What a pleasure to be promoting a small business doing amazing things for the planet, whilst helping men in the meantime!
Looking at the above photo – you will have guessed it by now – this is about hair removal / back and body grooming.
What is thebrand about
BaldapeParlour offers stylish and affordable kits to men to help them remove their back and body hair without having to visit a professional. It allows them to take control of their bodies in a way that hasn’t been done before.
There is no need for razors, helpers or salon treatments here.
Let’s have a closer look.
The Silverback Kit
The Silverback Kit contains a vegan-friendly formulated Charcoal Hair Removal Cream, that clears hair in as little as three minutes. It also offers a ‘helping hand’ for self-application of the cream with an easily washable and replaceable velvet applicator and additional sponge for use in removing stubborn hair.
Finally, the kit also features a soft and exfoliating elastic tool with microfibres that easily reach all areas to wipe away hair after application of the cream.
How do hair removal creams work?
Hair removal (depilatory) creams contain certain alkaline chemicals that safely react with the hair on your body. They break down the Keratin (the protein structure of your hair), causing it to weaken and dissolve. This leaves the hair in a jelly-like state which can be easily wiped away.
And the best part? Baldape’s kits are natural, vegan and sustainable, and ethically derived. The brand even donates 5% of its profits to important causes such as Animal Aid and Rainforest trust.
One last tip
On average, customers tend to need a re-up on cream every 6-8 weeks to stay consistently smooth.
About the brand
In their own words: “We’re small but we aim to operate ethically and sustainably through minimising our plastic packaging, using truly recyclable materials and natural, eco-friendly ingredients, free from animal testing in all our products.
“We care about people feeling their best but also for the environment and with each and every sale, your contributions will go towards building a sustainable future..”
With the new year comes new resolutions, so that’s always great to be able to test new healthy products.
In their own words “MONAT recognises the natural link between looking good and feeling good. Beneath the external radiance of hair and skin, true and lasting beauty radiates from within, from a foundation of health and wellness. How we nourish our bodies directly affects not only our inner vitality, but our outer beauty”.
Vegan, healthy ageing wellness, skincare, and haircare brand – has just launched an additional two products to its Wellness range. The new Vegan Protein powder and Balance pre-biotic supplement are ideal health products for festive and New Year season ahead.
NEW MONAT Vegan Protein
Mix 28g powder (1 scoop) with 230-300 ml of water, plant-based milk, or your favorite beverage for 30 seconds. Enjoy 30 minutes after workouts or anytime you desire a high-quality, high-protein drink. RRP £77/VIP £65
MONAT Vegan Protein is an excellent way to support the daily protein requirements of an active lifestyle by supporting the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal protein and glycogen metabolism while zinc and magnesium contribute to normal protein synthesis. This dynamic formula includes a custom blend of mushrooms that have long been valued in traditional use.
MONAT Vegan Protein has a velvety-smooth, grit-free texture that mixes easily in water or plant milk – no blender required. Its creamy, delicious, natural vanilla flavour will make this an indispensable part of your morning, post-workout routine, or any time you need a protein boost.
With MONAT Vegan Protein, you’re always just one scoop away from a tasty, plant-based protein boost, any time of day.
Key Features include
. 20 grams of vegan protein per serving Silky-smooth, grit-free texture Delicious natural vanilla flavour 115 kcal per serving . Plant-based superfood protein blend including pea, pumpkin, sunflower, and rice . Custom mushroom blend including chaga, cordyceps, and maitake . High in protein . 1.5 g total carbohydrate per serving . Contains no added sugar (not a low-calorie food) . Keto-friendly (not for weight control) . Mixes easily . Ideal for shakes, smoothies, or on its own with plant milk in a shaker bottle . Free from synthetic flavours and synthetic colours Free from dairy, soy, and gluten . Space-conscious bag allows for easier storage
Does it taste good?
Yes, it does! It has a creamy texture. It is smooth and the vanilla aroma is discreet. So it is not overwhelming at all. Really smooth to drink (and also not to sweet). I really liked it!
NEW MONAT Balance
Take one (1) capsule daily with a full glass of water before your first meal. RRP £65/VIP £55
MONAT Balance is a new prebiotic food supplement containing thoughtfully selected ingredients to aid support of the digestive system, whilst contributing to the normal function of the immune system as well as the maintenance of skin, hair, and nails. MONAT Balance formula contains 12 strains of 5 billion lactic acid active bacteria, the bacteria work in the same way as the lactic acid bacteria in the gut, helping with a healthy bacterial system in the intestines.
Formulated with:
Lactic Acid Active Bacteria | MONAT Balance contains 12 strains of 5 billion CFUs of lactic acid active bacteria.
Inulin and Rice Hull Powder | Beneficial fibres that help to contribute to normal bowel function.
Zinc | Which contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism, normal protein synthesis, and normal cognitive function. Additionally, zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system, protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the maintenance of normal skin, hair, and nails.
Calcium | Which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes
About MONAT
MONAT is a vegan and cruelty free brand
Preserving the MONAT signature balance between modern and nature, the collection’s ingredients are backed by science, yet naturally derived. MONAT only uses clinically tested ingredients plus safe colourants and fragrances approved by the European Health Commission.
MONAT® is available to buy from www.monatglobal.com and MONAT® Market Partners nationwide.
For most people January is a much needed
time of year to detox and reset. With December notoriously known as the most
unhealthy month of the year, due to the endless parade of Christmas parties, endless
amounts of mince pies consumed and the alcohol-fuelled compulsory events such
as New Year’s Eve.
As we’re heading into the middle of the
month, we want to make sure you’re on track to hit your Dry January goals. Only
a few weeks left!
Dry January
With each year gaining more and more
traction, Dry January has become a staple in the calendar for millions of
people. An estimated 4.2million participated in the month-long sobriety
challenge last year with even more expected to take part this year. Gone are
the days when it was perceived that only problem drinkers had to take an abstinence
from alcohol, with the majority agreeing that the effects of alcohol impact
their life to some extent.
Effects
Going cold turkey from alcohol will bring
about many positive changes, some of which you may not have suspected!
Better skin
Alcohol has been proven to break down the
collagen within the skin, meaning that consuming alcohol on a regular basis speeds
up the ageing process. It also means you’re more likely to breakouts and the skin
looking dull and tired. We bet we’re not the only one who’ve woke up the
morning after a big night and wondered
why we look so terrible! The good news is that taking a break from alcohol will
help reverse some of that ageing you have experienced. On top of your skin
improving, your eyes will look more bright and alert. What’s there to lose?
Improved sleep
Many people have a night time tipple to
help them get to sleep, but what you may not know is that drinking actually
means you have a worse quality of sleep. Drinking results in a lower level of
REM sleep, which is the deepest, most quality type of sleep. Hitting that dram
of whisky or that glass of Merlot on the head will see you sleeping for longer
at a higher quality.
Increased mood
Linked to the last point, increasing your
sleep will directly increased your mood. You’ll find that you’ll be positive
more of the time and have heaps of energy to do everything you did previously
plus extra. You’ll realise how many hours there are in a day, rather than writing
off one day a week with a hangover. It’s also important to note that alcohol is
in fact a depressant so in the long term alcohol will negatively impact your mental
health. After a month without alcohol, you’ll notice how much happier you are.
More money
The BBC recently published a study which
showed that 55% of British people go out at least once a week for a night out,
with the highest segment being the 18-30 year olds at 73%. The average night
out costs £70.56 the BBC found. Over the course of a month, this means that you
could potentially save over £282. This is assuming that you only go out one
night a week, and doesn’t take into account the bottle of wine you had after a
tough Thursday at the office. Who
wouldn’t want to have more money!?
Lose weight
Some alcohol contains a lot more calories
than you may expect. A pint of Peroni contains 235 calories and that frozen
Margarita you love can contain up to 400 calories. We often don’t take calories
from alcohol into account within our diet, but if you’re having one heavy night
a week, you could be easily consuming an additional day’s worth of calories. If
you’d like to consume less calories whilst drinking, we’d opt for a slimline
G&T at 64 calories or a vodka and soda at 60 calories.
Healthier eating
To speed up your weight loss and not just
rely on losing those empty calories you previously consumed from alcohol, shape
up your diet and watch what you’re putting in your mouth. Myfitnesspal
is a great tool to monitor your food intake, and allows you to see which food
group and nutrients you need to increase of a balanced diet.
Need a healthy breakfast alternative to a
sausage sandwich? We’d recommend this tasty porridge
which comes in a variety of flavours from Red Berry & Pumpkin to Strawberry
& Peanut butter. To add extra flavour and texture, throw in some Munchy Seeds
to have a healthy and filling start to the day, that will see you right through
to lunch.
Alcohol
alternatives
If you find yourself at a bar and don’t
want to have a sign above your head saying “I’m doing dry January” by ordering
a J20, then find below our best picks of non-alcoholic drinks:
Here’s some tips to help you stay off the
booze for what can seem like a very long month:
Remember why you’re doing dry
January – if it’s for health reasons then think about how much healthier you’ll
be at the end of the month.
Try to do Dry January with a
friend so you can support each other and create sober plans.
Take up a new hobby to occupy
your time e.g. writing, going to the gym, learn a new instrument etc.
Tell as many people as possible
you’re going sober so people won’t tempt you with alcohol-fuelled plans.
Try some of the tasty no
alcohol versions of drinks.
Support
There’s a lot of resources out there to
help you through Dry January. We’ve listed below some of our favourites:
Club Soda is an online community dedicated to mindful drinking. Whether you want to never drink again, or just be moderate with your drinking, this community will help support you through your goals.
The
Unexpected Joy of being Sober by Catherine Gray is a hilarious, eye-opening experience of one-woman’s plight to go
sober. The book combines personal experience with useful tips on how to go
sober(audio version also available).
Dry
January app helps you track how many drinks
you’ve skipped and how much you’ve money you’ve saved since the start of the
month!
If you think you may have a serious problem with alcohol, then please consult your GP and the AA. You can find more information here: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
Looking for a healthy, delicious and nutrient-packed breakfast to power up your morning? Then tuck into the 100% natural, instant porridges from the Great British Porridge Co. – as seen on Dragon’s Den!
As a big porridge fan I couldn’t be more delighted but to try those new additions.
Crammed with the best, ethically-sourced fruit, nuts and seeds, as well as British wholegrain oats, these naturally-delicious porridges come in three nutritious flavours: Red Berry & Pumpkin Seed, Blueberry & Banana and Strawberry & Peanut Butter.
Blueberry & Banana
Perfect as a quick breakfast at the desk, on the go or before the school run, whipping up a delicious hot and wholesome breakfast couldn’t be easier. Simply tear open the pack, add boiling water, stir and in just 60 seconds you can tuck in!
Strawberry & Peanut Butter
All Great British Porridge Co. products are suitable for vegans and those following a dairy or gluten free diet. They contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Red Berry & Pumpkin Seed
Naturally sweet, vegan, dairy and gluten free, the Great British Porridge Co’s range of delicious, 100% natural instant porridges are high in protein and fibre and full of carefully-sourced ingredients, making breakfast speedy, nutritious and delicious.
Where to buy it?
The Great British Porridge Co. is available from Sainsbury’s, Wholefoods Market, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and selected retailers nationwide.
About The Great British Porridge Co.
Made in small batches near the sea in Sussex, The Great British Porridge Co. recently appeared on Dragon’s Den and received offers from all five dragons.
Finding the right time of protein for your training can be pretty daunting. Well, it has been for me!
So, let’s start with some basic knowledge.
Why should I use protein powder?
If you train hard and regularly then adding a protein powder to your nutritional regime will help you repair and build muscle. Boosting your protein intake through a powder format is the easiest way to do so. There is a wide range of different types and flavours of protein powders so there is something for everyone.
How often, and at what tome of the day, should I have some protein shakes?
It is recommended to take some no more than once a day either 30 minutes before or after exercise.
How to use protein powder?
Protein powder can be used/consumed in many different ways. It can be mixed with water to form a drink or added to a morning shake or you can also add protein powder to a multitude of food recipes such as pancakes or porridge.
This was for the basics, now let’s have a closer look at each one of them…
Scientifically formulated to contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Certified with Informed-Sport and banned substance tested for athletes’ assurance.
Contains DigeZyme® digestive enzyme complex (Digestive Enzyme Complex: a mix of digestive enzymes that are formulated to aid and speed up the digestion process).
PRO Advanced Whey Key Ingredients
Whey Concentrate: after whey protein is removed from milk it’s micro-filtered to create whey concentrate, which strengthens its amino acid profile.
Whey Hydrolysate: Renowned for speeding up the absorption of protein into your body.
Whey Isolate: Has a high protein content and low fat and carbohydrate content.
Plant-based protein powder containing 20.7g of protein per serving.
Suitable for vegans.
Designed for athletes by experts. Developed in partnership with Andy Murray, Dr Eva Carneiro & elite sports nutritionist Glenn Kearney.
Scientifically formulated to contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass*
VEGAN Protein Key ingredients:
Pea Protein: Rich in iron and Vitamin C, pea protein is a high-quality, easily digested protein source.
Pumpkin Protein: With a high protein content of 60%, pumpkin protein is also rich in phosphorus, magnesium, manganese…
Sunflower Protein: Sunflower protein is rich in protein, fibre, amino acids, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B6.
Ingredients Glossary
Pea Protein: Rich in iron and Vitamin C, pea protein is a high-quality, easily digested protein source. It contains more arginine than dairy proteins and its abundance of branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs) contribute to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass.
Pumpkin Protein: The protein from pumpkins is extracted from their seeds. With a high protein content of 60%, pumpkin protein is also rich in phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and other important minerals, such as iron, copper and zinc.
Sunflower Protein: Sunflower protein is rich in protein, fibre, amino acids, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B6. Niacin and riboflavin, a B vitamin, both help with the maintenance of bones and contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. It is high in fibre and its protein content helps with the growth of muscle mass.
Whey Concentrate: After whey protein is removed from milk it’s micro-filtered to create whey concentrate, which strengthens its amino acid profile.
Whey Hydrolysate: Renowned for speeding up the absorption of protein into your body.
Whey Isolate: Has a high protein content and low fat and carbohydrate content.
ABOUT TRR
TRR is a team of health experts and world-class athletes. They formulate supplements which are specifically designed for athletes who are serious about sport. They develop supplements that elite athletes not only approve of… but ones that they have actively helped to design.
Gluten is found in the grains wheat, barley and rye. On the gluten free diet you can eat many foods including meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, rice and potatoes. You can also eat gluten free substitute foods and processed foods that don’t contain gluten.
People follow a gluten-free diet for a number of reasons: Celiac disease. People with this condition cannot eat gluten because it triggers an immune response that damages the lining of their GI tract. This response causes inflammation in the small intestine and makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients in food
Below a list of gluten-free products that prove you can live well gluten-free without compromising on taste or quality.
The Protein Ball Co.
Widely available from Ocado, Morrisons, Holland & Barratt and Amazon, £1.99 RRP per 45g bag. For more info visit www.theproteinballco.com
These deliciously moreish 100% natural bite-size protein balls are the perfect pick-me-up when sugar cravings hits, great for those following healthy eating plans. There are 8 gluten-free flavours to choose from including Raspberry Brownie, Cherry Bakewell and Peanut Butter + Jam. Four flavours in the range are vegan and they are all vegetarian-friendly and gluten and wheat free. They also contain no soy, GMOs or added sugars.
Munchy Seeds
Find them in Ocado and The Co-op in handy 25g snack packs (79p RRP), 125g sharing packs (£2.99 RRP) and 450g mega packs (£8.75 RRP). For more info visit www.munchyseeds.co.uk
These delicious roasted seeds mixes are the ideal snack to nibble on throughout the day and come in five yummy flavours: Sweet Chilli, Mega Omega, Mild Chilli, Salted Caramel, Honey Roasted and Warm Cinnamon. Coeliac-friendly, dairy-free and suitable for vegetarians (four flavours are vegan).
Packed with health benefits and the best ethically-sourced fruit, nuts and seeds, as well as British wholegrain oats, these 100% natural, no added sugar, vegan, gluten and dairy-free instant porridges come in three irresistible flavours: Red Berry & Pumpkin Seed, Blueberry & Banana and Strawberry & Banana. It couldn’t be quicker to make, simply tear open the pack, tip out a portion, add boiling water, stir and in just 60 seconds, you are ready to tuck in! Available in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Wholefoods Market, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and selected retailers nationwide.
truggling to find a decent, gluten-free beer on the weekly shop? Stock up on St Peter’s two gluten-free bevvies, perfect for beer lovers and with full Coeliac Society Certification. St Peter’s Gluten-Free Cream Stout and Gluten-Free Suffolk Gold are brewed to the exact same standards as the original versions, but without the gluten. Gluten-free Cream Stout is a deliciously dark and aromatic cream stout, with an ABV of 6.5% while for a full-bodied golden ale, Gluten-free Suffolk Gold is a deliciously sweet, but dry beer, ABV 4.9%.
Shaken Udder
Available from the Co-op and other outlets throughout the country, 80p-£1.00 RRP. Shaken Udder’s 330ml milkshakes, £1.35, RRP from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado, Booths, The Co-op, Boots and WH Smith Travel stores. For more info visit www.shakenudder.com
Gluten-free, suitable for vegetarians and with no artificial colours or flavours, Shaken Udder milkshakes are perfect for all the family to enjoy and made with real ingredients and blended with British semi-skimmed milk to make them wonderfully creamy. Shaken Udder is available in six tempting flavours: Vanillalicious, Salted Caramel, Top Banana, Strawberries & Clotted Cream and Ooh La Latte in 330ml bottles, as well as Chocolush, Vanillalicious and Strawberries & Clotted Cream in a family-size 750ml Uber Udder. Shaken Udder Kids are available in Chocolate and Strawberry flavours, boast less than 5% sugar.
Created with food allergy sufferers, diabetics T2 and the health-conscious in mind, Real Good Ketchup is the only 100% natural, no added sugar and reduced salt ketchup brand available. And it tastes amazing! With over 75% less sugar and 75% less salt than the market leader and only naturally occurring sugars, it is also vegan, allergen-free and free from artificial sweeteners, flavours and preservatives. Available in an easy-to-serve 100% BPA free recyclable bottle.
Powters
£3.00 RRP per pack of six. A full stockist list is available at www.powters.co.uk
On the lookout for a tasty gluten-free banger? Then give Powters Skinny Pig sausages a try. These yummy sausages are less than 3% fat, only 97 calories each and gluten-free. Find them in Tesco, Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s, plus selected delis and farm shops. For something a bit meatier, stock up on Prize Pig sausages that are 97% pork and gluten-free.
Fairfields Farm & Ten Acre offer the yummiest selection of gluten-free savoury and sweet snacks. For delicious hand-cooked crisps, Fairfields Farm offer a tempting range of flavours including Sweet Chilli, Lightly Sea Salted and Bacon & Tomato. For those watching the calories, Lentil Bites are a great choice. These crispy lentil curls are under 99 calories a bag and come in two tasty flavours: Tomato & Herb and Jalapeño & Lime, available from Asda and Holland & Barratt. For quirky crisps, choose Ten Acre’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free and dairy free hand-cooked crisps, available from independent retailers nationwide. Finally, if you prefer a good bag of popcorn, Ten Acre produces two fab flavours: Aunty Winifred’s Sweet & Salty Popcorn and Lucia Popperley’s Cappucino Popcorn, from independent retailers nationwide.
Davina Steel
RRP £2.49-£2.99, available from Ocado and selected products in Sainsbury’s. The new bakery range includes 7 delicious savoury and sweet snacks including Lightly Salted Crostini, Orange & Choc Chip Biscotti and Gingerbread Bites. Available from www.davinasteel.com
Tired of bland shop-bought gluten-free bread, cakes and snacks? Looking for more home-made flavour? Give Davina Steel’s Gluten Free baking kits and new Bakery range snacks a try. Davina Steel’s wholesome bread, pizza and cake mixes take all the hard work out of preparing gluten-free goodies and couldn’t be easier to prepare. Simply add water, oil and yeast, then mix, rise and bake! Made using only natural ingredients and free from 13 known allergens, there are 6 easy-to-make recipes to choose from: Garlic & Rosemary Focaccia, Onion Focaccia, Chocolate Chip Focaccia, White Loaf Mix, Pizza Base Mix and Scone Mix.
I have tried this ‘revolutionary liquid health supplement’ -as they call it- that promotes joint, cartilage and bone health, and increases flexibility and mobility. Really enjoyed this mixture of goodness including its taste.
Packaged in neat individual bottles, and designed to be taken as a daily ‘shot’, LQ Joint Care Supplements surpass the regular glucosamine-based joint health capsules and liquids already available on the market by using a combination of scientifically researched ingredients which can help joint pain sufferers maintain joint and bone health every day.
Containing key active ingredients such as Peptan™ marine collagen (the major constituent of connective tissue in the body), hyaluronic acid (one of the main compounds of synovial fluids, the joint lubricant and ‘shock absorber’), glucosamine, chondroitin, copper, ginger, and vitamin C, LQ Joint Care has been developed specifically to stimulate joint cells (chondrocytes) and boost the vital joint compounds; collagen and aggrecan.
The unique lubricating and ‘cushioning’ properties of hyaluronic acid combined with high quality hydrolysed marine collagen (2000mg) contained in LQ Joint Care Supplements offers the ultimate in joint cell regeneration to encourage flexibility and mobility, while vitamin C (100 per cent RDA) also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Daily liquid supplement containing multiple active ingredients: Containing glucosamine, collagen, vitamin C, ginger, chondroitin, copper and other vitamins Supports joints, the function of bones and cartilage and also has antioxidant properties More effective than 10 – 12 pills
As more people are seeking ways to stay active for longer, many are now looking beyond glucosamine capsules, to new joint care ingredients – specifically collagen peptides. The beneficial effect of Peptan™ marine collagen on joint health1 and its ability to aid in the restoration of bone mineral density2 is scientifically proven by a growing body of studies, including a placebo controlled clinical trial.
LQ Joint Care is a pleasant-tasting cherry-flavoured (with real cherry juice) 50ml liquid supplement that can be added to smoothie in the morning, or simply taken on its own.
Disclaimers Food supplements should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle and should not be used as a replacement for a varied and balanced diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of children. If you are under medical supervision, pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding or suffer from food allergies seek professional advice before taking supplements. For allergens see ingredients highlighted in bold. Best Before End: see bottom of container. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid direct light. Tamper resistant package. Consume within 24 hours once bottle is opened.
Where can I buy it from?
LQ Joint Health is priced at £26 and available from www.boots.com
