The Bakedin Baking Club - Lemon Drizzle Loaf

Hands up if you like to indulge in a sweet treat…or two! We certainly do at The Amazing Blog. However, it has to be said, when it comes to baking, some of us are less Mary Berry, and more inclined to visit the local supermarket instead! We were therefore pleased to re-visit the goodies from Bakedin, having tried their Mug Mixes in December (see here). This time, they presented us with their Lemon Drizzle Loaf, part of their monthly Baking Club, and we were more than happy to oblige!

The premise of Bakedin’s Baking Club is a simple (but delicious) one, to provide new recipes and ingredients each month, allowing you to create both easy and tasty sweet treats. Those of us less inclined to bake from scratch are often found in the ready-mix baking section in the local shop, and are sadly more than not, disappointed by our results which are - ahem - less than satisfactory. This is where Bakedin is different, their ingredients are top notch with recipes that are reviewed and approved by Michel Roux, himself. A chef with no less than 3 Michelin stars and a wealth of experience – you can be safe in the knowledge that the result will be a scrumptious one.

Upon opening our box, we were pleased to see each ingredient is individually weighed and packaged in numbered sachets. To follow the recipe, you need only follow the step by step (numbered) guide, with visual images for reference, and tips and tricks from Roux himself. Nutritional information, skill level and timings are all covered in a handy card, alongside written measurements and methods for future baking. We tried the Lemon Drizzle Loaf and were thrilled to find a recipe mix that doesn’t merely help with the cake mixture, but also with the buttercream and icing recipes too. Although the box only contains dry ingredients, the instructions are written detailing everything, including a list of additional wet and refrigerated ingredients you will need. The best part? The finished product tastes like a professional cake.

Pricing wise, each box works out to being £7.50. This is for a 12 month subscription which is prepaid at £90 per annum with the bonus of free delivery, and a box easily posted through a letterbox. Your box will be delivered around the middle of the month you signed up in. To see for yourself, visit the Bakedin website here. You’ll be a baking pro in no time!

Totally Derma ® by Boley Nutraceuticals

We’ve all heard about how important is to incorporate sunscreens, serums and moisturisers to our daily routine as we get older, but Boley Nutraceuticals has totally changed the way we at The Amazing Blog are thinking about anti-ageing skincare. While a good SPF and retinol serum are great to have in your bathroom cabinet, Boley’s ground-breaking product Totally Derma® Nutraceuticals Collagen Drink Supplement focuses on working from the inside out.

Many brands today push for topical-only application of anti-ageing ingredients but Totally Derma® focuses on counteracting both the more aesthetic signs of ageing as well as the underlying physiological processes that are harder to see with the naked eye. Launched in 2017, Totally Derma® has been clinically-proven to increase Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in the body, and it contains Arthred®, a pre-digested and highly-absorbable bovine collagen, which contributes to skin firmness and elasticity. Even better is that the bovine collagen is so pure that it is hypoallergenic, therefore perfect for those who have digestive problems.

In addition, the increased levels of HA and Collagen have also shown improvements in not only skin, joints, hair, nails, bones; but also even in gut inflammation, bladder, urethra and vagina health too. Totally Derma® also contains other antioxidants like zinc, green tea extract and grape-seed extract to help collagen synthesis and ageing tissue. These health-boosting ingredients are taken once a day, from one level scoop daily into 250 ml of water or juice. After digestion, Totally Derma® is 95 % absorbed in the small intestine and then distributed to the skin to stimulate cells to produce more collagen and HA in the body. Even better about this collagen drink is easy to take and palatable, adding a little boost to your day and body. To purchase a tub of Totally Derma and start hydrating your body, see here for your 360 mg 30 day supply at £105.

The Hyaluronic Complex by Potion London

At The Amazing Blog, we are delighted to share our most recent discovery: Potion London’s Hyaluronic Complex. Potion London is a British healthcare brand that produces health and beauty supplements that will not only complement and improve your skin but promote a sense of wellbeing too. We first heard about them when they won an award with the prestigious Beauty Shortlist Awards in  2017.

The Hyaluronic Complex we are featuring today is formulated to help make you even more beautiful from within. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and MSM these supplements hydrate skin and fight against signs of ageing. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, and can be taken as an extra supplement either orally or applied topically. We love products that contain hyaluronic acid as they aid collagen production and works to keep our skin looking softer and younger.  The MSM helps form connective tissue in the skin, and it is necessary for collagen production.  Sagging skin and wrinkles, as well as dry, cracked skin are all developed through a loss of collagen.  MSM works together with vitamin C to build new, healthy tissues. Together all these ingredients work in unison to help deliver a firmer, brighter and better-looking skin. 

We think that this product is ideal for anyone looking for an anti-ageing complex to help promote healthier and younger looking complexion. Just take one or two capsules during meal times once a day and watch the effects on your skin as it looks more replenished, brighter and radiant. These supplements not only deeply hydrate skin from within but also promote a sense of wellbeing throughout the body. This supplement is free of any artificial colours, flavours and preservatives and is suitable for vegetarians. Purchase The Hyaluronic Complex here for £30, which is 60 capsules or one month's supply.

Friday Favourites: Natural Body & Face Oils

January is the time of the year when we recover from the many excesses that happened during the festive season when our skin is perhaps not at it's best. Then add the effects cold weather or central heating and our complexions become dehydrated and flakey. At The Amazing Blog, we have come up with a few suggestions for natural body and face oils that will provide just what you need for extra nourishment with their plant extracts, vitamins and superfoods.

Anti-cellulite products are often not worth the cash you spend on them. We’ve spent too many hours in search of an efficient way to get rid of the cellulite blight; if only we had come across the Kypwell brand earlier.

The emulsion of Kypwell’s Anti-Cellulite and Firming Body Emulsion contains natural high-tech ingredients that helps to provide a fat burning effect. The unique combination of plants extracts primarily from their native Cyprus provide the key ingredients; namely heart-leaved globe daisy and bitter ginger enhanced with essential oils including lemon, orange and grapefruit oils. These all work to smooth the cellulite bumps while also firming skin. Combine this with their delicious zesty KypSlim organic herbal tea and your regular exercise regime and we think it'll work wonders to get you back in shape in no time! The Kypwell emulsion is for all skin types and works best by being applied to specific body areas once or twice daily. You can purchase the Anti-Cellulite and Firming Body Emulsion, using PayPal, here for around £53.42.

You cannot get more natural than Rio Rosa and their award-winning Chilean Rosehip Oil, containing one key ingredient: rosa mosqueta (rosa affinis rubiginosa) rosehip seed oil. The product is 100% natural, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. The oil is made by pressing wild rose seeds that grow in the Chilean Andes. These seeds are renowned for their skin rejuvenating properties. Used on the face and body it helps to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and wrinkles while effectively nourishing and hydrating dry skin.

The oil is rich in vitamin A, C and E and contains wonderfully high levels of essential fatty acids. This oil is perfect for anyone with dry and sensitive skin looking for a miracle product that will provide the care and hydration with skin needs and help them have a healthier skin. Purchase the Chilean Rosehip oil here for £11.99.

We couldn’t have a post discussing body oils and emulsions without mentioning one of our favourite brands and also a Beauty Shortlist Winner, Bodhi & Birch. Bodhi & Birch is an independent, eco-luxury, British skincare brand that creates products inspired by aromatherapy and botanical remedies.

The three body oils we like the best are now available in a mini collection which is perfect if you are as indecisive as us. The mini collection features 15 ml versions of the Chinois Blue Body Oil, Nordic White Body Oil and the Sicilian Rose Body Oil.

The Chinois Body Oil indulges skin with organic oils of Camellia, Avocado and Tamanu Nut with Hyacinth and Ginger. Avocado oil with its nourishing properties helps make skin softer and rejuvenated. Skin is left smelling divine and intensely hydrated. The Nordic White Body Oil is perfect for this time of year, warming to the skin with a very uplifting fragrance. It is a curative blend of Spruce, Cypress and Pine and frankincense. The high levels of Gamma Linoleic Acid, Omega 6 and Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes help improve the health of skin and work for a younger looking appearance. If you love roses, then The Sicilian Rose Body Oil is for you, enriched with Safflower, Macadamia, Rose and Lemon oils which nourishes and hydrates skin. This oil also has a beautiful slight zesty and pink pepper scent that lingers throughout the day. You can purchase the mini collection here for £20.00.

Last but by no means least is one of our favourite oil from M Picaut, the Precious Oil. M Picaut is a Swedish skincare brand that believes that 'less is more' when it comes to skincare. Thus they only create products with only the purest organic ingredients.

The Precious Oil is formulated to stimulate the production of collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles while nourishing skin. The serum is packed with organic Scandinavian ingredients and superfoods but also include apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, Rosmarin leaf extracts and Sea buckthorn extract. Together these elements fight against signs of ageing, provide deep moisture to the skin helping for a softer and smoother skin.  This highly nourishing serum is perfect to use during the colder months when your complexion is more affected by environmental damage and in need of that extra-hydration and protection. The Precious Oil is 100% vegan and not tested on animals. Purchase The Precious Oil here for £60.

Dry Matt Clay by Milano Barbers

Perfect hair isn't just for women, am I right guys? The Amazing Blog believes that no matter what gender you are, gorgeous locks are your right. So let us tell you about a product that we can't live without, which is the Dry Matt Clay from Milano Barbers. The brand has used their expertise as professional barbers to create salon quality grooming products to help you create an enviable everyday look while protecting your hair.

The Dry Matt Clay is a styling product that will help you create any look. Whether style you favour, whether it is a classic, audacious or vintage hairstyle, this clay will make your vision come to life. Formulated with an innovative wax that moisturises and stimulates the hair, the product is designed to give exceptional hold to the hair while improving hair condition.  The clay adds texture, definition and movement and lasts all day long. The light consistency helps make it easier to apply but also leaves hair looking instantly thicker and more defined. It is non-greasy and dries to a natural matte finish. Designed for men the Dry Matt Clay is a grooming essential for the modern man. 

You can purchase the Dry Matt Clay here for £16.00.