Eco Ibiza

Ever thought of holidaying in Ibiza? 

Cherry Bakewell Cupcakes by Ms Cupcake

I do love a spot of vegan baking when I have the time. Where I live it can be difficult to buy ready made vegan treats so I often find it easier and more enjoyable to make my own.

The Ghosts In Our Machine

I recently saw some people discussing this film online and realised that it wasn't one that I have seen yet so I decided to rent it for a bargain 99p on iTunes.

This is literally one of the most poignant films I have ever had the pleasure of watching. 

I can't believe that it wasn't on my radar and that I had never heard of it before now.

'The Ghosts In Our Machine' examines the lives of animals living within and rescued from the machine that is today's modern world. It follows animal rights photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur through undercover investigations to heartwarming rescue missions. Each photograph that Jo-Anne takes is a window into the lives of the animals that serve a purpose to various global industries including food, fashion, entertainment and research. 

This film is beyond moving. It gets you thinking and questioning. It's a must see!

Body Shop Make Up

I have always been a MAC Cosmetics girl and a big fan of their make up but since finding out that they test their products on animals I have been keen to move away from the MAC brand.

If you are a woman you will know it's really not easy finding make up that works for you. It can be a costly experiment trying out different products until you find one that you're satisfied with. And once you do find one that you love nothing will make you change it!

That's how I felt about MAC anyway, until I began to educate myself more about animal testing and cruelty. I now want to be more conscious about what I spend my money on and contribute towards.

Unfortunately MAC Cosmetics, and their owner Estee Lauder, are not listed on the cruelty free companies guide by PETA or Cruelty Free International's website.

I was extremely disappointed when I found this out so I emailed their customer services department to ask them directly, but unfortunately the reply I received back just confirmed what I had already found out online.

So the time has come to find myself some new make up!

I know it's not going to be easy, and it's probably going to cost me more initially whilst I search out the perfect cruelty free brand for me. But in the long term it's 100% the right decision. There is no way I can continue to use products that I know are tested on animals.

This month I have decided to start with a brand that I know and one that has been recommended to me - The Body Shop.

The Body Shop appeals to me not only on price but also on accessibility. I know that there is a Body Shop in most shopping centres and high streets - something that I haven't been used to with MAC. I know with all brands now you can buy online but I still enjoy the hands on shopping experience, particularly when purchasing new products as its near on impossible to select what colourings are best for you online.

I am now about three weeks into using my new products and have started to form some verdicts. Some items I have been pleasantly surprised with, and others I know aren't going to be right for me.

I have started to come to the realisation that perhaps rather than buying all of my make up from one source, it may turn into a game of mix and matching the best products together from different companies.

So here are my ratings:

Colour Crush Lipstick - 8 / 10
Carbon Eye Definer - 9 / 10
Colour Crush Eye Shadow - 9 / 10
All In One InstaBlur Primer - 6 / 10
Shiver Waves Blusher - 7 / 10
All In One Face Base Powder - 7 / 10
Moisture Foundation SPF15 - 5 / 10
Baked To Last Bronzer - 8 / 10
Super Volume Mascara - 5 / 10

The items I felt most let down by were the foundation and mascara so i'd be looking to change these asap. I like a foundation to feel like its giving me a really good coverage and this one just doesn't cut it. I guess if you like to feel like you're not wearing make up then this may be a good option for you but it doesn't work for me. The eye shadow, liner and lippy were all fab and i'd definitely buy again.

Next month I am planning on trying out Superdrug's cruelty free B. range of cosmetics and hopefully finding myself the perfect foundation.

Sarah x

The Vegan Kind - #TVK16

Its that time of the month again that I always look forward to ~ the arrival of my box of goodies from The Vegan Kind!

I think for one reason, and one reason only, this may just be my favourite box yet! Why!? Erm..... Freedom Mallow Choc Dips!!! I didn't even know this existed but I am super happy it does. What a treat! Vegan, gluten free marshmallows with a dark chocolate dipping sauce. Need I say more!? This was a straight up hit with me.

I am also a big crisp addict so it was great to sample these sour cream & chive Eat Real Quinoa Chips. I took them to work with me and really enjoyed tucking into them at lunch time. Very tasty and I would definitely buy them again.

The fact that this box also contained some Super Nutrients Banana Powder made it feel as though it was completely tailored for me this month. I have been blending crazy lately so i'm really happy that I have something that I can add to my smoothies.

This months box also featured a cute sample of White Rabbit Toning Eye Cream. Not only is this skincare range vegan, but its also handmade! I'm looking forward to seeing the results of this over the next few weeks.

The recipe card this month features a spirulina banana heart smoothie by the amazingly talented Fresh Heather who I am an avid follower of on Instagram (@freshheather). Her food is a real inspiration and a must see for anyone looking to try out the vegan diet.

Sarah x

Mildred's Restaurant

Tonight we visited Mildred's restaurant in Soho for our date night!

I had seen some really good reviews for this vegetarian and vegan restaurant on Trip Advisor and I am pleased to say the reality lived up to the reviews. 

You can't book a table here but we were lucky to be early enough to secure our spot for the evening. 

The menu was amazing and we really struggled to choose what we wanted. In the end I went for the vegan mushroom and ale pie with hand cut chips and mushy peas. My husband chose the halloumi burger. Both were insanely good! 

We were so stuffed after our mains but we couldn't say no to dessert....

I had the vegan & gluten free chocolate peanut butter brownie - who knew special dietary requirements could taste this good!!! My husband picked the vegetarian black cherry and chocolate cheesecake. 

If you haven't been here yet you must! Anyone would love it, even if you aren't vegetarian or vegan. The food is to die for. 

In fact this would be the perfect place to take anyone you are trying to convert to a plant based diet! They wouldn't need anymore convincing after this.