Slightly Different Foods Review - Food For A Gut-Friendly Diet

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common digestive disorder characterised by stomach cramps, bloating diarrhoea and constipation. If you suffer from this you know how debilitating this condition can be. Simply put, it's not fun, I know as I suffer myself. There is no cure but medication and diet changes can help. A FODMAP diet could help. Let's have a look at what that means, and a range of food suitable for the FODMAP diet called Slightly Different Foods. This is an advertorial with Slightly Different Foods, all words and opinions are my own.

Who are Slightly Different Foods?

Home cook and founder Sonia Fox developed the company Slightly Different Foods after being diagnosed with IBS in 2014. Her research into ways in which to alleviate her condition led her to the low FODMAP diet, but what does that mean? FODMAPs or Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are prone to absorb water and ferment in the colon.  

The low FODMAP diet is a diet to follow only if you have been diagnosed by a doctor with IBS. It's an elimination diet where you avoid certain foods thought to trigger IBS symptoms and then you slowly reintroduce foods one at a time to find your triggers. Common triggers are foods like garlic, onion, cow's milk, wheat products and milk. 


Slightly Different Foods have created store cupboard foods that have been developed to be gut-friendly for those following a diet that is low in FODMAP foods.
 
Their food has no artificial preservatives, flavourings or colouring, is lower in sugar and salt than normal store cupboard food and is free from animal-based ingredients. The food is also Gluten-Free certified, and they exclude all 14 of the major allergens in all their products.

I was sent the Around The World pack of Low FODMAP sauces to review by Slightly Different Foods. Now, this pack is extensive and consists of a selection of 10 sauces, these are Smooth Bolognese, Chilli Non Carne, Thai Red Curry, Arraibiata, Tomato and Basil, Sweet and Sour, Tropical Curry, Sweet Chili, Tikka Marsala and Mexican Fajita. 

smooth bolognaise

I haven't managed to eat all the sauces yet, so I will show you a selection of the sauces I've tried so far. I think it will take me at least a month or two to work my way through the sauces so this is a taster of what they have in stock.

chilli

The three I am going to review are Smooth Bolognese, Chilli Non-Carne and Thai Red Curry.

Thai red curry


All the sauces are completely ready-made in a jar, you just add in anything you want, such as chicken, minced beef or veggie mince. Of course, you need to take into account if the food added is on the low FODMAP list if you are following this strictly. 

Bolognese

It was good to read the ingredients on the label that there are no additives in the sauce. The sauce was easy to use and I added it to browned minced beef. You could make this veggie-friendly by adding suitable vegetables instead that are low FODMAP.

The bolognese sauce was tasty. I did notice that it was not as sweet as other bolognese sauces I had used in the past. It had a nice herby flavour. It was great that there was no onion or garlic used, and I did wonder how the company would recreate the flavour,  but they managed to do this using herbs and spices. If you are not following the FODMAP diet strictly (perhaps you have already done this and have reintroduced food slowly), you could add some extras if you know they do not affect you. I would normally add a squirt of tomato sauce for sweetness when making a bolognese.

chili label

bolognaise cooking


bolognaise meal

Chilli

Again it was good to read the chilli label and that it had no suspicious additives. If you are not being strict about the FODMAP diet you could add some chopped red pepper and some kidney beans like I did. 

The chilli I thought was better than the previous sauce. It was quite spicy and tomatoey and had some good acidity. Again you couldn't tell that it did not contain onions or garlic, two big triggers for many people suffering from IBS.  A dish like a chilli can normally be very triggering for people with IBS but this did not upset my stomach at all.

bolognaise






Thai Red Curry

Now Red Thai Curry is one of my favourite dishes so I was excited to try this. A good Red Thai Curry has flavours of coconut, and some spice and is slightly sweet. It's my go-to meal that I order in a Thai restaurant. For this dish, I stir-fried some Quorn vegan pieces to brown them for 10 mins and added the Red Thai Curry sauce and heated it through for 10 mins. I served it with pilau rice to make a tasty meal on the table fast.

I really enjoyed this Red Thai Curry and I think it was my favourite sauce that I tried. The sauce was flavourful and had hints of coconut and lemongrass. It had mild heat from the chilli too. I was pleased that it had a little sweetness. I think the sauce is a good store cupboard standby.

thai curry


red Thai curry

red Thai curry and rice

I used vegan Quorn in the dish and on the Slightly Different Food website, there is a range of Vegan recipes too that incorporate the sauces. 

None of the sauces seemed to affect my stomach which I was incredibly pleased about. The sauces pack some great flavour and they are useful to have in the cupboard if you experience any digestive issues.

If you are interested in these sauces and want to check out everything the Slightly Different Food company sell check out their website. From cooking sauces to mayo to condiments and table sauces, they sell a range of gut-friendly food products.

Let me know, would you try these sauces?

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5 Reasons You Should Consider A Moissanite Engagement Ring

Moissanite is among one of the most ethical, sustainable and affordable engagement ring choices out there and is fast becoming a staple in the world of engagement rings and all for the right reasons! This is an advertorial with Lily Arkwright. 

Moissanite rings make for a beautiful choice and today we have comprised a list of 5 reasons why you should join all the other savvy couples who are opting for this fantastic gemstone as their engagement ring.

If you didn’t already know, moissanite is a white gemstone that is strikingly similar to a diamond and extremely rare in nature. Moissanite is made up of the material, silicon carbide.

It was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr Henri Moissan who discovered small quantities of natural silicon carbide. It was found in a meteorite and was later named "moissanite" in honour of Dr Moissan. However, silicon carbide supply was too limited for jewellery use and it wasn’t until over 100 years later scientists were able to replicate the natural growing process in a lab and manufacture it on a large scale. Taking us to today, where almost all moissanite set in jewellery and engagement rings is lab-grown.

So Why Should You Opt For A Moissanite Ring?

Moissanite ring

Moissanite is affordable

When we think of an engagement ring the conventional idea tends to be a bright gold band with a big shiny diamond but as we all know, this can be very expensive. Of course, diamond rings make a beautiful and classic choice for an engagement ring but the reality is, a diamond ring is not within everyone's budget and if it is you’re very lucky. However, what if we told you you could get that same brilliance and fire from a diamond ring for just a fraction of the price! Moissanite costs around 90% less than mined diamonds, making them a really affordable choice for those budget-conscious couples and consumers.

Moissanite is durable

The durability of a piece of jewellery is something that should be strongly considered during your buying process. It’s well known that diamonds are the hardest mineral on the planet with a score of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which is a measurement of scratch resistance a mineral has. Moissanite is the second hardest mineral used in setting jewellery, with a score of 9.25, making moissanite an amazing choice for jewellery designed to be worn every day, such as engagement rings.

Ethical and sustainable

A considerable factor of moissanite are its ethical and sustainable credentials due to it being exclusively grown in a laboratory. Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown jewellery such as moissanite and lab diamonds have a significantly smaller carbon footprint as all of the ethical implications involved with mining practices are eliminated. As consumers become more aware of the ramifications of their purchases, more and more couples are opting for moissanite as a green choice that also happens to look stunning!

Moissanite is super sparkly!

Moissanite is almost indistinguishable from a natural diamond, thanks to meticulous lab growing processes and checks by expert scientists. The chemical structure and refractoriness of this gem mean that it can slow down and bend the light entering it much better than other minerals, giving off an almost rainbow-like sparkle effect. It makes for a wonderful alternative as a colourless stone, and due to its optical properties displays a remarkable brilliance and fire displayed only in the highest quality gems.

Moissanite is fully certified and traceable

Thanks to the way in which moissanite is produced, it means there is a far smaller production line. Lily Arkwright are proud authorised sellers of premium Charles and Colvard forever one moissanite which always comes with a certificate of authenticity. Charles & Colvard are the leading architects in moissanite and are the original creators of the fabulous gemstone. Lily Arkwright are also Assay Assured retailers and can guarantee that all of their jewellery meets and exceeds legal requirements having been independently tested, proving outstanding quality to their customers.

Final Thoughts

If the idea of moissanite engagement rings has piqued your interest or you would like to find out more information about Lily Arkwright and their lab diamond collections simply call them on: 0161 537 6773, or alternatively, you can email their jewellery consultancy team at: hello@lilyarkwright.com or book an in-person consultation.

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From Wedding Decorations On The Table To Colourful Gift Bags For Guests - Ways To Thank Your Guests On Your Wedding Day

If you are planning a wedding there are many things you have to think about, from the dress to the reception venue, to the food, to where you are getting married. It can be a stressful experience as there are so many things you want to get perfect. One thing you can't afford to forget though, and you may not have thought about it, is to thank your guests for coming. 

gift bag
Let's have a look at ways to say thank you to your guests on your wedding day.

Pastel or colourful gift bags for guests

Welcome bags or thank you gifts for guests make a perfect little souvenir to take home. Saketos are a brand that makes a large range of jute, linen and organza fabric wedding decoration bags in a range of pastel and bright colours at an affordable price. Fill the bags with, cookies, love hearts, soaps, lip balm or other favours for the guests to take home.  I've even seen plantable seed paper hearts full of wildflower seeds native to the British isles. What a fabulous idea.

Wedding decorations on the table

As well as wedding thank you gifts for guests wrapped in organza bags, guests could also be encouraged to take home wedding decorations as a little thank you. This could be the floral decoration, I mean who wants waste these days, to disposal cameras left on the table for guests to take photos. This is a great way to have informal photos of the wedding day too, perhaps get two copies of the photos - one for the guest and one for the bride and groom. 

A personal message in the speeches

A personal message in the speeches is a lovely way to acknowledge the guests. This works well with those close to the bride and groom, such as the best man, maid of honour and parents, however anybody that makes the day special can be mentioned. It's a good idea that tissues are on the top table though, these things can get emotional! 

Personalised gifts for the wedding party

Of course, it's a good idea to give a gift to those in the immediate wedding party. I do like using a personalised gift for this occasion. You could get your bridesmaids an item of jewellery with their initials on for example. For the best man what about a tankard engraved with a message of thanks? Mums could be presented with gifts of their favourite flowers, whilst dads could be presented with personalised cufflinks. There are many types of personalised gifts that are suitable. 

Gifts for the kids at the wedding 

Weddings can be long and tiring, so it's a good idea to have small gifts for the kids that are there to keep them occupied. Think about an age appropriate toy, such as colouring books, toy cars, or a pocket sized playset to keep the children busy. A healthy snack may also be a good idea, but be sure to pass it by the parents first in case of dietary restrictions. 

As you can see there are a number of ways to thank your guests on your wedding day. What do you think of my ideas? Do you have any of your own? What did you do at your wedding? 

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Red Skin On The Hands: What It Could Be And How To Identify The Cause

It would be fair to say that of all the parts of our body, our hands come into contact with the most different materials and surfaces, and we use many different products, soaps and sanitisers on them every day. It’s not surprising then that red, inflamed skin on our hands is quite common. There are a few things that can cause this red skin on the hands. What causes can be treated with a topical cream and when should you see a doctor? Let’s have a look at some of the more common causes and how to treat them.

Some Of The Common Causes

psoriasis

Allergic reactions are one of the most common causes of red skin on the hands, which can be caused by contact with something that you are allergic to. Common causes of allergic reactions are adverse reactions to an ingredient in a skincare product or cream, a plant or a chemical. Redness on the hands, particularly when associated with plants can take a few days to appear, which makes finding the source quite difficult.

Hives (also called urticaria) is another common cause of red skin on the hands. They’re another kind of allergic reaction and appear as itchy bumps that can become lighter when pressed. Although they usually resolve without much effort, they can also precede a life-threatening anaphylaxis event. Patient, an online resource with evidence-based medical advice and health topics, has some good information about hives, their cause and how to treat them.

Other skin conditions like psoriasis, lichen plantus and keratolysis exfoliative are less common, but can also be the cause of red skin on the hands.

Preventing Red Skin On The Hands

woman gardening


There are some steps you can take to avoid developing red, itchy and scaly skin on your hands:

  • If you’re working in the yard or with chemicals, always wear a good pair of gloves suitable for the activity.
  • Don’t use medicated creams unless prescribed by a doctor.
  • Try and stick to moisturising creams and products without fragrances.

Common Treatments

In general, the initial treatments for red skin on the hands are almost always a topical cream, which will vary based on the type of rash or skin condition you’re experiencing. An antifungal cream would help with fungal infections, while something that provides relief like calamine lotion or antihistamines could be used for allergic reactions.

When to See a Doctor

Red skin on the hands can be a sign of more serious conditions and shouldn’t be dismissed if it doesn’t clear up quickly or if it occurs often. Associated symptoms like a high temperature or discharge from the affected area indicate that you might need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

If your breathing is affected or if the rash and redness start to spread over your body, you should visit the emergency room straight away.

Many rashes don’t require medical treatment and will generally clear up on their own rather quickly, but don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if the redness and rash are causing you prolonged discomfort.

*This article is for information purposes only, in an emergency always ring 999 and ask for an ambulance
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How to Supercharge Your Etsy Craft Business

Etsy is the perfect place to sell custom jewellery and handcrafted garments. With a customer base looking to spend a little extra on ethically created, unique goods, this is a space where you can sell the products of your passion. You'll want to offer a wide range of products from bookmarks to clothing, so finding a company that offers luxurious foil bookmark printing or a company that can create custom displays to help you advertise your clothing is paramount.


However, it can be a competitive place, so here are some tips on how to get your products selling.

Custom Labels

Personalisation is your greatest USP when it comes to selling on Etsy, so you don’t want to leave any stone unturned in offering customization for their purchases. One of many ways to do this is through custom printed labels, in which the customer can select from a large range of quotes - one that resonates with them - for your to then stitch onto the good upon purchase.

Social Media

Social media isn’t just the most important marketing space in general, but even more so for handcraft businesses - these have viral potential when creating content. The most important thing is to connect your Etsy business to your socials by having the store URL in your bio and handles on your Etsy page.

Influencer marketing can be a powerful tool for unique products, as it’s an effective way for new customers to become aware of your unique product through a trusted celebrity.

SEO

Search Engine Optimisation is arguably the most important marketing method of growing a business or website online, and this even extends to Etsy. Understanding the keywords that your customers are searching for so you can have an SEO-optimised shop description is important. It’s not just about ranking higher within Etsy’s searches, but Google’s, as direct Etsy product pages are included in Google results.

Research your competitors

It’s important to know what you’re up against if you’re to truly understand your own unique value proposition. If new entrants enter the market, think about how you can stay ahead and remain different. But also, if you’re seeing them succeed, don’t feel shy about following trends too, as long as you’re remaining authentic.

Type in what you believe the customer might (you can use search engine question tools to help) and see what the Etsy results are. See how far down you are, who is ahead of you, and why are they. Apply any areas of success that they’re doing onto your own, but also think about how you can differentiate from them.

Blogging

It’s likely that if you’re a small craft business, you likely have a strong brand story - and if you don’t, it’s time to build one. Personalizing your business through blogging your brand’s journey - or your own personal one - can be a great way to build up a loyal customer base who regularly tune into your blogs.

Within your blog, you can post links to your Etsy page or even sell directly there to avoid the Etsy fees. You can use your SEO research findings from the last point to also help grow organic traffic to the blog, but ultimately, regular, long-form interesting content is king.

Finally, if you manage to build some regular traffic, it’s important to create a mailing list to capitalise on this. A monthly newsletter appearing in your ideal demographic’s inbox who are already familiar with the brand is a great way to increase repeat sales.

*Collaborative post
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Create Your Own Unique Story With Story Jewellery

We all have precious possessions that mean a lot to us. A photo of our grandmother, your baby's first curl, a blanket knitted by your mother. Then there is the jewellery we treasure that means so much. That's the thing about jewellery, it's bought for life's occasions such as birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and Mother's Day. Jewellery tells a story, a story about us. This is an advertorial with Story Jewellery. 

Who Are Story Jewellery?


Story Jewellery


Story Jewellery are a company that aims to bring the bond we have as humans into their jewellery. Their jewellery delivers a compelling message of love, friendship, and empowerment. They say their jewellery sends an unspoken message to loved ones, whether that is how much they mean to you or how strong they are or another message full of hope and love.  There are so many lovely pieces of jewellery on the Story Jewellery website, so let us have a look at some of my favourite pieces.

My Story Jewellery Wishlist

knot ringEndless Knot Ring

The Endless Knot ring is a ring with an intertwined design. The design interacts together like a couple does. It's a symbol of love, of security, of being together forever. It's a sweet heartfelt design and a dainty ring made of sterling silver and cubic zirconia. It's the perfect gift to show someone just how much you love them. rainbow ring

Rainbow Ring

For those going through tough times, the rainbow ring is a perfect gift. In fact, you don't just get one ring you get two, a thin band with an engraved design and a multicoloured rainbow design ring, both in silver. The rainbow ring has adjustable sizing and it's so pretty, catching the light with the rainbow colours. The rainbow ring is in two options, one is silver and one is on a base metal, which is plated with 18k rose gold.

mother daughter ringMother Daughter Ring

Another ring with a knot design is the mother-daughter ring. The infinity design shows how much you mean to someone and that you are intertwined forever. The silver design is exceptionally pretty and is inset with cubic zirconia. The message card that comes with it says 'The love of mother and daughter is forever.' I bet any mother would love this ring, I know I would.

worry ringEnamel Fidget Ring

The enamel fidget ring is a great ring to help promote positive mental health. It's a pretty ring and comes in a choice of three multi-coloured options. The beads on the ring spin so it can help with anxiety, keeping you focused when you play with it, rather than preoccupied with the worries of the world. The rhyme on the card that accompanies the ring states the fidget ring is there to love and protect you from anything you fear.

As you can see there are many beautiful items of jewellery from Story Jewellery, suitable for your mum, daughter, or friend. Let me know which of these items do you like? Are there any items of jewellery you hold dear?

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