitamins B6 & B12, known for improving energy, as well as Ginseng, contributing to mental performance, Pro Plus® Ultra can help reduce symptoms of physical and mental fatigue, heightening cognitive functions such as improved focus and alertness. Mark Whittle Comments: “On days when we are tired and struggling for motivation, there are steps we can take to re-energise and perform at our best. By combining self-discipline and determination with a powerful combination of slow-release caffeine, vitamins and adaptogens, such as those found in Pro Plus® Ultra, we can help improve our energy, vitality and productivity.” For more information, visit www.proplus.co.uk. Pro Plus Ultra’s Unique blend of ingredients includes:
About Mark Whittle Founder and host of the UK’s No. 1 peak performance podcast Take FLIGHT. Mark is a former athlete turned lifestyle coach, entrepreneur and productivity hacker. Mark is passionate about helping others reach their highest level of performance. More about Mark and the Take FLIGHT Podcast at fl1ght.co.uk (Promoted Post)  Lizi’s granola is a fab option for breakfast. I love granola and when I eat breakfast - which isn't every day - naughty, I know! - that's what I opt for. However, up until last week I hadn't sampled Lizi's granola. I have tried most of the other granolas on the supermarket shelves; of course, some are better than others. I discard those which have lots of teeny tiny bits almost like hard granules of dust lounging around in the packet. Some just don't have any flavour. Some are too sweet. Others are hard - yes, I know granola is supposed to be crunchily hard - but, there's crunchy and there's tooth shatteringly crunchy. When I was asked if I would like a packet of Lizi's high protein granola to try out and review here, I said, yes please! I'll give it a go. So, here's my take on Lizi's Granola. Tasty. Good texture. It doesn't turn soggy as soon as I add my soya milk. Not too sweet. What surprised me, I suppose, was that I didn't feel peckish within an hour or two of eating it. This slow-release of energy is due to the low GL (glycaemic load) per serving, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. So, to the nitty gritty. This granola delivers more than 27% of your daily protein needs per serving. Oats, pumpkin seeds, coconut and chopped nuts up your fibre intake and of course as you all know, that contributes to our general health, mental wellbeing and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Apple juice adds just the right amount natural sweetness so you have a super, tasty breakfast that is really good for you.  The low sugar mix - under 4% - is ideal for those who dislike sweet breakfast cereals. I've been eating this fabby granola with the addition of chopped apple or a satsuma or two, sometimes with fresh raspberries (Scottish, of course!) or a dollop of Greek style plain yogurt. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians. RRP £3. 70 for 350g. Lizi’s is available in lots of supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons, Ocado. from many independent health stores and of course, from Lizi's online shop at lizis.co.uk Why not try a packet or two? You'll like it, I promise! This product was sent to me free of charge by Lizi’s to be reviewed. Disclaimer : this review is my honest opinion of the product. LoveRaw, an indulgent, plant-based chocolate brand, is on a mission to produce vegan confectionary which tastes better than traditional chocolate. The company has introduced Cre&m Wafer Bars with no palm oil, dairy or artificial ingredients. No wonder they taste so moreish!   LoveRaw use only organic ingredients and - isn't this clever? - they slow dry their superfood bars at 38 degrees to make sure that no vitamins or minerals are lost in the process. There are two editions in the range: M:lk Choc and White Choc. Every pack contains two wafers, which are simply crammed full of LoveRaw’s signature almond and hazelnut cre&m and generously smothered in vegan chocolate. Your taste buds won't know what's hit them with these Wafer Bars which are so scrummy that each product can be enjoyed on its own or be the star ingredient in numerous culinary creations, from cupcakes and brownies to doughnuts and birthday cakes. (see recipes here.) Give Wafer Bars a try whether you are extremely vegan, occasionally vegan or not vegan at all. They are perfect for sharing or for a self-indulgent moment with a mid-morning or afternoon cuppa. You'll find them in TheVeganKind, Whole Foods Market, Boots, Holland & Barrett, Ocado, Co-op, Waitrose. Images all (c) Gilly Pickup Eat Love Raw Superfood Bars are: 100% Organic - 100% Raw - 100% Vegan - Gluten Free - Dairy Free -Wheat Free -Soy Free
www.eatloveraw.com Twitter: @loverawofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialloveraw/ Instagram: @loveraw Pinterest: @loverawofficial Thanks to the company for sending me samples to try for review purposes. |
