Category Archives: review

Degustabox May 2019

28th May 2019

Hello, and welcome to a whistle stop tour of the May 2019 Degustabox*

Looking at this photo I have convinced myself I have missed something, but I couldn’t tell you what…anyway, as per last month this is another short and sweet recap of this foodie subscription box, I haven’t had as much time to try everything as I would like due to going on holiday on Friday and still having what seems like an impossible amount to do.

This month’s box had a brunch/afternoon tea theme and contained some fantastic products…

Splenda Sweet Minis; I am a sweetener user and Splenda is one of my go-to brands. This dinky little dispenser is perfect for on the go (I keep one on my desk at work) and is available in all major supermarkets for around £1.50.

These are one of Bob’s all time favourite treats, and I’m quite partial to them too. A crunchy waffle with delicious caramel inside- a Dutch institution for a reason. If you’re yet to try them, I 100% recommend Daelmans’ brand.

I’m always on the lookout for healthier snacks, and whilst aimed at kids I love the fun packaging of the Fruity Beauties bar. High in fibre and and easy 1 of your 5 a day, these are tasty enough to feel more of a treat than a healthier option.

I love tea and I love adding to my stash. This was the product of the month this month. I love the flavour of apricot in everything and this is light and refreshing. It’s ideal for work as it tastes as good cold as it does hot- and getting a piping hot drink at your desk is a rarity. Available on the Oteas website.
I was most intrigued by these Seaweed puffs from Shore. These crunchy sea salt & balsamic snacks are dangerously more-ish and I wish they were more widely available.
Indie Bay pretzel bits have become a regular in my cupboard, again, a bit addictive! Both of these snacks have less than 100 calories per pack and boast way more benefits than a packet of crisps.

Milkybar mixups are new to the market and are the first new product from Nestle I’ve been vaguely excited about in a while. Milk and white chocolate all jumbled up in a handy snack sized bag (also in sharing pouches), these aren’t groundbreaking by any means, but they’re still good!
For those avoiding sugar I highly recommend these midget gems from Bravura Food. They are also vegan and gluten free so a great all rounder. I’d love to try more from this brand.

Gin Cornichons? I didn’t even know what a Cornichon was! Turns out it’s a mini gherkin and these ones are infused with gin. I haven’t had a chance to try these yet, but I am mighty curious and will be sure to report back.
Likewise I haven’t tried the vegan mayo from heinz- we’re not mayo lovers in this house, but it seems like a great addition to the brand’s range. I’d be curious to hear thoughts from those who have tried it.

Drinks! Firefly Drinks lemon, lime and ginger and a Laura sized bottle of prosecco, fantastic! I’m yet to crack in to either, I think I’ll save the fizz for post holiday blues, and the firefly drinks for when I’m in dire need of some goodness. I just love this brand’s packaging.

I’ve used Koko brand coconut milk for years off an on in porridge. This super milk is enriched with 9 vitamins and minerals making it an excellent replacement for full fat milk- therefor making it ideal for kids and adults alike. I haven’t tried this yet as I didn’t want to open it so close to holiday and end up wasting some, but I am excited to try it.

Finally we have another ketchup from the Real Good brand. I’ve tried their no added sugar regular ketchup before (and approved) and this smokey BBQ flavour it another hit. I like this as a dip for sweet potato fries, but I think it’d also make an ideal marinade and is perfect for setting out at a BBQ.


Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.


If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s a monthly food subscription box that gives you the chance to try new and exciting products on the market whilst providing amazing value for money.
On a month by month basis the box costs £12.99 (with a discount for longer subscriptions) but the contents are generally worth far more than this as you can see if you do the maths.


If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £5.00 off of your first box (making it just £7.99!) by entering the code 6HZJ8 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.

Posted in brands I love, food, review

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The Spring Degustabox (March 2019)*

07th April 2019
[post contains gifted product]
It feels like an absolute eternity ago that the March Degustabox* arrived. It’s been a crazy few weeks between my dodgy back, a week of technical issues with the blog and then a feline medical emergency, but finally here we are! I’m absolutely exhausted from a frantic weekend so I’ll just jump on it and keep it fairly brief.
The March edition of the Degustabox had an excellent array of snacks within. I really enjoyed the Chum Fruit Bites, they were probably my personal product of the month. They are made with 100% fruit, are suitable for vegans and full of fibre. The Apple ones were especially delicious and I’m trying to find a local shop where I can get my hands on more.
Another favourite was the Green & Black’s bars, I love these single serving bars; the praline was the winner for me but both were super good. I’d happily buy any of these products again- I probably wouldn’t choose the passion fruit from Willie’s Cacao personally, but there are many other delicious flavours in the range.
The Red Red Super Stew was a great little product- ideal for work lunch one day. Just add boiling water to get a really yummy stew made with natural and plant based ingredients- a little pricey at £2.99 each but good to have on hand and perfect for a chilly day.
Costa is the only chain coffee shop in my town and where I tend to head when I want something quick on the run. I’m trying to save money at the moment so being able to make a familiar blend at home to take with me is a real plus, and gives me a precious few extra minutes at home vs. being stood in a queue.
Bob and I are condiment hoarders and love any excuse to add to our collection. This little jar of relish (a gift with the box) is really good on burgers!
The drink selection this month was strong. I loved the Moose Juice energy drink. It’s zero sugar and has no aspartame either. It’s tastier than red bull and something I would hands down pick up again.
The Jubel Alpine beer cut with peach isn’t my kind of thing but Bob said it goes down nicely. It’s a vegan friendly beverage too…always good to know!
We haven’t tried the Weetabix drink yet but I like the concept of the ultimate portable breakfast.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.
If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s a monthly food subscription box that gives you the chance to try new and exciting products on the market whilst providing amazing value for money.
On a month by month basis the box costs £12.99 (with a discount for longer subscriptions) but the contents are generally worth far more than this as you can see if you do the maths.
If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £5.00 off of your first box (making it just £7.99!) by entering the code 6HZJ8 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.

Sorry it’s a much shorter and less involved roundup than usual. Hopefully next month will be less dramatic and I’ll have a bit more capability to string together some sentences!

Posted in food, review

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Degusta and Chill- the February Box

07th March 2019
It seems like Pablo gatecrashing the party is going to become a new theme as he just can’t keep away from the Degustabox* delivery when it arrives! Whilst it’s actually the cardboard that his little feline heart desires, I’m very much about the contents and the February box, with it’s “Degusta and Chill” theme was an interesting one.
Explore cuisine organic chickpea fusilli is a pasta made from plant-based protein and fibre. It’s organic, suitable for vegans and gluten free! I’ve seen these kind of pasta alternatives on the shelves and wondered how they’d be- I really like this as an change from the norm but at £3 it’s too expensive for me to consider regularly. It made a nice change though.
I’ve tried seaweed snacks in the past and I’m the kind of person who loves them. Whilst not much of a snack at 18 calories per bag (although great for anyone on a diet), these Clearspring Organic Seaveg Crispies with Tumeric are oddly tasty. They contain only four ingredients and are high in fibre, gluten free and vegan. Again pricey at £2.59 but worth a try and good as a salad booster.
These funky looking products from Choc Chick were the ones I was most excited to try from this month’s box. Here we have Quinoa Pops and Plantain Bites- both vegan, being coated in Ecuadorian single origin organic Cacao. They both contain 50% less sugar than your average chocolate snack, and whilst I wasn’t so keen on the plantain ones, the quinoa variety are completely addictive. I can’t describe either of the snacks adequately, I’ve never had anything like them to compare them to, all I can say is if you’re intrigued, treat yourself (RRP £1.85 a bag so definitely a treat!)
I’m on a bit of a sweets kick at the moment and these Watermelon jelly gums from Bebeto are delicious! At just 50p a bag there is a reason why these are the brand’s biggest UK seller. Fruity and delicious, there has been a gap in the market for a watermelon flavour sweet in my opinion, and these fill it nicely.
There were two packs of these Brioche Folded Flatbreads by Deli Kitchen in the box and I gave one to my Mum to try as she was as excited by them as I was. They make a lovely and slightly sweet change to my usual soup dipper of choice and also make an excellent lunch time sandwich alternative- especially packed full of chicken, salad and balsamic. Yum! These will be a regular purchase from now- £1.25 a pack (and they freeze wonderfully).
I have a friend who once worked in a pork scratching factory and her stories put me off for life. Bob however really enjoyed these bags from Snaffling Pig- and from what I gather this brand is THE brand to buy.
Can you go wrong with a jar of Pesto? I don’t think so! Especially not if you’re Sacla. Their new reduced fat pesto has 30% less fat than their regular jar. It cleverly replaces the cheese with tofu making it vegan friendly, and whilst I am yet to crack this jar open I have high hopes for it. It’s available now for £2.50 a jar.
I kind of felt like these cartons of milk were a bit of a random choice for the box, but whatever! I don’t like milk but Bob does, and he’s ploughed through this in the evenings with a thumbs up. Perfect for anyone who loves milk, or who has lunch boxes to pack for their kids- £1.00 per pack.
What can I say about Orangina that hasn’t been said before? It’s a classic for good reason, and I’m always delighted to get a bottle in Degustabox.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought in the comments.
If you’re new to Degustabox, it’s a monthly food subscription box that gives you the chance to try new and exciting products on the market whilst providing amazing value for money.
On a month by month basis the box costs £12.99 (with a discount for longer subscriptions) but the contents are generally worth far more than this as you can see if you do the maths.
If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim a brilliant £5.00 off of your first box (making it just £7.99!) by entering the code 6HZJ8 at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.

Posted in food, review, Uncategorized

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Review: Vampire Vapes at E-Cigarette Direct

03rd March 2019
When I began my journey in to quitting smoking by way of vaping one of the brands that I heard recommended over and over was Vampire Vapes, most specifically their seemingly infamous “Heisenberg” e-liquid. I dutifully tried it and became hooked, it’s one of my favourites and despite meaning to try out other flavours from the range I had never got round to it until now, when my friends at e-cigarette direct sent over a selection of flavours from the brand…I went in to this review with high expectations, but were they met?
Raspberry Sorbet is a fresh and fun flavour that has that tart taste of fresh raspberries followed by a fizzy sorbet coolness. I really like this flavour, it reminds me of one of my favourite frozen treats.

Blood Sukka may had pipped Heisenberg to the post and taken the top spot to become my all time favourite juice (to date). It’s aniseed-y, which I love, mixed with cherries, berries, red fruits, menthol and sweet eucalyptus. It sounds complex, and it tastes it too – the flavours mix together wonderfully to create something truly special.

Funky Monkey was the flavour I was convinced I would hate. Banana, chocolate and aniseed sounded quite grim if I’m honest and my past experience of any chocolate flavours hasn’t been good. Somehow though Vampire Vapes have pulled this off. It’s not my favourite flavour, but far exceeds expectations- I think the aniseed tips the balance and stops it being too sickly.

Heisenberg is the flavour that everyone knows and seems to love. It’s hyped for good reason, the flavour combination is a closely guarded secret but it definitely includes some kind of fruit and menthol. It’s every bit as addictive as it’s namesake and I’ve purchased so many bottles of this over the last six months!

Pinkman is a complete mystery to Bob and I. It reminds us both of something from our childhood but we can’t quite put our finger on it. It’s fruity, a bit cough-mixture like in it’s flavour and utterly addictive. This, as well as Blood Sukka are top of the re-purchase list.

Dawn and Dusk were my least favourites of the selection I was sent. The flavours both sounded great but didn’t quite stand out as much as the rest I tried. Dawn is a darker fruity flavour with a menthol finish which was nice, but didn’t especially stand out. I found Dusk a bit perfume like for my tastes, but it is still good, just not out-standing.

Overall the range lived up to and exceeded my expectations. Vampire Vapes are a brand that know their stuff and whilst on the pricier end of the spectrum at £3.99 per 10ml bottle, well worth it. There are still many flavours I haven’t tried of theirs which will be going in to my next order. If you have any recommendations then feel free to leave them in the comments.

The juices in the post were provided for review purposes, opinions expressed are honest and my own.

Posted in brands I love, review, Uncategorized, vaping

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Review: Vape Mate Juices from E-Cigarette Direct

12th February 2019

I was recently lucky enough to receive another delivery of juices from the team at e-cigarette direct. This time I was sent a selection of flavours from the budget friendly Vape Mate range* which has just landed on the site. Costing £2.99 per 10ml bottle these are around £1 cheaper than most 10ml bottles, I’m not yet au-fait enough with vaping to know if spending less on juices would compromise on flavour and quality but I was all set to find out.

Juices c/o e-cigarette direct

I was sent four flavours from the 20 strong classic range, which includes several standard tobacco flavours alongside the more novelty ones that I favour. One thing I will say about the range, before I start my review is that these were all 12mg nicotine whereas I usually vape 6mg so they were definitely stronger than I would have liked but all this really meant was that I actually got through far less juice as I was “needing” to vape less.

The first flavour I tested was Mint Choc Chip which I knew from the off I probably wouldn’t enjoy much. Sadly I wasn’t wrong, whilst I loved the mint notes in these I am yet to find a chocolate flavoured juice I enjoy. That being said, it was more subtle than those I have tried and hated previously and as a result I have managed to use the bottle, it just wasn’t my favourite and I wouldn’t purchase it.

Next up came Lime Zinger which was every bit as punchy as it’s name would suggest. This was refreshing in a way I haven’t yet experienced from a juice and very pleasant, 100% would get this again.

Following on from this came Harvest Berry which I fully expected to dislike as I’m not a fan of berry flavours in general. I was so wrong though, this was probably my favourite of the four I tried. It combines strawberry, blueberry and raspberry as well as a “secret ingredient”, and whilst subtle it was pleasing and smooth. Again, I would get this again without a doubt.

Finally came the flavour I had highest hopes for; Glazed Doughnut. I’m a sweet juice devotee and I really thought this would be amazing- it wasn’t quite everything I hoped for but I enjoyed the sugary hit and baked good aftertaste, I just think I built it up a bit too much in my head.

Would I buy cheaper juices in the future? Yes, I absolutely would. I’m not sure I’d stoop to pound shop level but these are perfectly acceptable, the largest indicator of their price tag was that these are a 50:50 PG:VG ratio and usually I seek out 60:40, that certainly doesn’t make them unappealing though and I would be keen to try out more flavours from the range and will be popping some in to my next order (the strawberry and peppermint flavours are next on my list).

Does anyone else have experience of lower prices juices? I’d definitely like to check out more brands- I’ve saved so much money since quitting the cigarettes but further savings could be made.

Posted in review, vaping

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