*Budget Holidays with Holiday Gems

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August is a very busy month for me with a weekend away with my friends to the Lake District, my birthday, day trips and a cruise, the latter is amazing but very pricey. However, more budget options are available from Holiday Gems including various holiday locations that are closer to home which definitely reduces the price!

Spain

I've been lucky enough to visit Barcelona a couple of times and I've visited Cadiz and Vigo, all of which I loved especially the latter as I managed to find a Sephora store which I was ridiculously excited about! There are many other locations throughout Spain that I'd love to visit, although Benidorm isn't one of them. Holiday Gems has a great range of options from Calpe, Mijas, Nerja, Santa Susanna and many more. Spain is a very popular holiday destination for many UK tourists as the weather is gorgeous (although maybe a little too hot recently), gorgeous beaches and the flight isn't too long from the UK.

France 

Another short flight from the UK is the gorgeous country of France and again I'm lucky enough to have visited a few cities along the south coast of France including Toulon which I'd definitely recommend. However, one city I haven't visited is Paris and Holiday Gems offer a range of Paris city breaks all of which sound fantastic and visit so many sights such as Disneyland Paris.

UK

If you're looking a short break then why not have a staycation (or a staycation and short holiday)? I'm heading off to the Lake District as you're reading this post and I cannot recommend a visit to the lakes enough. Llandudno, Oban, Dorset and Cornwall are all fantastic staycation recommendations as well as London, naturally. Check out my London posts for recommendations of where to visit!

Have you visited Spain or France? Are you going to check out Holiday Gems? 

*This is a sponsored post
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Review: Seggiano - The Taste of Italy

I have been obsessed with Italy and Italian food for as long as I can remember! Pasta has been my favourite food since I was a toddler and that hasn't changed in 25 years. I've been lucky enough to visit various cities around Italy and it has just reinforced my love for all things Italian, especially pasta and pesto so I was very excited when a lovely package from Seggiano arrived!

*Seggiano Raw Basil Pesto (£6.40)

I discovered my love for pesto while on holiday in Rome with my parents and younger sister, possibly on my 18th birthday and I've been in love ever since. I have migrated from using store bought, which is usually quite flavourless, to making my own spinach pesto which is much healthier but there are some days when I really don't feel like cooking or washing up my Nutribullet so this pre-made pesto is perfect.

The pesto is made from fresh Ligurian basil, olive oil, cashew nuts, sea salt and pine nuts so it is completely vegan! It is also gluten free, GMO free and wheat free so it can be enjoyed by so many. I love the packaging, I love the minimal ingredients and while it is fairly high in calories due to the nuts and olive oil, it is very delicious! A little goes a long way and for one portion with the pasta, I only used a tablespoon or two and it's very flavourful! It's the best pre-made pesto I've tried!

*Seggiano Organic Gluten Free Rice & Teff Tagliolini (£4.90)

Now, I have tried gluten free pasta, I was gluten free for about a month as I was trying to find out whether it affected my eczema (it didn't) and I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of the gluten free pastas I've tried as they tend to have a strange texture compared to normal wheat pasta. I was interested to try this one though as it's a 'gourmet gluten free pasta', it is made using a traditional process which involves slow drying the pasta. It's vegan, organic and GMO free.

I was throughly surprised by this pasta as firstly I love the size, it's like mini tagliatelle and I actually like the texture - it isn't chewy which I find some gluten free pasta to be. With the pesto it has such a nice flavour and I wouldn't have immediately thought that it was gluten free, which is very impressive!

Overall, this is my first time trying any products from Seggiano and I'm definitely impressed. The raw vegan basil pesto is just delicious, it's very moreish and great for days when you don't want to cook. The gluten free pasta is the biggest surprise as it's actually so good, unlike all of the other gluten free pasta I've tried. The pesto and pasta together is the perfect combination and I cannot recommend them enough!

Have you tried anything from this brand? Do you like pesto? 

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DegustaBox: July 2018

I love the last week or so of the month because it means that I receive my monthly DegustaBox which I absolutely love receiving because it always contains so many amazing snacks, drinks and cooking ingredients. I more often than not receive item(s) that I'm very happy with and would purchase. You can get your first box for only £7.99, which is amazing value, by using the code: KVAA2 at the checkout!

*DegustaBox - July 2018 

I'm a little late with this review as usually I post is within  day or two of receiving the box but July has been a very busy month with car shopping, holiday planning and a plethora of sponsored posts to publish (which I'm incredibly grateful for). The July box is based around picnic, beach and road trip snacking on the whole along with a couple of items that would be great for a BBQ or summer party. Within each box you always receive between 10 to 15 items and it's a surprise each time - that's one of the main things I love about subscription boxes.

*Ribena Sparkling (£2.70 each)

Let's start with a nostalgic item for me and that's the new Ribena drinks! Ribena is a brand I've loved since childhood so I was interested to try out their new sparkling drinks in the blackcurrant and pineapple & passionfruit flavours. I love the original blackcurrant flavour of Ribena so naturally that's my favourite of the two but the pineapple and passionfruit flavour is very delicious and perfect for summer.

*Cadbury Highlights Milk Chocolate (£2.99)

Next up is an item I'm very excited for as it's making me wish it was autumn - hot chocolate. This new and lighter way to enjoy hot chocolate may not be ideal for the current humid heatwave we've been having in the UK but it will be perfect for chilly autumn days which I CANNOT wait for! I'm forever wishing that it was autumn, particularly during this heatwave.

*Heinz Salad Cream (£1.49)

As I mentioned previously, there are a couple of items in this box that would be perfect BBQ additions and this is one of them. While I am definitely not a fan of salad cream but I know that a lot of people are and it's apparently one of Britain's best loved sauces!

*Rosie's Pig Flat Tyre (£2) 

This is a brand that was included in the June DegustaBox which you can read, if you want, and I mentioned then that I loved the unique packaging and that is the same for this flavour. You will only receive this product if you opted for the alcohol version of the DegustaBox. I love the flavour, it's very tart, fresh and fruity which is great for summer.

*Pulsin Salted Caramel Raw Choc Brownie (£1.59)

I received a product from this brand in a previous box but I can't remember which one and to be honest I wasn't a fan of that flavour but this one was very moreish! I love salted caramel as a flavour and this one was so nice - I think it will be a hit with so many people. I am looking out for calories and these are very calorie dense for what they are so I have to split it over two days but it's so yummy!

*Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles (£1.29)

Next up is sadly an item that I can't eat as it contains gelatine (boo!) but I did used to love these sweets growing up when I wasn't a vegetarian. This option contains 30% less sugar which is great although considering it contains gelatine...it isn't free from disgusting ingredients.

*Capsicana Brazilian Smoked Paprika & Spices Seasoning Mix (£1)

The next two are the products of the month from Degusta. This brand has been featured in DegustaBox boxes previously and I enjoyed those products so I'm interested to try these too. As always I love the fun, colourful packaging! The seasoning mix can be used on meat but obviously I'll be adding it to veggies before putting them in the oven.

*Capsicana Mexican Guacamole Mix (65p each)

Both of these products are going to be launching in Sainsburys stores this month and that's one of the things I love about these boxes - they usually include one or two items that are brand new! The guacamole mix just needs avocado adding to it for a perfect dip. It's more than a little spicy for me but I think most people would love this!

*London Flavours Crisps (95p each)

Some of my favourite items from box, naturally they are savoury crisps. I have the cheddar and red onion flavour and the lightly salted flavour, both of which I love. The cheddar and red onion is my favourite of the two and even though they are very high in calories, I would buy them in the future.

*Peckish Cheese Trays (£1.59)

I received the BBQ flavour of the Peckish rice crackers/crisps in last months box and I loved them as they were very moreish so I was glad to find a tray of the cheese flavour in the July box. As with the BBQ flavour these are very moreish and a great lighter snack. They are baked not fried so they're healthier and they are under 100 calories per portion.

*Percol Iced Coffees (£1.50 each)

The penultimate item is another of my favourites as it is coffee! I adore coffee, it's something I drink every single day so I'm always happy to try more. There are two flavours and I received the protein latte option which contains 18g of protein. They are also fair-trade and organic. The coffee is ideal for the heatwave we've been having, it's very delicious and very rich/creamy.

*Miso Tasty Mugi Barley Miso Soup (£3.75)

Lastly, is an item I haven't tried yet but miso is something I've wanted to try for a while. The soup mix contains fermented barley, soybeans and mungbeans which if I'm honest, it doesn't sound very appealing but I definitely want to try this soup.

Don't forget to use the code KVAA2 which means that you can get a box for only £7.99 which is great value for money!

Have you tried any of these products? Will you be checking out DegustaBox? 

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*Pieces to Buy for Your 2018 Autumn Wardrobe

Image from Kinfolk via Pinterest

While you may be enjoying basking in the summer sunshine and hoping that this glorious weather will last, for the fashionistas out there, they’re looking forward to one thing: the new season. Why? Autumn/winter trends, of course. Wondering which pieces you must invest in to stay on-trend? Here are the must-have trends that you need for your wardrobe.

The Jacket: Capes and Tweeds

This is the one key piece of clothing that you simply have to get right for autumn/winter. After all, your outerwear not only needs to complement your existing wardrobe but highlight your fashion-forward style. This season, the catwalks showcased two major outerwear trends: capes and tweed. If you love to be daring with your fashion choices, strut your stuff in a structured cape. Or for a chic finish, choose an elegantly tailored tweed jacket.

The Print: All About Animal

Loud, bold and fun, an animal print can make a real statement. For 2018, it’s all about leopard print, with designers like Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford and Michael Kors sending bold patterns down the runway. For the brave, go head-to-toe with a leopard print coat. Or for small and stylish updates, a pair of heels or a handbag will transform any outfit.

The Dress: Silver and Sequins

For the last couple of seasons, rose gold has been the favoured metallic shade, but that’s all about to change for autumn/winter. This time, silver takes centre stage, with futuristic iridescent and eye-catching shades. From dresses that look like liquid silver to sequin covered head turners, if you only buy one dress this season, invest in a silver number. Alternatively, to update your accessories, choose a silver Henry London watch.

The Fabric: Leather

You may be thinking, leather is always a fashionable choice, so why is it on the list? The answer: this year, leather has had a makeover. For the upcoming season, picture high gloss finishes and cool vinyl, from dresses to trousers. No matter what item of clothing you choose, to be on-trend, it’s all about how you wear it. Pair with a cable knit jumper for effortless style, or amp it up with a structured trench.

The Skirt: Pleats and Sheers 

Fabulously feminine, a well-cut pleated skirt never goes out of style. This year, they’ve been seen on autumn/winter catwalks from the likes of Valentino, J W Anderson and Balenciaga. For a tough edge, go for a structured pleat and pair with a t-shirt. Or for a romantic touch, layer up with a sheer lace or tulle design.

What are your go-to pieces or trends for autumn? 

*This is a collaborative post
*Image from Pinterest 

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*How to Overcome your Fear of Dentists

Image from Refinery 29 via Pinterest 

So many people have an irrational fear of going to the dentist that it seriously affects their anxiety levels and mental health. Apart from affecting the patient negatively, the dental practice also suffers because quite often a patient will cancel their appointment the day before, or not even turn up for their appointment out of fear. This means that valuable dental slots are going empty that the surgery could have used for emergency dental appointments to help someone in urgent need. No matter if you are afraid of walking into the practice, or it is an issue with the dental tools or equipment being used, there are steps you can take to help you overcome your fear of going to the dentist. Let's take a look at some things you can do to ease your anxiety and build up your confidence.

Why do you fear the dentist?

Working out the exact cause or trigger for your dental phobia can be very useful to you. Is it a clash of personalities where you really don't like your dentist as a person? Do you consider him or her to have a bad bedside manner (or bad dental chair-side manner) where you don't think they are very gentle or careful with your dental procedures? Is it the dental tools and instruments that are used in the dental surgery that upset you? Are you scared of needles and worry about having an injection in your gums? Try to pinpoint the exact thing that worries you most and then you will be able to take steps to address your fears and calm your mind enough to get through an appointment.

A lot of anxieties about dental appointments arise from bad experiences as a child. Having a tooth out or a filling done at a young age can often leave a lasting negative impression on your mind. In truth, as an adult having the same treatment over again is not nearly as scary as it seemed as a child. These issues can be talked over with you dentist directly. Many dentists these days are very understanding and undergo special training to deal with anxious patients. So by letting your dentist know your fears, they can change their procedures to better help ease your fears.

If it's dental tools that scare you, then your dentist will know to keep these well hidden out of sight while you are entering the surgery. Many treatment rooms are designed and decorated specifically to help deal with nervous patients. They may include a sofa, a TV and radio, as well as decorated to look comfortable and inviting – just like a typical front room in a home environment.

Fear of losing control

A lot of anxious patients will avoid going to the dentist because they are put into a situation that they have no control over. Often the thought of having a complete stranger's fingers in your mouth while you cannot talk can be a terrifying idea. According to psychologists, this is quite a normal human response where we will naturally want to protect our open airways from attack. Sometimes a patient can hold such strong fears of going to the dentist that they will purposefully choose to eat soft foods to avoid damaging their teeth. This way they believe they can avoid every having to attend a dentist for any repair work, or to fix a broken tooth.

A lot of these anxieties can be overcome by having a period of adjustment where you get to know your dentist and your dental team well in advance of having any treatment. This can involve booking a session where you get shown around the practice and introduced to the staff. Having a chat and a cup of tea or coffee with the people that are there to take care of you can build a level of trust that can greatly help you get over a lot of your 'control' issues. Booking an extra-long session for your treatments will also help. This can allow you to talk to your dentist and relax before any treatments take place.

Are you scared of the dentist? Do you have any tips to overcome that fear? 

*This is a sponsored post
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Furi Pro Knives: Nigella's Favourites

Since becoming a vegetarian at the very young age of eleven, I have been cooking for myself and it's something I love to do! Cooking and baking are relaxing activities, I love trying new flavours and I love to eat but there are two aspects of cooking that I'm not a fan of, cleaning up the inevitable mess I make and having to prepare tough squash, carrots and pumpkin for roasting!

*Furi Pro Paring Knife (£31, 9cm)

The knives we currently have are Sabatier knives which are considered to be very good knives but the Furi Pro knives I was very kindly sent, are so much better! The knives have a 25 year guarantee and they're made from Japanese stainless steel; they are also Nigella Lawson's favourite knives and the have been used on her TV shows.

I was very kindly sent two of their knives including the 9cm paring knife and the 17cm east/west santoku knife, both of which I'm very impressed with. The paring knife is designed to core, slice and peel vegetables which is exactly what I've been using it for. The east/west santoku knife is ideal for slicing through tough veggies very easily and the paring knife is perfect for carefully removing the thick skin of squash and pumpkin. Additionally, the paring knife is great for peeling fruit very accurately to ensure you don't waste any; paired with the 'tech edge' blade which is extremely sharp, it allows for a very precise, quick dicing, cutting and peeling process.

*Furi Pro East/West Santoku Knife (£45, 17cm)

My favourite of the two has to be the massive east/west santoku knife which is the one I've been using the most over the past few weeks. It's a combination in style and design of a western cooks knife and an eastern vegetable chopper. As with the paring knife, it has a Japanese steel blade for superior durability and rust resistance, an innovative handle design which reduces slip and a blade of seamless construction that ensures the elimination of food traps for optimum safety and hygiene.

The knives are both so sleek in their design, they look very expensive and durable especially considering the weight of them. They are very easy to use, they don't feel cumbersome to use and they are both extremely sharp so much so that they make very easy work of tough veggies which would have usually taken our old knives much longer to tackle! I know they are both a little on the expensive side but if you cook every day as I do then they are definitely worth it for the ease of use, sharpness and efficiency. As well as individual knives they also come in sets of two or more which would make amazing gifts for any foodie!

*The video features a sneak peek of an upcoming recipe post 

Have you tried any knives from this brand? Did you know that they were favourites of Nigella? Why not check out my other food related posts? 

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