LUSH Easter Collection - The Easter Hunt Ends Here!

Hi ladies! Instead of giving family and friends over-packaged, calorific chocolate eggs this year, treat them to a tasty selection of LUSH’s new bath products especially for Easter! Much kinder to the waistline and the environment, as LUSH bath bombs, bubble bars and soaps are solid which means they are preservative free and packaging free. This year’s offerings include brand new inventions as well as returning favourites.

I had the hardest time trying not to spill glitters everywhere while photographing Golden Egg bath melt ballistic ($8.95)! A brand new invention, this egg is a bath bomb coated in bath melt mixture. It will unexpectedly sink to the bottom of the bathtub while the outer layer dissolves, popping to the surface as the fizzing centre is revealed. The outer bath melt mix is made using fair trade, organic, Colombian Peace Village cocoa butter and olive oil, and this little luxury is scented with the best selling Honey I Washed the Kids fragrance.

Isn't Bunny bubble bar ($6.95) the cutest thing? A bubble bar shaped like a white rabbit, made with shea butter and coconut oil, and with cornstarch added to the mix, meaning a more condensed bar that can be broken in half and used over two baths. Or you can use the whole thing for masses of softening Creamy Candy scented bubbles. Inspired by the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, this sweet little fellow has a pink tummy containing little cornstarch flowers to float in your bath water.

Fear not, Carrot soap ($6.95) smells nothing like carrots - fruity essential oils such as buchu, lemon and bergamot were used to really make your mouth water. The orange part is made with carrot oil to moisturise while the white bunny inside is made with cocoa butter to soften.

Brightside bubble bar ($10.95) is back this year and this time to stay, as it joins LUSH's all year round range after Easter! A bright and cheerful swirl of a bubble bar to give you a fresh and cheerful perspective. It is scented with a trio of uplifting and invigorating oils: Sicilian mandarin, tangerine and bergamot oil and just a squeeze of lemon. All are energising and also incredibly toning oils that will lift the spirits and clear the mind. Crumble under the running taps and watch as the water turns into a hazy red and orange sunset with frothy white clouds of bubbles. This bar is so big, I am sure it could last for more than two baths!

LUSH Easter products are available online and in shops now!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Cooking | Chili Con Corn

Hi ladies! I am actually very excited to have finally found a recipe for a vegetarian chili that does not require 98976765465789 ingredients! I am very glad I stumbled upon this amazing blog, The Vegan Stoner, which only features cheap, fast and vegan recipes - exactly what I am looking for! It's perfect if you are starting to cook, and especially if you are newly a vegetarian/vegan.

You will need:

• 1 onion
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 can mixed beans
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• BBQ sauce

Chop an onion and cook it in a pot. Add a can of mixed beans and a can of stewed tomatoes.

Add half a can of corn and half a cup of BBQ sauce (or to taste). Cook for 10 minute on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Season with salt and pepper if desired and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Vegan Stoner

Cooking | Vegetarian Bean Quesadillas

Hi ladies! I had some family over recently I was at lost at what meal to prepare - who enjoys being stuck in the kitchen and missing all the phone while there is a party happening in the dining room? I had some tortillas left so  I figured out I could whip out something quick yet delicious... and I was right! Who doesn't love quesadillas?

Here is what I used:

• any type of beans - I used a can of mixed beans
• grated cheese (I used mozarella)
• tortillas (you will need two per quesadillas)
• butter or oil for toasting

Start by mashing together the beans with a fork, spoon or potato masher, then grate the cheese.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Place the tortilla on the skillet and cover with cheese, bean mixture and the other tortilla. Cook until the bottom is crispy and golden brown, then gently flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden.

Simply repat for your other quesadillas!

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Spiffy Cookie

LUSH Let The Good Times Roll - Back By Popular Demand!

Hi ladies! If you did not already know, I am happy to announce that this best-seller was a holiday product that’s now a permanent part of LUSH's cleansers range – thanks to its legions of fans! A luxuriously soft and sweetly-scented cleanser (think caramel popcorn, or even, cookie dough - yum!), Let The Good Times Roll is made with maize flour and corn meal to gently exfoliate, and a dash of cinnamon powder to cleanse and warm cold winter skin. Its rich, velvety texture leaves your skin perfectly balanced and glowing. No wonder this cleanser is so popular!

I remember trying a LUSH cleanser a loooooong time ago but I could not remember the proper way to use them - but it is really simple! Simply dampen your face with warm water, then place a pea-sized chunk in the palm of your hand and add water to create a paste (it is surprisingly easy to get the right consistency). Apply to your face using small, circular motions, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. 

Since I have dry and eczema-prone skin, I was happy to learn that, despite providing deep exfoliation, Let the Good Times Roll is gentle enough for everyone to use - my skin was not left tight or drier, instead, I could feel it being super soft and refreshed!

Let the Good Times Roll is available for $12.95 (100g) and $28.95 (250g) and it will remain fresh for up to three months.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Cooking | Vegetarian Spaghetti With Cannellini Bean “Meatballs” And Tomato Sauce

I have recently realized that before becoming a vegetarian, beans were never a big part of my diet. It is not because I did not like them, but because my parents, just like the average "carnivores", were so busy focusing on meat that they never really served us meals with beans, except for the traditional eggs, bacon, maple syrup beans and toasts breakfast. I can't believe I have been missing out on these versatile and protein-packed wonders all this time!

I posted a very basic vegetarian spaghetti recipe on Gaby's Beauty Blog some times ago, but the truth is that I have never been a huge fan of tofu, so I am always researching alternatives. I was really excited when I came across this recipe on Pinterest - of course, where else? - because I have been researching a quick and simple vegetarian "meatballs" recipe for so long! OK, it's probably not the quickest recipe, but it is really simple, and you don't need any fancy ingredients - I did not have any egg or onion on hand so I simply skipped the egg (the bread crumbs alone are enough to bind the "meatballs" together) and I used shallots instead of onions.

You will need...

• 1 can Cannellini Beans (white kidney beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped (you can roast it but I did not)
• ½ medium onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley (I skipped this)
• 1 ½ tsp dried oregano (I used oregano leaves)
• 1 egg (I skipped this)
• ½ cup dried breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 cups tomato or pasta sauce
• grated or Parmesan cheese
• spaghetti

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Thoroughly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In the bowl of a food processor, combine beans and red peppers. Pulse until chopped, but not smoothly pureed.

Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized bowl and stir in grated onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, egg (if using any) breadcrumbs, salt and pepper until well combined.

Using a rounded 2 tablespoon portion of the bean mixture, form “meatballs” by rolling between the palms of your hands. Place the “meatballs” on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.

Bake until the meatballs are firm to the touch and have developed a light golden brown coating, 15 to 20 minutes.

While the "meatballs" are baking, prepare spaghetti and grated cheese.

In a large saucepan, heat you favorite tomato or pasta sauce over medium heat until simmering. Add “meatballs” and stir gently to coat - I was a bit rough and some "meatballs" crumbled! Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve over spaghetti, top with greated cheese or Parmesan and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Cookin' Canuck

SeabuckWonders - ‘Berry of Steel’ Flexes Its Super Health Muscles!

Hi ladies! Move Over "Man of Steel", there is a new super hero in town – the sea buckthorn berry! This amazing "Berry of Steel" has come all the way from the Himalayas to fight off free radicals, sun damage, aging and potential illness. This berry packs a real healing punch and beats out every other "Super Berry" - Dr. Oz does not call it the "miracle berry" for nothing!

Having not heard of sea buckthorn berry before, I was very excited to be kindly given the opportunity to sample a few SeabuckWonders products!

Infused with a potent blend of Omega 3, 6, 9, and the rare Omega-7, SeabuckWonders’ Deep Hydrating Serum ($34.97) will not only moisturize skin, but also improve texture and tone. This serum nourishes and supports cell regeneration to minimize fine lines and help maintain a youthful, healthy glow. It is ideal for all skin types and is highly effective, yet it will not leave your skin oily or irritated.

I am always pleased when a serum is absorbed fast into the skin, since I like to apply a heavier moisturizer right after, especially since the colder weather is approaching. The Deep Hydrating Serum feels like a refreshing gel and it locks moisture, leaving my skin feeling fresh, smooth and pampered.

Intensely moisturizing despite its surprisingly light texture, the Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion ($14.97) rejuvenates and replenishes the skin’s natural balance, softening and nourishing for silky, touchable skin. Its high concentration of sea buckthorn oil allows for superior moisture retention while protecting the skin from signs of aging and the effects of exposure to the sun.

I still can't believe how quickly this lotion is absorbed into the skin - it almost disappear on contact, I have never experienced something like that! It does calm the itchiness due to eczema, and I don't feel the need to re-apply this lotion until my next shower. I don't know how well it would work in the colder weather, but I have almost already used it up since it is so addictive!

Both products are naturally scented with essential orange oil for a subtle yet pleasant scent, but they are also made with certified organic Sea Buckthorn, they do not contain paraben, and they are vegan and cruelty-free.

SeabuckWonders has a whole line of the highest quality sea-buckthorn-berry-based supplements and skin care products in the marketplace. Feel free to have a look at their website to experience the powers of these super-berry products yourself! 

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

LUSH Easter Collection - These Springtime Treats For The Tub Are Bound To Put A Hop In Your Step!

You may have noticed that I very rarely shop at LUSH, but when I do, it is mainly around Christmas time to snag a few 2 for 1 deals on their limited-edition products, but I never really had the opportunity to try their Easter products before - except for the Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb that was so big that I manage to get, what, five baths out of it? - so when two of them landed on my doorstep, I guess you can imagine my excitement! Along with their returning favorites, LUSH have come up with three wonderful new inventions: Heñata Bath Bomb, The Brightside Bubble Bar and Easter Egg Hunt soap. Each has a cheerful, fruity scent to celebrate the joys of more sunlight and warmer weather.

I absolutely adore the concept of reusable bubble bar so of course, the product that was at the very top of my whishlist was Carrot Re-usable Bubble Bar ($7.95)! I did not really know what to except it to smell like but I hoped it would not smell like, well, carrots, but no, it has a nice subtle fruity and lemony smell. To use the Carrot, simply swish it around the bath by its green top, make your bubbles and then pop it on the side for another time -  this beauty is good for 7-10 baths! How great is that? I like how there is also a little bit of nutritious carrot oil in there though, which is rich in vitamins and an extraordinary skin soother and rejuvenator - perfect for my eczema-prone skin!

Isn't Heñata Bath Bomb ($7.95) the cutest thing ever? Quite simply, this bath bomb is like a piñata for the bath - but it’s a hen, so it’s a Heñata (get it? awwww!). I am not even sure if I will be able to smash this cutie against the side of my bath without feeling guilty, but apparently, it is her destiny to lay bath bomb egg just for you, surrounded in soap paper flower petals to scrub up with - how exciting! Perfumed with fresh and citrusy tangerine, bergamot and mandarin oils - yum! - Heñata is a fiesta for your tub.

 Enjoy an egg-ceptional pampering experience this Easter with LUSH!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Cooking | Vegan Peanut Stew

Honestly, I would not say that I love cooking enough to reserve all of my afternoon to the preparation of a meal, but I do appreciate the feeling of proudness when I achieve a proper dinner. Because I am lazy, I am always delighted to try a new quick and easy recipe which does not call for weird ingredients that I don't have in the pantry, so I was happy to discover this one on Pinterest - be sure to follow my 'Vegetarian Dishes' board for more mouth watering, healthy and, of course, meat-free recipes.

This is probably one of the fastest and simplest recipe I have ever tried, but it is absolutely scrumptious! I am sure it would be delicious on its own but I chose to serve it over rice. You will need an onion, a medium-size or a few small potatoes, a can of stewed tomatoes, half a can of garbanzo beans (or any type of beans really - I used a can of mixed beans), half a cup of crunchy peanut butter, and some thyme for seasoning (optional).

If you plan to serve the stew on rice, start by cooking the rice and set aside.

Chop half an onion and cook in pot (I don't really like onions so I used the thiniest bits I had left over).

Add the stewed tomatoes, peanut butter and beans.

Chop a potato and add to pot with a sprinkling of thyme.

Cover pot and cook on low heat for around 20 minutes. Serve on rice (if you want) and enjoy!

Yummmmm!

LUSH Gingerbread House Bubble Bar - A Bath You Won't ReGretel

I received the Gingerbread House Bubble Bar as a Christmas gift from my boyfriend last year if I remember well, and I chose to wait before sharing my thoughts with you because I always prefer to review LUSH Christmas products around the Holidays since they are limited edition. 

Of course, someone has to be the center of attention when I take blog pictures

I don't know why but I did not even questioned myself whether this bubble bar was available this year too, so I was surprised to not find it on LUSH website! When I wondered on Twitter if it was discontinued, LUSH was quick to answer that they had it as a limited edition special this year, but it was available online only. I figured out I would review it anyway, just in case it makes a comeback next Christmas.

The Gingerbread House is probably the cutest LUSH product I have seen with its little snowy roof and cinnamon stick chimney, and its sweetly spicy smell just like fresh gingerbread makes me want to eat it! I usually prefer sweet scents but this bubble bar happily surprised me - as soon as I popped it in the bath, it created a mountain of spicy and fruity foam, and best of all, the scent lingered for as long as I relaxed in the bath, without being overpowering. It is a warm, inviting and relaxing smell that just makes you feel good. 

I loved how the water turned a bright orange, which was unexpected and a bit weird at first, but I have seen worse and I thought was quite funny and unique. Even if the foam diminished gradually, it was still present after one hour has passed, when I decided to get out of the bath.

The Gingerbread House definitely provided a nice relaxing bath and even though the fragrance did not linger on my skin afterwards, I really loved how it left my skin moisturized thanks to the ginger and lemon oils, without feeling greasy.

Peach is sad  that the Gingerbread House is limited-edition ):

LUSH Gingerbread House Bubble Bar usually costs around $6.95 but it is not available anymore this year.

LUSH Snow Fairy - Sweet, Sparkly, And Candy Scented!

I was a bit hesitant to post about the beloved Snow Fairy because well, it's LUSH best-selling holiday classic and I think everyone and their great-grandmother have heard about it - and have it in their shower stall - but I figured out I could not pass on this Christmas favorite, especially since I do not share the same opinion on this product than most bloggers.

I was extremely excited when I received Snow Fairy as a Christmas gift from my boyfriend solely because of all the rave I continuously read about it on the blogosphere, but sadly, this is one of those products that are simply overrated for me.

Yes, the mouthwatering cotton candy, sweet vanilla and bubblegum scent is simply intoxicating and I could not have asked for something better in this department, but the letdown is that, despite its fairly consistent texture, the shower gel requires tons of product to get an adequate leather, which is a real shame considering how overpriced this product is! Another detail is that Snow Fairy is said to be infused with a dose of iridescent glitter, but no matter how much I shake the bottle, it only sticks to the bottom!

Appart from the scent - which is not as strong in the shower as it is in the bottle - I can't justify the price of Snow Fairy and I won't be repurchasing it.

Snow Fairy is available only around Christmas in 100ml for $9.95, 200ml for $16.95 and 500ml for $24.95.