Hi all, my eco-mini series is back in 2015 and I will be continuing with my bi-monthly organic and eco round up of news and reviews.

This past two months I’ve been reviewing some lovely goodies that you might like to try out for yourselves.

Pukka Herbs Tea

First up the new Pukka Herbs teas; the organic herb specialist has just launched a new selection box of herbal teas comprised of five of the nation’s favourite, award-winning Pukka blends: Elderberry & Echinacea; Lemon, Ginger & Manuka Honey; Night Time; Three Mint and Detox. Oh my, what a total treat in a box, this is a brilliant little package to take to work to keep you going! I’ve finished this box and bought another, my absolute favourite from the selection is the Elderberry & Echinacea – great for this time of year to help ward off colds and packed full of rich dark berries it’s a really warming and pepping drink, a hug in a mug if you will! (Find the full range available at www.pukkaherbs.com with an RRP of £2.39 per pack of 20 tea sachets)

Green People Age Defy+ Purify & Hydrate Cream Cleanser

Another caring product is the new Green People Age Defy+ Purify & Hydrate Cream Cleanser; a total treat for the skin and absolutely divine. With hibiscus extract to purify and add gentle exfoliating properties and pineapple extract also used to gently exfoliate, the addition of rosemary extract gives a gorgeous luxe scent and brings powerful natural antioxidants to protect the newly exposed skin cells. I wish that I could capture the aroma of this beautiful cleanser for you; the essential oils of Mandarin, Ho Wood and Ylang Ylang make this rich lush cleanser really ‘sing’ it adds to the spa-like experience as you breathe in a deep note of ylang ylang as you gently massage your skin. My winter dry patches are long gone and I was really surprised to find that, unusually for a cream based cleanser, this rich cream melted away my stubborn mascara negating the need to use an additional eye make up remover, money saving and a big time saver for me too! Age Defy+ Purify & Hydrate Cream Cleanser is £24.95 for 150ml, a little goes a long way and the quality is amazing.

Naturally Gorgeous

I’ve also been doing some reading this month, the time off over Christmas has served me well! Charlotte Vohtz, Founder of Green People has written a book entitled Naturally Gorgeous; a treasure trove of tips this book was like a warm hug when I was going through a rough patch recently, I learned to take care of myself again and I really needed some support to think about my body and the impact stress was having on me. The recipes for making your own natural beauty products are a must read and I highly recommend the oatmeal and banana mask which is so nourishing that it’s now part of my weekly skincare routine and cheap as chips to boot! There’s loads of stuff to read here, some to jog my memory, like the sections on feeding your skin from the inside out with a balanced diet, and some new-to-me material like the instructions on sprouting your own seed mixes to snack on. If you’re looking for a smart read to kick start 2015 this is a great all rounder.

Comfort, Settle and Sleep

I’ve also been reading Comfort, Settle and Sleep by holistic therapist Samantha Quinn which another mama recommended and though aimed at new mums I always like to read new books around gentle parenting as I know this interests my blog readers. I was glad to see a very sensible section on postnatal depression and sleep deprivation too, as an aside many books on new motherhood do not cover this and it was a real positive to see tips and advice on seeking support, and wise words about being kind to yourself. The step by step baby massage guides are brilliant for introducing mums and dads to gently soothing their new baby, and the natural remedies for common ailments make this a great addition to a new parents bookshelf and a great reminder for those of us who still use baby massage techniques to soothe our toddlers.

Pure & Light Rose Damask Face Oil

This Pure & Light Rose Damask Face Oil was a new brand to me. I turned 30 this year and although I take good care of my skin and avoid the sun’s harmful rays early signs of aging are beginning to show and I would like to offer my skin more ‘food’ to keep it plump and supple. Pure & Light Organic’s signature cold press organic oils form the basis of this infusion, which features 18 certified active organic ingredients. The facial oil is naturally rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids and omega 3 and 6 and these penetrate the skin to enhance blood circulation. I’d read that a Facial Oil should be used daily for over 25s and so I’ve incorporated this into my routine for the past month. Aside from being a treat for the senses (I adore Rose Damask fragrances) I was surprised at how well my make up smoothed on after I’d prepped my skin with the oil, just a few drops gave great coverage and it was rich but not at all greasy and quickly smoothed over my skin. The Essential Face Oil is priced at £55 and is available to purchase at Janna Organic Remedies, London or online at http://www.pureandlightorganic.eu

Disclaimer: I am sent products and snippets of news about Organic products and trends throughout the year to review as part of this mini-series, if I like them I include them in my round-up all views are my own.