LowToxBox January 2018

I have been lucky enough to review the past couple of LoxToxBox subscription boxes and I have genuinely loved all of them so I was excited to try the January box! It arrived this morning and I couldn't wait to see what items I've received in the box as they are always so diverse and unique, particularly compared to other subscription boxes which can be a little repetitive.

*LowToxBox - January 2018 (£21.25 + P&P)

The boxes are all focused on vegan/vegetarian products as well as environmentally, green and re-useable items. In addition to the items in the box, you'll also receive an email confirming that a tree has been planted with your purchase. The January box contains nine items including snacks, drinks, skincare/toiletries and stationery. The January boxes are still available so go, go, go!

Let's start with the item I'm least excited about to get it out of the way, it's the Macacha Vanilla Protein Powder with mace and yerba mate. I've tried a couple of protein powders and I'm personally not a fan so I probably won't try this but I love the packaging and you can use the code EVENT to get 25% off a Macacha until the 31st May 2018.

Next up, the toiletries within the January box. The most interesting beauty item this month has to be the Friendly Soap Shampoo Bar which contains lavender and geranium essential oils as well as castor oil. All of their products are handmade, natural, vegan and cruelty free. It looks like a normal bar of soap but it smells heavenly and I cannot wait to use it as I love the Lush shampoo bars so I think I'll love this one too!

The second beauty item is the Elsa's Organic Skin Foods Natural Deodorant Creme in the Ocean scent. I have tried a couple of natural deodorants including the La Vanilla deodorants. I love the scent of this one but I think it will be a little difficult to use because of the small container; however I'll give it a go.

Lastly, is one of the most unique beauty products I've seen in a while and it's The Soap Connoisseur Ylang Ylang Serum which contains calendula petals! The product looks so pretty with the petals floating around into the serum.

One of the most beautiful items in the box is the Nikki Stark 'The Day Dreamer's' Notebook which has a gorgeous design on the front of a English field with fluffy sheep. It's A5 sized and contains 36 listed pages. I've had one of these notebooks before and I love the designs so I'm glad to have another.

Another lifestyle item is the Re-Sack Re-useable Fruit and Vegetable Bag which is an organic cotton drawstring mesh bag that can be used for so many things, including groceries. The bag is biodegradable and recyclable as well as fairly large so it would be great for lose produce. It's also something I've never seen before but it will be very handy to keep in my bag.

There are always a couple of drinks within the boxes and this month there is a pack of The Smart Tea Vitamin Super Teas which come in the cutest packaging. The pack contains four individually sealed teabags in detox, boost, multea, immunitea flavour options. The teas contain 50% RDA of nine of your daily vitamins, including B12 in each cup of tea which is amazing.

The second and final drink is the surprisingly delicious Coco Fusion 100 Natural Sparkling Coconut Water and the flavour included in the box is lime. I have tried a few variations of coconut water and to be honest I haven't liked them that much but this one is the nicest I've tried so far - I love the lime flavour!

The final item in the box has the most adorable packaging ever, mainly because it has a cute polar bear on the front. The Peakz Crunchy Chocolate Squares was the first snack I tried and they are so delicious, moreish and suitable for vegans. They have an unusual texture, they'd be great as an on the go snack and they aren't too calorific. I'd definitely recommend them along with the coconut water and lime drink.

Overall, as with the previous two boxes I've tried, I'm so impressed with this box! Not just because of the wide range of items but they are well selected, they're always unique and from brands that I've never tried before. I love every item so far in the box with the only exception being the protein powder. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly, vegan subscription box then definitely check out LoxToxBox and their online store.

Use the code: OFBEAUTYAND to get 20% off the LowToxBox shop!

Have you tried anything from this box? What do you think of the January LowToxBox? 

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LOWTOXBOX: November 2017

If you didn't know, as well as my blog, I also write for the website All Subscription Boxes where I review...subscription boxes, I bet you didn't see that one coming. I adore subscription boxes, mainly because I love the mystery each month but also there are so many options of subscription boxes to choose from such as Pink Parcel which I reviewed last month or Craftiosity, Treatbox and the Lookfantastic boxes, all of which are fantastic.

Today's post is a review of a new(ish) subscription box that launched this summer! LOWTOXBOX is a UK based subscription box based around natural beauty, food and lifestyle products with as little impact on the environment as possible. They use eco-friendly packaging as well as non-toxic ink and for each box sold, they will plant a tree on your behalf!

*LOWTOXBOX November 2017 (£22.50 per month, inc. postage)

The boxes can be bought every month for £22.50 total or you can get a one off box for £25; additionally there are three month prepay plans for £64.50 and a 6 month prepay plan for £120 - all prices include postage. It will automatically renew each month on the date that you signed up. If you order before the 20th of the month then you'll receive that months box, otherwise you'll receive next months box. 

Let's start with the items in the November box, beginning with the Raw Passion Spicy Muscle Rub Body Rub Oil (60ml). I haven't seen anything like this before but it contains 100% organic and vegan ingredients including black pepper berry oil, shea butter, ginger root oil and many more. It's a great trial or travel size. 

The second beauty product is the Pure Purpose Anti-Ageing Face Oil (30ml) which 100% natural and contains wonderful ingredients that are perfect for normal to dry skin types. My skin is always dry due to eczema but it's even worse at this time of the year, hence my current mini eczema flareup so facial oils are an essential for my skin during the winter months. 

Now onto the food items (my favourite items from any box)! There are four food/drink items in the November box including The Protein Ball Co Goji and Coconut snack which again is vegan and contains fruit juice, pea protein, chia seeds, berries and desiccated coconut. I personally love coconut so I love these and they're great 'on the go' snacks as well as they aren't messy and for me they are surprisingly filling.

The next snack is one that didn't last very long - the Super Moon Crunchy Salt & Vinegar Lentil Puffs which have the cutest packaging ever! I couldn't wait to eat these and they were delicious. I'd definitely recommend them as a heathy alternative to crisps with such an adorable packet.

There was one drink within the box which was the Pow Powerful Water Co Cranberry & Apple Sparkling Water which contains 40 calories, natural sweeteners and 44mg of natural caffeine so if you're looking to cut down on coffee as it can stain your teeth then maybe these naturally caffeinated drinks would be a good alternative. I love this cranberry and apple flavour as it's so delicious, fruity and sweet.

Lastly the final food item are the Taking The Pea Wacky Wasabi Peas (40g) which as the name would suggest are crunchy peas that are coated in wasabi powder. They have other flavour options such as 'cheesy peasy and onion' which I definitely want to try as I did like these but they were a little too spicy for me although I seem to have the palette of a newborn baby so they'll probably be fine for everyone else!

Now we're onto the final few items including the last beauty product in the box. The Coffee Scrub Co body scrub is included and I have the cinnamon flavour which smells amazing and it's a fairly decent size as you could probably get two uses out of it. I always love body scrubs, especially at this time of the year!

As it's coming up to Christmas, there are two more festive products in the box such as the Keep This Cracker which is something I've ever heard of before as it's an eco-friendly reusable Christmas cracker...The cracker pops into shape and it does make a noise but instead of breaking like a normal Christmas cracker, it just slides open so you can re-use it! I think it's a fantastic idea!

Last but not least is another unusual product and again it's something I haven't really seen before. It's the WragWrap Re-Useable Gift Wrap. It's similar to the Lush knot wraps but the material of this one is much thicker, durable and it crinkles and sounds like rustling paper! I think it's a wonderful idea as your gift recipient sound you it themselves or pass it onto someone else.

Overall, this is my first LOWTOXBOX and I'm so incredibly impressed, not only with the number of wonderful items but the range too! I haven't tried any of these brands before and there are a few products that I'd never even thought of before as well such as the re-usble Christmas cracker and re-usable gift wrap which are amazing. I cannot recommend this box enough, it would make a great Christmas gift as a one off box or as a subscription.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of the November LOXTOXBOX? 

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DegustaBox - December 2017

I am lucky enough to be a DegustaBox ambassador so I received their boxes every month; I also receive a couple of items from their other boxes (alcoholic drinks etc) that you might not received in your box. I have loved every single box, it's a food subscription box, so obviously I'm going to love it but sadly this is the last box for 2017.

Each months box contains between 10 to 15 food, drink and snack items which I think is fantastic considering the low price and if you use the discount code KVAA2 it will make the box £5.99 instead of £12.99.

*Sleep Well Drink (£1.75)

Let's start with one of the most unusual items I've received because it is a milk based drink that is supposed to help you sleep due to the valerian in it which is a traditional herb used for thousands of years. I adore the packaging and the drink itself tasted delicious (similar to something I had as a child but I can't put my finger on it). I think it did help me sleep and sleep through the night without waking up which is great!

*Robinsons Fruit Creations (£1.99)

I drink cordial or fruit juice all of the time as I cannot stand water on its own so this is perfect for me and I have the 'pear, blackcurrant and cherry' flavour which as with the previous drink is delicious. You could have received the one I did or there is another flavour that you could have received instead.

*San Miguel 0.0% (£3)

I drink very, very little and it's only really on social occasions so I'm so glad to see a non-alcoholic drink in the December box so it's perfect for the festive season or new year so those who want something different to drink can take part but without the alcohol!

*Planters Nut-Rition (£1.29 each)

I received another product from this brand in the November box and I did actually use them in a Christmas cookie mix I made as well as little snacks over Christmas. This month I received two packets of nuts from them including the 'protein mix' and the 'energy' mix. I'll definitely be eating the 'protein mix' over the next few days.

*Taking The Pea (£1.50)

I received one of these packets already in my November LowToxBox and I didn't really like them after the first couple as they just aren't for me. However, you could also received the 'smoked ham' flavour in your December box.

*Ryvita Lightly Salted Rye Cakes (£1.39)

Another item we've received in a previous box however I do like them so it's ok! The rye 'cakes' are high in fibre, low in fat and they make a great snack with hummus, cheese, veggies or you could even make them a salty but sweet snack by adding peanut butter or pistachio spread.

*Coldpress Orange Juice (£1.50)

This item didn't even make it a few minutes after photographing it as I love orange juice and this one was delicious! I love the packaging too and I definitely prefer cold pressed juice as they contain more vitamins and nutrients. You could have received an apple juice instead - I'd definitely buy this in the future! 

*Matcha Instant Green Tea

Next up is an item that isn't on the leaflet so it must be part of one of their other boxes but as I'm an ambassador, I received items from other boxes. I do love green tea as well as herbal and mint tea so this item is great as it contains 15 stick sachets which is great for work or on the go. I haven't tried it yet as I have so much tea that is already open but it will be used throughout January. 

*Mary Berry's Food - Lemon & Mustard Seed Vinaigrette (£2.99)

Who knew that Mary Berry (the nations grandma) had her own food range! I certainly didn't know and I haven't seen any of her products in stores. This vinaigrette is great as a salad dressing or even as a pasta salad dressing. 

*Popchips Galactic Puffs (£1.99)

With the new Star Wars film just being released I didn't expect a Star Wars snack in the box but I'm glad it's in there...even though Chewbacca scared me initially! I received the barbecue flavour but I wish that I'd received the sour cream and chive option as it's my favourite crisp flavour but I'll still eat and share these! 

*Willies Cacao Black Pearls (£6.59)

If you use the code KVAA2 then even just with this item, the box will have more than paid for itself as the code gives you a box for only £5.99 and these chocolates are £6.59 - how amazing is that! I've heard about this brand for a while (I think he had a TV series years ago) so I was definitely intrigued to see this item along with all of the leaflets about it such as how the chocolate is made! I have the passionfruit caramel flavour which sounds incredible and I can't wait to try them. 

*Candy Kittens Gourmet Sweets (£3)

Now, I was so excited to see these as I do have a weakness for sweets especially sour sweets but sadly they contain beef gelatine...so I can't eat them. I know that this brand does have a few vegan options so I definitely want to try those particularly as the packaging is adorable but sadly these will have to be passed onto a friend. 

Overall, despite a couple of items I've received before and the sweets, it was another great box! I loved the juice, cordial, Popchips and the surprisingly effective Sleep Well drink. You get so much for your money and they are a great surprise each month, I cannot recommend them enough! 

If you use the discount code KVAA2 it will make the box £5.99 instead of £12.99!

What do you think of the December box? Have you used the discount code? 

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LowToxBox - December 2017

Last month I was very kindly sent the November LoxToxBox which was the first box from them that I've tried. They are a fairly new subscription box on the market and what makes them so unique is that they are focused on beauty, lifestyle and food items that are natural, green, organic or environmentally friendly which I think is absolutely fantastic. Additionally for each box that is purchased, a tree is planted which again is so wonderful!

I loved the November box as it contained such a wide variety of products, some of which I didn't even know existed and a few items that were so delicious. I think it is one of the most diverse and also environmentally friendly, green boxes I've tried (and I've tried a lot as I also write for the All Subscription Boxes website in which I review...subscription boxes).

*LoxToxBox - December 2017 (£22.50 per month, including postage)

Each box doesn't have a specific theme, I think it would be amazing if it did but each one does contain a wide variety of beauty, lifestyle and food items from a range of brands that most of the time, I haven't heard of which is great! This month box contains snacks, festive glitter, toiletries, beauty items and something for the garden. I adore subscription boxes, there are so many that I love and would recommend but sometimes they can be a little generic or samey but this one is so unique, diverse and it's always interesting to see what is in each months box!

Compared to other subscription boxes, the price is a little high but it does include postage and for the number of items you receive in each box (for the December box there were nine items, all but one of which were full sized) which is a great deal. Also a tree is planted for each box sold so you're doing a little bit to help the plant.

Let's first talk about the snack items the were included within the December box as there were four snacks, two of which I've already tried...I couldn't wait. The first were Emily Fruit Crisps in the Red Apple flavour which were the first to be consumed and I loved them! I'm a fan of baked fruit snacks and dried fruit as it satisfies my sweet cravings in a healthy way.

I've also already tried the Veda Soul Awaken Flapjacks, well they are flapjacks to me but with lemon, ginger and chocolate. They are very fancy flapjacks, not just because the flavour is much more luxe and rich than a typical flapjack but the packaging is stunning! They came in a gorgeous copper tin that I will definitely be re-using if I can remove the label.

The two snacks that I haven't tried include the Real Handful Blood Orange & Dark Choc Mix which contains blood orange flavoured sultanas, cranberries, dark chocolate pieces and peanuts - I'll definitely be eating this soon. I also received the Stoats Apple & Cinnamon Bar which will be a perfect snack to keep in my handbag.

Next up, the beauty items and I haven't heard of any of them which is great as usually with beauty subscription boxes, I've received the same brands and even the same products, over and over again. One of the most unusual items is the Medhini Face Scrub which seems to be a kit in which you mix your own face scrub...I haven't come across anything like this before but it sounds interesting!

There was also a bath bomb in the box and we all know how much I love bath bombs! The one I received is from Bubbly Badger London which is a vegan candle, bath bomb, lip balm and soap company! I'm not sure which scent I have but it might be the 'apple pie and custard' one, even so, it smells sweet and delicious.

Another product that also smells lovely is the Soapy Skin Holistic Lemongrass Soap which is handmade using natural ingredients such as essential oils. It's suitable for vegans and it isn't tested on animals. Lemongrass is such a nice scent but it can be a little too strong, however this one is quite sweet which I definitely prefer.

The final beauty item is a small sample of the Eco Glitter Fun Biodegradable Glitter. It also comes with a little pot of what I assume is a gel to help adhere the glitter to the skin. The glitter is a very festive mix of gold, red and green and I'm not sure what I'll use it for yet but it is very pretty.

The final two items are more lifestyle products such as the gorgeous Help Me Organics Thought Calming Candle which contains frankincense, geranium and lavender so naturally I love the scent as lavender is one fo my all time favourite scents! It's 100% organic, handmade in Cheshire and it contains soy wax which is better for the environment and your health. The scent is lovely but quite subtle unfortunately.

Lastly, I received the Seedbom Cornflower Fairy Lights which is a very unusual item but one I've seen before and almost bought for my mum a few times as it is a great gift for a gardener. It is a grenade shaped biodegradable container that is filled with polkadot cornflower seeds so you just throw it somewhere within your garden or plant it and you'll see colourful flowers soon after. I know my mum will love this so I'm very glad that it was in the December LoxToxBox.

Have you tried the LoxToxBox? Have you tried any of these products or snacks? 

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