REVIEW: Yushoi Snacks (YB)

I was sent some Yushoi Snapea Rice Sticks to review...

Yushoi snacks are made from peas - sounds odd right? But they are actually really delicious. Of course, this also makes them a healthy snack and contain less than 100 calories per pack! As well as being a good source of protein and high in fibre! You really can't ask for much more in a snack! In fact, they are also not full of nasties  - no MSG, artificial colourings or flavourings AND they're suitable for vegetarians (this made hubby happy!). They are made from 74% green peas.

First of all, I tried Yushoi Snapea Rice Sticks Lightly Salted flavour. You can definitely tell they are made from peas as you can taste it, but in a nice way, it's not overpowering, so even if you're not a big fan of peas, you can still enjoy them. They're really easy to eat as well, not mega crunchy like normal crisps. I think these had a good balance of taste and flavour. The lightly tinged green colour isn't the most appealing colour for a snack versus normal crisps and other similar snacks, but in terms of taste, they are equally as good if not better. They are actually really quite filling compared to other snacks too.

Next I tried the Soy & Balsamic vinegar - a delicious combination of flavours that works well with this snack. Again, just the right amount of flavour and I could eat them all day long! My husband and eldest son tried them too, and they both enjoyed them.

The next flavour I tried was the Smoked Salt & Szechaun Pepper. I expected this flavour to be one of my favourites, but I actually didn't enjoy this flavour. I can't quite decide why, but the flavours just didn't work for me. 

Finally, I tried the Sweet Chilli & Lemon. I saved these for last, thinking they were going to be my favourite, but again, the flavour just didn't work for me. They were OK, but just not a flavour that works with the snack, I felt.

Overall, the Soy & Balsamic Vinegar were my favourites and the Lightly Salted were a very close second. I didn't much rate the other two flavours. Maybe they just don't work with the snack (i.e. they might be fine for normal crisps, but in my opinion, they just don;t work with these).

I could definitely see me buying these again though in the flavours I liked. I really did enjoy them and I hope I see them in the shops so I can have them again. They are tasty, easy to eat, healthy and low cal as well.

REVIEW: Mission Deli Wraps (YB)

I was sent some Mission Deli wraps to review.

I was sent 2 packets of "8 Original Wraps" and 2 packets of "8 Multigrain Wraps" to review.

I only normally buy original wraps, so it was interesting to try the multigrain wraps. I was slightly dubious as it's easy to stick to what you know, but I was very impressed with them, they looked like they should be quite a challenge to eat, but they were soft and tasty and felt healthier to eat and to give to my son in his lunchbox.

Wraps are very versatile. It's easy to get caught up in the thought that they're just for Mexican food, after all, that's what a fajita always comes in, but you can fill them with lots of different fillings, hot or cold.

We had wraps for our tea, filled with turkey ham (hubby is veggy so he had a substitute), garlic & herb soft cheese, smoked beetroot, boiled egg, lettuce and garlic mayonnaise - a delicious, cold wrap.

We did have delicious hot chicken fajitas too (well hubby had vegetarian Quorn fajitas).

One other thing we tried was deep fried jerk chicken (hubby had fried jerk Quorn) with lettuce and garlic mayonnaise - it was a truly delicious hot wrap meal.

I definitely found them very versatile, and definitely not just for fajitas! My eldest son has been taking them to school as part of his packed lunch too filled with ham or chicken salad and he's enjoyed a change from boring old bread.

Alex Hollywood has come up with some recipes to use wraps with your leftovers too, which look good. I'm featuring them below and I'll definitely be giving ome of them a go myself.

Roast chicken leftovers with Harissa roast veg, feta & minted yoghurtChopped leftover cooked roast chicken
Approx. 200g roast vegetables: onions, squash, aubergine, peppers, asparagus, (roast in a tbsp. olive oil garlic cloves, seasoning)
1/2 packet of feta
1 tsp Harissa paste
1 spoon olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt/pepper
Some rocket leaves
175 m tub plain yoghurt
Handful chopped fresh mint or a tsp mint sauce

2-4 Mission Deli Super Soft Wholemeal Wraps

In a bowl whisk the Harissa with a dash of oil and the lemon juice, season then add the roast vegetables and coat well. Spoon some onto the middle of the wrap followed by chopped chicken, rocket leaves and a little crumbled feta, season then wrap. In a bowl mix the yoghurt with the mint, season to taste and serve as a dip on the side.

Veggie curry leftovers with paneer & toasted cumin yoghurt dip
Leftover vegetable curry ( bulk up with frozen cooked peas if necessary)
1 packet paneer ( Indian cheese for cooking) chopped into small cubes
Garam Masala
Coriander leaves chopped
1 pot Greek yoghurt
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 crushed garlic cloves
Seasoning

2-4 Mission Deli Super Soft Multigrain Wraps

In a dry pan, dry fry the cumin seeds until they pop then transfer to a pestle and mortar and crush well, stir into the yoghurt with the crushed garlic and a little salt. Heat the vegetable curry, if necessary cook some frozen peas and add in to bulk the curry out then in a frying pan, dry fry the chopped paneer until browned all over. Throw into the curry and stir in the chopped coriander and a pinch of Garam masala then spoon into a wrap, wrap tightly and serve with the cumin garlic dip.

Tip: If you have any leftover roast lamb or chicken, chop it up, add it to the curry and serve with a dollop of Mint yoghurt and some mango chutney.

Leftover Bolognese ( chilli)  with sour cream & chilli cheddar
2-300g of leftover Bolognese sauce
1 can kidney beans drained
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
I small handful chopped fresh coriander
1 small lime
I pot sour cream
Grated mature 'chilli' cheddar

2-4 Mission Deli Original Wraps

In a heavy bottomed pan bring the Bolognese to a simmer; throw in the beans and spices. Allow to simmer for at least 15 minutes (if it begins to dry out too much, add a little water). Add the chopped coriander and a good squeeze of lime, adjust seasoning if necessary. Spoon some onto a wrap with a dollop of sour cream and a handful of the grated chilli cheddar, wrap and serve with green salad leaves.
Tip: To give your Bolognese more of a kick & authentic chilli flavour - add a dash of tequila!

Quick baked pudding wraps with mango chocolate sauce & granola
1 Bottle of good quality, thick hazelnut sauce (Nutella or home-made sauce would work too)
1 can mango slices (or 1 fresh prepared mango) or peach slices
150g granola
Icing sugar for dusting
Vanilla or hazelnut ice cream

2-4 Mission Deli Super Soft Original Wraps

Drop 2-3 spoonfuls of the hazelnut sauce on the wrap.  Arrange slices of fruit over then sprinkle a spoonful of granola on top. Fold over and wrap tightly. Dust with icing sugar and bake for 8-10 mins 180c. Serve with a scoop of ice-cream.

Tip: if you want to make this more 'grown-up', use fresh orange slices that have been soaked in a dash of Grand Marnier and crumble toasted pecans over the top before serving with hazelnut ice-cream

Sticky chicken with tomato, avocado, lettuce, cucumber slices & mozzarella
2 leftover chicken breasts - cooked & sliced
2-4 rough chopped tomatoes
1 ripe avocado sliced
some chopped lettuce
Sliced cucumber
1 tbsp Greek yoghurt
Lemon juice
Salt pepper
1 Mozzarella ball torn
Some fresh basil leaves

2-4 Mission Deli Super Soft Wheat and White Wraps

For the sticky sauce;

1 tbsp ketchup
1tsp Moroccan spices, e.g. Ras el Hanout (available from all major supermarkets)
1 tsp sweet chilli sauce
1 tsp soy sauce
2tsp sesame oil (or veg oil)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Mix the sauce ingredients together in a bowl and throw in the sliced chicken to coat well.  Heat a griddle pan then add the chicken slices and griddle until slightly darkened. In a bowl mash the ripe avocado with the Greek yoghurt add a squeeze of lemon and season, dollop a little on the wrap add some chicken then tomato lettuce cucumber and torn mozzarella, finish with some basil leaves, wrap and devour!  

Tip: this sauce works well with any leftover BBQ meat - sausages, pulled pork or even fish!

DISCLAIMER: I was sent the products for free to review, but thoughts & opinions expressed are my own. I pride myself on an honest review, good or bad. Recipes provided by Mission Deli in collaboration with Alex Hollywood.

REVIEW: Bepanthen Products (YB)

I was sent Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment and Bepanthen Sun Cream to review for my little man.

The Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment is really easy to use and is a great way of protecting your baby from the inevitable nappy rash.

I've been using it on my little man at most nappy changes since I received it, and I can honestly say I've noticed he has been much more comfortable looking since having begun using it.

He's often had nappy rash and I've treated it, but Bepanthen really helps prevent it from occurring in the first place, which is a big relief for both me & little man!

Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment can be bought in 30g, 50g or 100g tubes starting at RRP £3.99 and is available from Boots, Asda or Tesco.

The sun cream - not something you get to use all too often up here in the north of England, sadly! But very handy when you do need it or if you're going on holiday.

FUN & FROLICS: I'm Going To Mars! (YB)

Well, not quite... But my name is :P



And it did a couple of years ago too... 

REVIEW: Bio-Kult & Bio-Kult Infantis (YB)

I was sent samples of Bio-Kult and Bio-Kult Infantis to review.

Bio-Kult is a capsule of live bacteria - 14 strains - good bacteria, bacteria that helps promote a healthy gut and boost your immune system. You take 1-2 capsules a day. I was really pleased that there is more than one way to take them. I have a throat problem which means I can't swallow tablets/capsules whole, but fortunately, you can open them up and sprinkle them onto food or mix with a drink which for me, was perfect. It does not need to be refrigerated and can be taken alongside antibiotics, by babies toddlers and children, when travelling, by vegetarians, as part of a healthy diet and when pregnant - so pretty much all the time.

The Bio-Kult Infantis is specifically made for babies, toddlers and young children. As it's currently around back to school time - it's now more than ever that children need an immunity boost and Bio-Kult Infantis provides this. It comes in a convenient sachet that you can mix with milk, water or food to make it easy for them to take. It contains 7 strains of bacteria, is high in Omega 3 and contains Vitamin D3. I mixed it in with my little mans drink and he had it no problems and I like knowing that it's giving his gut a good immunity boost.

Bio-Kult’s nutritional therapist Natalie Lamb has provided some back to school tips...

Back to school is fast approaching and many parents will be starting to worry about the stresses and strains that a new term can put on a family. Stress can upset the delicate balance of the gut microflora in a child, depleting their immune system and causing symptoms such as stomach upsets and increasing their susceptibility to colds and flu. With 70% of our immune cells located in the gut, a child’s are still growing and changing during childhood. Their gut bacteria play an essential role in supporting the development of a strong healthy immune system at this time. This can be compromised if they are busy fighting off a wide range of new bugs shared out amongst new class mates. As well as being well organised and making sure your child is getting plenty of sleep, the following tips could help support a healthy immune system:

• Get the most of the last of the British summer sun to boost natural vitamin D levels, important for ensuring a strong immune system.

• Have fun picking local berries and fruits mid-summer such as blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, elderberries and black currants are said to be rich in Vitamin C & E and full of antioxidants.

• Eat a varied wholefood diet high in a rainbow of coloured vegetables, salads and some fruits. I’d also advise choosing meats, eggs and oily fish over processed sugars and refined carbohydrates which could feed unwanted bacteria and are generally low in useful immune boosting nutrients.

• Multi-strain probiotics such a Bio-Kult Infantis have been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of common colds commonly picked up in play groups.   

Bio-Kult retails for £14.95 for a box of 60 capsules and is widely available in high street retailers, independent pharmacies, health food stores and online at www.Bio-Kult.com

Bio-Kult Infantis retails for £11.95 for a box of 16 sachets and is widely available in high street retailers, independent pharmacies and health food stores and online at www.Bio-Kult.com.

COMPETITION: Turbospoke Competition (YB)

Turbospoke is a brand new toy for kids that is a toy exhaust for fitting to a bicycle that has realistic motorbike exhaust sounds - mega fun for kids!

The Turbospoke can be easily attached to back of of the bike frame with the mounting kit which comes with tools in the box to fit it with.

It comes with 3 sound cards that you can tune for up to 6 different realistic sounds. It's a great gift for children of all ages (recommended age of 6+) and I think it's probably going to be a big hit this Christmas, which is quickly creeping up on us!

• Bicycle exhaust sound system
• Makes authentic motorbike noises
• Three interchangeable sound cars
• Activates as bike is pedalled
• Does not require batteries
• Modern take on a classic
• Includes stick-on decals
• 35cm

If you would like the chance to win one, simply read the terms & conditions below and enter using gleam.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
Open to UK residents
Closes 23:59 03/10/2015
Winner has 7 days to claim their prize (send over name, address, e-mail address & phone number) or a new winner will be chosen

Turbospoke

RANT: Childhood Obesity - What Is To Blame? (YB)

It seems everywhere you turn, there is some talk about childhood obesity and I wanted to voice my opinion.

You've got know-it-all chefs like Jamie Oliver telling the world and their children what they should and should not eat, when really, all he cares about is getting his name out their, and making money.

Then there is the government dictating to people what their children should and shouldn't be allowed to eat. Acting like people are incapable of looking after their own children, treating adults like children!

And that brings me onto my opinion...

When I was a young child - 25 years ago, I was 7 years old - my spare time was spent playing out - be that with the kids that lived nearby, my friends from school, on my bike on my own, using my imagination - but always active. Then, 20 years ago, I was 12 years old, almost a teen and at senior school, a lot of my spare time involved going for a walk with my best friend or going into town shopping or just looking around the shops.

Kids nowadays, get not near enough exercise - has anyone stopped to think that this could indeed be the cause of childhood obesity?

When my eldest was younger, we always tried to encourage to play, but the more technology became and everyday piece of life, the less he wanted to do. Now as a 12 year old, despite our protests, he spends most of his time glued to his iPad - be it playing games or watching TV! Sometimes we take away his iPad as we get so sick of it, and get him crafty stuff to at least try and promote creativity and imagination, if he can't be encouraged to go out with his friends and play or do something.

His life is centred around technology. He's not obese, but his lifestyle could make him so. What I'm saying is, maybe the biggest cause of childhood obesity, is technology - the distraction from real life, the thing that stops children going out with their friends and playing as instead they can sit there on their tablets playing online games against each other and chatting online.

So there is the government preaching about childhood obesity, the very people who force technology on people more and more - insisting that absolutely everyone should be online. So instead of forcing ridiculous food changes to stop childhood obesity, maybe they should stop forcing technology on everyone and start making more ways for and encouraging children to get out there and play and interact in person with their friends more often!

Just recently, I saw that Tesco had took Ribena off the shelves in an effort to help solve childhood obesity. And of course, most supermarkets you go into now sell only oven chips rather than frying chips. All in a bid to force people to be more healthy while the real problems get ignored.

We are babied by the government, they even treat us adults like children that need telling what they can and can't do, what they can and can't eat. And then they feel the need to take over the upbringing of our children as well - OUR children.

I think exercise and a good diet are essential to curb childhood obesity, but that does not mean we need to take away every scrap of fun food and drink - it's all about doing it in moderation, making sure they eat a good varied diet with plenty of fruit and veg but also get plenty of exercise.

So if Jamie Oliver and the government really care, they need to stop solely preaching about the food children eat and get out there and make more children get active and get away from technology!