Laura Thornberry : June 2018

Sambazon Frozen Açaí Smoothie Bowl*

By Laura Thornberry - 12:00

If you're looking for the perfect treat to start your day, forget the Porridge, Pancakes and Avocado Toast... Açaí Smoothie Bowls are the new king of the breakfasts! They seem to be all the rage right now; packed with so much nutritional value, packed with vitamins, proteins and antioxidants, topped with fresh fruit and superfoods. It's the perfect breakfast for a warm Summers day... What more could you want?

Sambazon* is the world’s leading producer of Açaí; one of the purest, most nutritious botanicals on the planet. Allowing Brits to create the Insta-famous Açaí Bowl at home, Sambazon is on a mission to bring real Açaí to the UK!

"Taking its name from its core goal, Sambazon stands for the Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon. "

Açaí grows in the Amazon Rainforest, and it is one of the only fruits on the planet to be naturally sugar free, packed with antioxidants, and full of healthy omegas, fibre and protein. The Açaí Smoothie Bowl are ideal for enjoying as a health boosting breakfast, filling lunch time, pre and post exercise, healthy snack or as an after dinner treat.

The perfect treat, with no guilt!

To make the Açaí Bowl, simply remove two pouches from the freezer and run them under the tap for ten seconds to loosen them up a little. Then add the sachets to a blender with half a banana and a splash of milk. Once combined, simply pour into a bowl, ready to add your yummy extras.

I topped mine with a variety of fresh fruit: Mango Chunks, Kiwi, Blueberries, as well as some Cacao Nibs, Dried Coconut and Goji Berries.

With this being my first attempt at making a Sambazon Frozen Açaí Smoothie Bowl as well as my first time trying one, I was very impressed! It has such an earthy, natural taste, with a slight chocolatey hint, it was unlike anything I had ever tried before. Once blended, the Sambazon Açaí* has such a thick and creamy texture; think of it as a similar version to a frozen yoghurt, it was the perfect refreshing snack to eat in the morning. After eating, I felt more awake, more energised and ready to get on with my day!

If I was to make the Sambazon Frozen Açaí Smoothie Bowl again, I would definitely love to try and add some fresh Strawberries, Pineapple, Peaches and Blackberries!

All Sambazon products are 100% organic, Fairtrade, vegan, non-GMO, gluten free and Kosher. The packs are available in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods Market and Ocado.

RRP £4.00.

Have you heard of Sambazon? Do you like Açaí Smoothie Bowls?

* PR Sample sent for review purposes

All opinions are 100% honest.

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Primarks Pink Lemonade Reed Diffuser

By Laura Thornberry - 11:00

Reed diffusers are extremely popular in home fragrances right now. With an amazing variety of scents available, they are a great way to add constant fragrance to your home, and they will give you a scent that's much longer-lasting than a candle. As they lightly release the scent throughout the room without flames, making them more practical and much safer to use in the home.

I decided to head to my local Primarks homeware department and pick up a Reed Diffuser, to try out for myself and see what all the fuss was about. I opted for the very fruity and refreshing sounding "Pink Lemonade" diffuser, which just screamed Summer to me!

Reed diffusers are so quick and easy to use... Simply remove the stopper from the top of the glass bottle and insert the reeds into the fragranced diffuser oil. The reeds soak up the scent, emitting a pleasant and fresh aroma around your home. You will need to flip the reeds over, around once a week, to avoid them drying out so that the scent of the diffuser oil can continue spreading throughout the room.

The scent of the Pink Lemonade Diffuser is described as Rhubarb and Lemon, which to me is a perfect combination for a truly summertime fragrance. The sweet and sugary Rhubarb, combined with the zesty, zingy and citrus Lemon, makes this such a refreshing and uplifting aroma to have in the home. Super fresh and extremely fruity, it's definitely one homeware product to pick up on your next Primark trip!

The 100ml Pink Lemonade Reed Diffuser from Primark has great lasting power. It will keep your room smelling fresh for up to 8 weeks! That's a whole TWO MONTHS! Primark have plenty of other available scents in their homeware range, so if Pink Lemonade isn't for you, there will definitely be something to suit your preferences. From Madagascan Vanilla to Vintage Blossom to Sea Salt and Lavender to Pomegranate and Fig, there is a huge variety of fragrances perfect for any home!

RRP £3.00 100ml

Also available £1.00 30ml

Have you tried Primarks Reed Diffusers before? What scents have you tried/would like to try?

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First Impressions - Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks

By Laura Thornberry - 11:00

If you have always wanted to try out a quality sheet mask, I may just have the product that you have been waiting for... Let's take a look at a couple of the Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks I picked up recently from Garnier.

Sheet masks originated from South Korea, a country known for their dedication to beauty and skin care. Since then, they have taken the world by storm, many beauty brands now have their own ranges of sheet masks and they are now widely available in both the drugstore and supermarkets.

The beauty of sheet masks is that they can be used pretty much anywhere and anytime. A perfect wake me up for those tired mornings, an evening glow boost ready for your night out, or even on the go whilst travelling, they are definitely a great addition to any skincare routine.

Instructions for use are super simple.

1. Unfold the mask. Carefully apply the white tissue to thoroughly cleansed skin. Make sure the blue protective film is facing outwards. Smooth the mask gently to ensure contact with the skin.

2. Remove the protective film.

3. Adjust the mask contours on the face. Leave for 15 minutes.

4. To remove the mask, peel off slowly from the edges. Gently massage in any excess serum, or use a cotton pad to remove.

The first product I picked up was the Garnier Skin Active Charcoal and Algae Hydrating Sheet Mask. Enriched with Black Algae Extract, LHA and Hyaluronic Acid, a perfect pamper product for those will oily/combination skin, as this helps to mattify, purify, and detox congested skin, as well as tightening enlarged pores.

Black Algae Extract is packed with proteins, nutrients and amino acids. A natural ingredient known for its anti-ageing properties and treating dark circles under the eyes, as well as helping with skin elasticity and fine lines. These nourishing, yet soothing ingredients hydrate the skin’s surface, while the Charcoal works some magic by removing any impurities, to give a gentle, deep cleanse to the skin.

Next up we have the Garnier Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet Mask. This has to be my favourite sheet mask that I have tried. Soaked in a super silky serum, enriched with Pomegranate Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Plant Serum, this is a brilliant treat for those with dehydrated skin. Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient important for skin health, as well as packed with antioxidants and anti-ageing properties. What more could you want?!

After using both these masks for the recommended 15 minutes, my skin looked super healthy and hydrated. It's amazing how my complexion looked smoother, plumper and more radiant in such a short space of time! These Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks contains one whole week's worth of hydrating serum, which will keep your skin looking moisturised, revitalised and nourished all day and all night long. Masks so good that I have repurchased more of these to try and test out as a weekly pamper treat, as they are so fuss-free and easy to use. I would highly recommend giving these mask a go!

Garnier also have some other products available in the Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask range for all your skin types and needs, including;

Green Tea; Super Hydrating Rebalancing Mask

Chamomile; Super Hydrating Soothing Mask

Sakura; Super Hydrating Glow-Revealing Mask

Lavender; Super Hydrating De-Tiring Mask

RRP £2.99

Suitable for all skin types.

Have you tried the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks? Which is your favourite?

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1 Of Your 5-A-Day with Juicy Fuel Cola*

By Laura Thornberry - 13:00

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Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor Treatment

By Laura Thornberry - 11:00

When it comes to haircare, Aussie is my go to brand. I've used their products for years and years, they just have the perfect products to fulfil my haircare needs and I am never disappointed.

“There's more to life than hair, but it's a good place to start“: The Aussie Philosophy

I recently picked another bottle up of the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Intensive Lightweight Oil. (It's sooo good, I'm on my third bottle!) A treatment specifically designed for those with damaged hair, I thought now the sun is shining, and the weather is warming up, this could be a great product to bring out to add to my Summer haircare routine, to help avoid heat damaged and my hair drying out.

Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor Treatment

The product itself has a clear oil and serum consistency, which is easily absorbed into the hair. Blended with 3 beautiful, miracle oils ; Australian Macadamia Nut, Jojoba-seed and Avocado, encouraging your hair to look effortlessly silky, smooth and shiny. It smells super sweet, fresh and slightly nutty.

Just a few drops spread through the lengths and ends of my hair gives plenty of moisture and shine with no greasiness and no sticky residue. Simply making my hair feel super soft, more manageable and tangle free.

The directions for use are super simple, there are 3 main uses for this product and I honestly find all 3 very effective.
- use the oil before shampooing as a pre-wash treatment
- on damp hair to help with smoothness, seal split-ends and manage frizz and flyaways
- on dry hair for amazing shine, looking nourished and perfect for styling

I've used the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor Treatment over and over again. I just love the way it makes my hair look and feel; amazing shine, visibly nourished and makes it feel super soft. Retailing at £9.99, it's on the pricier side for a drugstore oil, but seeing as it gives amazing results from the first use and will last a really long time as a little goes a long way, I definitely think it's worth the investment!

I reviewed some more Aussie products here.

Have you tried the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor Oil Treatment?

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Fruity and Refreshing Strawberry Shower Gel by ORGANii*

By Laura Thornberry - 10:30

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beauty

First Impressions - L'oreal Paris Smooth Sugars Nourish Scrub

By Laura Thornberry - 10:30

New for 2018, L'Oreal Paris has added a trio of Smooth Sugars Scrubs to their skincare range, and as a skincare lover, I couldn't wait to try them!

L'oreal Paris Smooth Sugars Nourish Scrub

The product I chose to pick up from this range is the L'oreal Smooth Sugars Nourish Scrub. The Smooth Sugar Nourish Scrub is formulated with exfoliants of 100% natural origin, containing three fine sugars;brown, golden and white.

The expert blend also contains 3 fine sugars; White sugar that melts on the skin while gently buffing away impurities and dead skin cells. blonde sugar, which is a natural moisturiser, and brown sugar which is rich in minerals that help strengthen the skin's barrier.

The three sugars have been combined with Cocoa Butter; a natural ingredient rich in essential nutrients to help soothe dryness, and to help exfoliate, producing a soft and smooth complexion and instantly reveal glowy, plump skin.

Upon application, the sugar scrub glides across the skin so effortlessly, simply melts into the skin. I like to use a flat brush to apply, as a little goes a long way! I like to leave the scrub on my skin for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with a damp face cloth. The nourishing ingredients leave the skin looking super soft, hydrated and brightened, so I think this would be perfect for those with dry and dull looking skin.

The texture of the L'oreal Paris Smooth Sugars Nourish Scrub is super smooth, velvety, non-abrasive and it just glides of the skin. Cocoa Grains are infused into the sugar scrub to help remove any dead skin cells to help improve softness, remove texture and clear the skin of impurities. It's an absolute dream to use on the skin!

"The expert blend also contains 3 fine sugars; White sugar that melts on the skin while gently buffing away impurities and dead skin cells. blonde sugar, which is a natural moisturiser, and brown sugar which is rich in minerals that help strengthen the skin's barrier."

I'd highly recommend the L'oreal Paris Smooth Sugars Nourish Scrub for those will dry, dull skin or if you are just lacking that radiant glow. However, if the Nourish Scrub isn't for you, L'oreal also have 2 other products in the Smooth Sugars range that might cater for your skin needs;

- Smooth Sugar Clear Scrub with Kiwi Seeds to exfoliate and unclog blackheads.

- Smooth Sugar Glow Scrub with Grapeseed Oil to exfoliate and give skin a radiant glow.

RRP £9.99

Suitable for all skin types. For face and lips.

Have you tried the L'oreal Smooth Sugars Scrub? Which is your favourite?

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The Ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe

By Laura Thornberry - 11:00

I don’t know a single person who doesn’t love Garlic Bread. It's the most tasty, quick and easy to make side dish that I can think of, and doesn't require too many ingredients either, so you can't really go wrong -> just bread + garlic + butter = a winning combo!

It is such a popular side dish to serve with so many different dishes... You name it, Garlic Bread goes with it.

For my Ultimate Garlic Bread recipe, you will need;

- 2 ready to bake Baguettes, cut in half

- 4 Garlic Cloves, peeled and chopped

- 3 tbsp of Butter

- 1 tsp of Parsley

- Olive Oil

- Salt and Pepper

- Chilli Flakes (optional)

- Grated Cheese, Cheddar and Mozzarella (optional)

To begin making this tasty treat, you will need to firstly grab a microwave-safe bowl or cup. Then combine all of the ingredients together; the Butter, chopped Garlic, Salt, Pepper and Parsley, followed by a splash of Olive Oil.

Microwave the mixture on a low power setting, for 30-40 seconds, until the butter has completely melted. Then remove from microwave and give the mixture a good stir, making sure everything is combined.

With a fork, press some holes evenly across the baguettes; this allows your buttery mixture to absorb and fully soak into the bread better, giving a much better flavour to your dish! Spoon the Garlic Butter mixture evenly over the baguettes until covered. Now they are ready to bake in the oven!

If you are using ready to bake Baguettes, these will take 8-12 minutes to cook in a preheated oven, around 200° is perfect. Once the baguettes are ready, I like to finish them off by placing under the grill for a couple of minutes, this allows the mixture to soak deeper into the bread and the fresh Garlic to super crunchy! Delicious!

I prefer to make my own homemade Garlic Bread, as I find store-bought versions sometimes lack in flavour, or can be completely dry as there is not much butter mixture added. I like mine to be super buttery and packed full of garlic, for that extra punch!

As an added extra, you can finish off my Ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe by adding some grated Cheese and a pinch of Chilli Flakes (for a little spicy kick) before you place under the grill. I like to use a grated Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese, as for me this is the best combination of cheeses to use, as they melt perfectly and go super crisp under the grill.

Do you make your own Garlic Bread at home? What is your favourite recipe to use?

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Sambazon Frozen Açaí Smoothie Bowl*

Primarks Pink Lemonade Reed Diffuser

First Impressions - Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks

1 Of Your 5-A-Day with Juicy Fuel Cola*

Aussie 3 Miracle Oil Reconstructor Treatment

Fruity and Refreshing Strawberry Shower Gel by ORGANii*

First Impressions - L'oreal Paris Smooth Sugars Nourish Scrub

The Ultimate Garlic Bread Recipe

Laura Thornberry

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