March Degustabox 2016

Another Month has whizzed past again. It really is true what they say, after 21 time just flies by!
I have another brilliant Degustabox review today. I loved the Easter, breakfast and treat theme to this box, pretty much everything has been consumed now - they didn't last long! So I feel I can give good feedback of my thoughts of the products included in the box. You can use my discount code BLDEG15 to receive a rather generous £6 off your next order - you're welcome! All links are listed below.

First up, the Brioche Pasquier Pains au Chocolat were delicious, we are big fans of the Brioche Pasquier brand in our house so they didn't last too long. The Weetabix on the Go Breakfast Drinks are great for a quick breakfast and contains the fibre and energy that the Weetabix cereal contains, so it is perfect if you are in a rush like I usually am on a Morning! The Good Hemp Coconut Alternative Milk is another good addition to the box, admittedly this one hasn't been used just yet, but will be good to try an alternative to milk. The Kent's Kitchen Stuffing just looks like a great idea - so convenient, easy and quick to make!

Metcalfes Cinema Sweet Popcorn was absolutely delcious and even better knowing that it contains 67% less sugar than other sweet popcorn! I would definitely recommend this popcorn if you are looking for a sweet treat without the guilt! Chewits Chewy Sweets are a retro throwback for us all - they have been around for 50 years and they still are our favourite chewy sweet! I was really intrigued to see the Parle Hide & Seek Biscuits and Monaco Biscuits in the box this Month - the Hide & Seek biscuits are amazing.

Pipers Crisps in Cheddar and Onion are super tasty and great for a snack while watching a film, we loved the flavour. My Sister very quickly chomped up the Lindt White Chocolate Gold Bunny - Lindt chocolate is super sweet and it was lovely to see the little bunny included in the box. Kallo Rice Cakes in Milk Chocolate and Quinoa and Seeds were something I was excited about. I am trying to eat more healthily and these are brilliant to include in my packed lunches, and are full of flavour. Lastly, the Karyatis Meze To Go is a pepper and feta dip, great for parties or snacking - we actually tried these with the Pipers Crisps, very delicious.

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*PR sample*

Easter Treats with Lindt

Easter is fast approaching, and Lindt have you covered for all things chocolate.
The Lindt Gold Bunny StoryBook* is a fantastic way to bring Easter to life with the sweet story alongside a selection of Lindt chocolate treats to go hand-in-hand with the story all about the gold bunny.You can't go wrong with a Lindt Gold Bunny* - a classic and iconic sweet treat for Easter that has been a firm favourite of many for generations. As always, the red ribbon sits around the neck of bunny with that famous gold bell, which has become a popular choice at Easter opposed to the traditional Easter Egg.
You can also pick smaller Lidnt chocolate treats great for an Easter Hunt too.The Lindt Double Milk Carrot and the Lindt Gold Bunny Paw are perfect mini treats to add to an Easter hamper or to include in an Easter hunt. They wont last long!
The Lindt Lindor Assorted Mini Eggs* are also great to include in Easter Egg hunts or just for a sweet treat. Each pack includes an assortment of white, milk and dark chocolate eggs.
Lidnt are my all time favourite chocolatier and I can't help but indulge in some of their treats this Bank Holiday! The Gold Bunny is my all-time favourite!

What is your favourite Lindt treat? Do you love the Lindt Gold Bunny?

*Post includes some PR samples*

Valentines Ideas ❤ Gifts and Dates!

Love it or hate it, Valentines Day is just around the corner. I know it is one of those things that some people celebrate and some people don't. I personally don't mind Valentines Day, but I also think its important to show those you love and care for how much they mean to you every single day, not just on Valentines! You don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentines Day either, why not treat your parents to a take away, exchange gifts with your Sister, or have a girly night in with your best friend? 

I have put together this blog post initially to share some gift inspiration and also some general ideas of reasonably priced, yet lovely things to do to spend the day. 

Ideas for great and simple Valentines gifts

Pampering
If you are thinking of treating your loved one to some little pampering treats this Valentines, why not try a little gift set from I Love. This set is the I Love... Coconut and Cream Mini Box, which includes a body lotion, shower cream and body puff. A hand cream is always a good gift for any lady in your life, so this Yes! Nurse Hand Cream and Super Sleeve would make a perfect pamper product because we all love a good cream, right? This hand cream comes with a super cute sleeve, as Yes! Nurse are in partnership with Breast Cancer Care, whcih helps spread the message. If you are thinking of treating him this Valentines Day, The Bluebeards Revenge is always a great brand as they sell a variety of mens body, skin and shave care products; such as the shaving cream, post - shave balm, and the doubloon brush. Bluebeards Revenge products smell amazing and work really well; I know my boyfriend has tried a few of their products before and loves them. I think a bundle of products like these shaving themed ones would make great gifts in a bundle or you could even pick up a gift set.

Underwear
Underwear is always a winner for any occasion in my eyes - who doesn't love receiving new underwear for Valentines? This set of men's boxers are from Da Da Underwear; a brand which creates comfortable underwear for men from sustainable and soft materials which are all ethically produced in Sri Lanka. The fabrics Da Da Underwear use are made using bamboo rayon and organic cotton. As you can see, they look pretty cool, and they are insanely soft! This set is called the retro white - white - red, a really simple, yet classic design. DaDa also have a subscription service available, where you can sign up to get a pair of underwear through your letterbox every 3 Months - I think this is a great gift idea, as the gifts keep on coming!

Fragrance
Fragrance is a perfect gift for any girl in your life. Why not treat her to her favourite perfume? One of my favourites is Britney Spears Circus Fantasy, which smells very sweet and is really reasonably priced.

Cards
A card is usually the first thing on my list to pick up for Valentines Day. I think its important to sit down and write a sweet message in a card; we must not forget to importance of writing - I think it is a great sentiment and something you can look back on in Years to come. These beautiful Valentines Cards are from handmade retailers Made With Love Designs. I love the cute and unique designs of these cards, they are nothing like I have seen before. You can use the discount code zoelianne at the checkout for a generous 30% off your order; valid until the 13th February.

Food
Making a meal together at home is something I think is a classic for a low-key Valentines date, and I thought this Valentines sandwich recipe was too cute not to share! It is super easy to create, and a very unique taste which I am sure will be a hit! And look - they are heart shaped, whats not to love?! You can check out the full recipe for the Robert's Bakery Strawberries and Cream Valentines Sandwich in my previous post here. Chocolate is always a winner for a small token gift on Valentines, these Lindt Lindor Strawberries and Cream chocolates are delicious and are a limited edition flavour so if you fancy a treat, grab them while you can!

Here are a few more gift ideas I have put together in this collage which I think would make fab gifts; whether you are spending the day with a partner, friends or family. 

Floral Love Letters  Living Nature Lipstick in Bloom Wooden Spice Box    Clare O 'Neill Artwork Lily O Brien's Honeycomb Hearts Cut Throat Shavette Kit LED Colour Changing Mosaic Candle Light Personalised Train Ticket
Astridelle Watch Oysters and Absinthe Date Colourful Valentines Roses Bryt Gift Set 

Candle, artwork and decor to set the mood, a shaving kit to prepare for the date, a pretty lipstick set to impress, a spice box to get you cooking together, a personalised gift to keep forever, a date with a difference - Oysters and Absinthe at the ,a pretty bunch of bright roses, a gift box full of pamper treats, a beautiful watch to remind you to enjoy every minute, and of-course some tasty chocolates to indulge in. Sounds like a great Valentines Day to me.

Ideas for a great, yet simple date

❤ Order takeaway and watch a load of your favourite films
❤ Go for a walk to your local park and feed the ducks
❤ Ditch going out for a meal, make a dish together at home and experiment with new cooking ideas
❤ Write down all the things you love about that person and tell them!
❤ Do something small but effective - the little things count too
❤ Get the train and visit a town you have never been to before
❤ Buy a disposable camera and take lots of photographs
❤ Go swimming/go to the library/go rollerblading/play mini-golf/do something you haven't done in Years
❤ Bake cakes for each other
❤ Host an indoor picnic with all your favourite treats
❤ Visit your local nature reserve and take a moment to appreciate the beautiful environment
❤ Take a walk in the country with a blanket and a flask of hot chocolate
❤ Watch a movie at the cinema that you haven't heard of
❤ Go for a hike in the country
❤  Meet for a coffee in an independent cafe


Thanks to Frankie , Ree Ree , Chloe, Erin , Kate and Lauren for all of your ideas!

❤
What are your plans for Valentines Day?

*This post includes PR samples*