Graze Snack Box Review + Discount Code

If you have bought a magazine or ordered something from Amazon within the past couple of years you will no doubt have come across a voucher offering you a 'free Graze box.' How many of you have thrown said vouchers away or alternatively actually taken the offer up? I am one of the many who have done the latter.

I have been subscribed to Graze for over a year now and I still feel that same buzz of excitement every fortnight when my delivery arrives. For those of you who don't know, Graze is a subscription company that offers you a huge variety of healthy and balanced snacks that are delivered straight to your door as often as you please! Not only do they have their 'variety box' which I am a loyal customer of, but they also offer breakfast boxes, chocolate boxes, 'light' boxes and even a kids box. Snacks range from flapjacks to dried fruit to their own take on the classic chocolate brownie and the best part is that they are all healthy alternatives to the usual snacks you find in the supermarket. Prices can vary depending on the box, but the average price is around £3.89. The company have also recently began selling some of their punnets in Sainsbury's and Boots so if you don't want to commit to a subscription you can still try a few of their best snacks. I highly recommend the salted fudge & peanut cookie! 

Every few months Graze introduce new snacks to their collection and in my most recent box all four of my snacks were brand new so I thought I would write a short review on each snack and tell you how I rate it out of 10!

'Belgian Speculoos' (cookie dip with cinnamon pretzel sticks)

This was by far my favourite punnet out of the four and definitely makes it into my list of 'loves.' I am a huge fan of the lotus biscoff spread so when I saw that Graze had a new snack with cookie spread I knew that I HAD to try it ASAP. It didn't disappoint. The cookie butter is nice and smooth just how I like it (I've never been a lover of crunchy spreads) and the pretzels have a pretty good cinnamon taste to them. Together they make the perfect combo! I highly recommend that you click 'send soon' on this bad boy. 9/10

'Sesame Garlic Crunch' (oat bran sesame sticks, garlic sesame sticks & multigrain soy rice crackers)

This wasn't my favourite punnet as overall I thought it tasted a bit bland with the exception of the soy crackers. The taste of soy was significantly strong so if you don't usually like the salty taste of this flavour then you probably won't like the crackers. As I expected, the oat bran sesame sticks were bland with no distinct flavour while the garlic sticks were a little more flavoursome but not by much. However, I do think they would have been a lot nicer dipped in salsa! I don't think I will be requesting this punnet again any time soon. 3/10

'Louisiana Wild Rice & Beans' (wild rice sticks & chilli broad beans)

I much preferred this savoury punnet to the other. The rice sticks had a salty taste but it wasn't too empowering. Just the perfect amount in my book! Admittedly I didn't expect the broad beans to be as spicy as they were. Not my favourite savoury snack from Graze, but this punnet does the trick if you're craving a savoury snack! 5/10

'Salted Pecan & Chocolate Tart' (milk chocolate & salted almond buttons, pecans, chopped dates & pumpkin seeds)

Over the course of my subscription to Graze I have came to realise that I much prefer the sweet snacks to the savoury ones and this final punnet was an absolute treat. There was nothing particularly special about the pecans, dates & pumpkin seeds. The chocolate however MY OH MY! There were small pieces of salted almonds in among the milk chocolate and they were delicious. A great way to get your chocolate fix in a nutritious way! Sometimes with punnets like these I'll combine the ingredients together in hope that it will taste similar to what the name of the snack is. Wanting to save the chocolate buttons for last, I didn't combine them all this time around but I did try the dates and pecans together and the taste was divine! 7/10

Here's hoping that after reading this you might think twice about throwing those Graze vouchers away! In my opinion, they're definitely worth the money and with so many snacks available there's something for everyone. Alternative to the vouchers, feel free to use my friend code! This code allows you your 1st, 5th and 10th box free! And do you know what the best part is? There is no commitment and you can easily cancel the subscription at any time.
Code: ELIJAH5XP

Until next time,
Elijah xo

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I HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

The time has come where I have FINALLY started my own YouTube channel! I've wanted to start my own channel ever since I was 13/14 and I watched 'sarahxxlou.' 6 years later I have finally taken the plunge. My first video is an unboxing of the June Kawaii Box and it would be great if you guys checked it out. Please excuse the awkwardness and my shitty editing skills, but we all have to start somewhere, right? 

I'm hoping that I'll be more active on my YouTube channel than I am on here but I'm going to try my hardest not to completely neglect my blog. I hope you guys enjoy the video!

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Holiday Essentials

It's that time of year again when most people will be jetting off to somewhere sunny, warm and exotic. I, however, will be setting off down south to the usual holiday park with my family but that doesn't mean that I don't have those items that I have saved just for the week away. Here are some of the top essentials that I will be taking with me on my trip.

Even if you're not going on holiday this year, it's important to wear SPF. Yes, even if you live in the UK you gotta protect your skin from those rays! If you wear make-up then you will know the dilemma of whether to put sun cream on your face or not, but worry not as there are plenty of products available that contain SPF from foundations to moisturisers. I am an avid user of the Simple light moisturiser but instead of opting for my usual I thought I'd change it up a bit for the warmer months and go for one with SPF 30. My foundation also has SPF in it but over the past few months I have grown to prefer going out with no foundation so this will be perfect for when I just want to put on a bit of concealer and avoid a shiny sun creamed face. The warmer weather also brings with it the emergence of bare legs which brings with it the frustration of shaving them more frequently. I saw this Venus snap razor in Boots for half price and just had to pick it up. It's travel friendly and comes with a case! Another hair removal essential for me is the Nair facial brush on. Having dark hair means that I have been blessed with a moustache so gotta keep that in check. This is a new one with argan oil. I'm not too sure if there's much difference to the standard one but I thought I'd give it a shot.

I doubt I'm the only one who finds washing their hair a chore let alone washing it when on holiday, so dry shampoo is an essential for me. My go to brand is Batiste, specifically the tropical scent which smells like coconut! I also picked up a mini body scrub and mini body lotion from Soap & Glory. I am an absolute sucker for travel minis and it's probably one of my favourite things about going away. When I'm at home I am incredibly lazy when it comes to skincare and pampering myself. I'd much rather spend the evening catching up on YouTube videos and scrolling through Tumblr. Being on holiday means that I have zero wifi access in the evenings so I like to take the opportunity to spend some extra time on pampering myself and this year I will be trying this yogurt smoothie mask from Superdrug!

Restricted wifi access means that I must find other ways to entertain myself. I always make sure to take a new book with me on holiday and this year I have chosen 'How To Build a Girl' by Caitlin Moran. This has been on my 'to read' list for ages so I'm excited to finally read it! My inner child will also be kept happy with this beautiful patterns colouring book. Colouring for grown-ups has become a huge craze recently and both me and my sister have jumped onto the bandwagon.

Last but not least, what would summer be without a new pair of sunglasses? I had been on the hunt for the perfect heart shaped glasses for over a year and I finally found these beauties on the website CHOIES. They have a pink & blue ombre tint to them and they are just so cute!

Whether you're going away this summer or staying home, I hope you have a carefree, fun-filled time.

Feel free to let me know what some of your holiday essentials are!

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Japanese Street Style

Take a walk down the Harajuku district in Tokyo and you will undoubtedly be greeted by the bright colours and extravagant fashions of Japan. It is common knowledge that the Japanese aren’t afraid to push the boundaries in almost everything they do. Just look at the variety of Kit Kat flavours produced by the Eastern country. These flavours may not be catching on in the Western side of the world just yet, but the fashion hasn’t gone unnoticed. Welcome to the world of wacky fashion.

Much like the different styles found in the UK, Japan fashion ranges from cute and girlie to dark and gothic. The main difference however is that they take each fashion to the extreme. A popular street fashion found in Japan is ‘Lolita.’ The Lolita style has a number of different subcultures within it – sweet Lolita, gothic Lolita and punk Lolita to name just a few. This style takes the Victorian and Rococo era and gives it a modern twist. The end result is something very unique indeed. Not to be confused with the Western connotations of sexualised youth, the term ‘Lolita’ in Japan references elegance and modesty resulting in high neck collars and full skirts.

[Images from Tokyo Fashion]

Another popular fashion is ‘Decora.’ In English, the term ‘Decora’ translates to ‘decorative’ or ‘decoration.’ This style is widely based around the layering of accessories including both hair accessories and jewellery and is known for being bright and colourful. It is also common for small toys to be used to accessorise. Like ‘Lolita,’ this style can be divided into different subcultures ranging from pink and girlie to dark and gothic.

[Images taken from Tokyo Fashion]

What happens when you combine 1950s Americana with music and fashion? You get ‘Rockabilly.’ This style can be found almost anywhere in the world, but naturally Japan step it up a notch. Looking like they have stepped right out of ‘Grease,’ the men sport greased back hair and leather jackets while the girls step out in high ponytails and poodle skirts. Alternatively, girls can be found wearing pencil skirts and sweetheart necklines for a more pinup look.

[Image taken from Tofugu]

Finally, one style that you may be more familiar with is ‘cosplay.’ The shortened term of ‘costume play’ refers to an outfit inspired by video games, anime and a variety of other pop culture icons. In Western countries you will more likely see this style at conventions such as Comic Con, however on the streets of Tokyo, it is common to see individuals incorporate their favourite character’s style into their own every day outfits.

[Images taken from Tokyo Faces & Tokyo Fashion]

These are just a select few street styles that can be found in the streets of Tokyo. Other popular fashions to be found include ‘Ganguro’ and ‘Mori.’ The Japanese will continuously be admired for the confidence they seem to possess to express themselves in a way that most in the UK and other Western countries may find a little OTT. Hopefully one day we might be able to feel free to express ourselves in similar ways. Maybe without the use of small toys as accessories though.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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References:

Tokyo Fashion

Japanese Streets

Alpha City Guides

Done With Diet Culture!

Yesterday I watched a video where a young woman spoke about her recent weight loss journey and there was something about it that didn't sit right with me. A few elements of the video came across as slightly toxic and I put it down to this diet culture that has become the obsession of many in recent years. From fad diets to the media linking ones happiness to how slim someone looks, I want to tear my hair out every time I see the promotion of low calorie diets.

Now, I am all about feeling good about yourself and being in a place where you are happy with your body and if losing a few pounds will do that for you then that's great, just as if you are happy with your body the way it is at the moment then that is also great. But what isn't great is when people think it is okay to promote low calorie diets and/or a substantial amount of exercise without doing the appropriate research and having some sort of professional input and guidance.

Did you know that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calories a day is just an average? It all depends on your gender, age, height, weight and amount of physical activity. Your body actually needs a good amount of calories to just sit and do nothing! Yes, even sitting at your computer or lying in your bed needs a good, substantial amount of energy. Now, of course I'm not a professional but even I know that if you are following a low calorie diet without doing so with caution and with the correct research you are at risk of developing unhealthy behaviours and an unhealthy relationship with food and/or exercise.

When you start to live off a low number of calories a day your body can enter 'starvation.' This means that slowly your body will begin to shut down as it is no longer energy balanced. Your body's main priority is to keep you breathing and your heart beating, so your body will take the energy that would usually be used for other bodily functions and put it towards keeping you alive. One of the main examples of this for females is the loss of your period. If you are serious about losing weight in a healthy way it is important to remember that if you are consuming a low number of calories and also doing a substantial amount of exercise then you must make up the calories that you have lost. It is also important that when you have reached your goal weight and are happy with what you have achieved, you MUST increase your calorie intake slowly to a number where you are able to healthily maintain that weight. If you continue to eat the same number of calories that you were losing weight on, you will continue to lose weight.

It is possible for you to be fit and healthy and still eat a slice of pizza. It's all about balance!! The media is forever highlighting the negatives of fat, carbs and sugar yet they never seem to highlight the positives of these and how they contribute to a healthy body.

To conclude this slightly different post, I want to remind you all that if you are wanting to lose weight then make sure that you are doing it for yourself and nobody else, and also make sure that you do your research, query a professional about it and ensure that you are doing it in a healthy manner.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Kawaii Box Review | April 2015

Another month, another 'Kawaii Box.' Admittedly I've been pretty lazy when it comes to reviewing these boxes but I'm determined to change that! Now that I've almost finished college for the summer, I'm hoping to find more time to blog and I have a few post ideas already so watch this space.

Anyway, on with today's review!

One can never have too many stickers and this months addition to my ever growing sticker stash are these super cute 'Love Rabbit' puffy stickers. The box also included another pack of these jewelry seal stickers that you can use to decorate your phone, iPod and pretty much anything else you can think of. These decorative stickers have been included in a previous box and I still haven't used them so I can't see myself using this packet either. Since subscribing to this box the number of pencil cases I own has increased drastically and it doesn't show signs of stopping anytime soon. The April box included this adorable alpaca pencil case.

When I first opened the box I was greeted by glitter. Literally. By the time I had finished looking through everything both myself and the sofa were covered in it! This glitter would have come in handy when I was studying childcare and doing a work placement in a nursery. Even though I doubt I'll have any reason to use it in the foreseeable future, it's always handy to have some crafty stuff in storage! One of my favourite items in this box was this cute pen and I was also incredibly excited to see this Rilakkuma notepad! Not that I actually need anymore notepads but I am an absolute sucker for Rilakkuma merch. And of course no Kawaii Box is complete without a key ring or phone charm and this months box features a squidgy paw.

Snack-wise this months box came with these 'Collon' snacks. My mum said that they look like dog treats, but I'm sure they'll be delicious. They look like they'll be green tea flavour and anything green tea flavoured is a winner in my book. At first I wasn't sure what the purpose of the macaroon was. I thought it was only for decorative purposes which I thought a bit odd, but I later discovered that it's actually a little storage box! I'm thinking of storing my nose rings and studs in it. Finally, much like key rings and phone charms, no Kawaii Box is complete without some sort of cute plushie.

The box also came with a super cute bow hair clip that I forget to snap a picture of. I will definitely be putting it to good use as I'm always pinning my fringe back these days and it will make a super cute alternative to the usual kirby grips.

I will 100% be back with a review of next months box. If I'm not then I give you all permission to hunt me down and give me a good slapping. 

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Top 5 Favourite Anime

A few months ago I watched THIS video by one of my favourite YouTubers where she spoke about her top 5 favourite animes and it got me thinking: what are my top 5?

Over the past few years I've watched a good number of different anime series ranging from action to fantasy to 'slice of life' and choosing five of my favourites didn't come easy. After careful deliberation I managed to narrow it down to these five in no particular order.

1) Yuru Yuri

[Image courtesy of 'gentokyo']

It has become apparent in the past two years that my favourite genre of anime is 'slice of life.' I'm a sucker for anime with no set plot and a bunch of characters who just goof off. Yes, I'm talking about those anime that are usually set in a school, more specifically a club, where the main characters are usually all female. I've spoken about 'Yuru Yuri' before in a previous favourites post, but here's a quick lowdown on the series. The main protagonist, Akari Akaza finds herself joining the 'Amusement Club' which is a club where they pretty much bum around and do whatever they want.  My favourite character of the series would have to be Kyoko Toshino who has an obsession with Rum Raisin ice cream and a slightly obsessive crush on Chinatsu who resembles one of her favourite anime characters. I also think it's worth mentioning that in one episode she wears a tomato onesie. 

2) K-On!

[Image courtesy of  Wikipedia]

Sticking with the 'slice of life' genre, the first anime that I really fell in love with was 'K-ON!' Like 'Yuru Yuri,' the series is set in an after school club: the 'Light Music Club.' Yui Hirasawa signs up to the club with the inability to actually play an instrument and all she wants to do is pretty much slack off and eat cake and drink tea. The club is threatened to be disbanded so her fellow classmates convince her to stay and she begins to learn to play guitar. This series is ridiculously hilarious with my personal favourite scene being one were Yui has a dream that Tsmugi's eyebrows are actually in fact pickles. You can see that I have a rather strange sense of humour. If you've seen and loved the anime then there is also a movie in which the girls go to London that I highly recommend.

3) Attack On Titan

[Image courtesy of  'mangauk'] 

If you have even the slightest knowledge about the anime world then you will know doubt have heard of this series. Completely different from 'Yuru Yuri' and 'K-ON!,' 'Attack On Titan's' equivalent of the cherry blossom in most anime series is blood. I am not exaggerating when I say that this series isn't for the faint hearted. Set in a town that is surrounded by a high wall, civilisation has been wiped out by the Titans - huge, flesh-like creatures who show no mercy whatsoever. Only a small part of humanity have survived. After seeing his mother being devoured by one of them, Eren Jaeger vows to destroy the Titans and take his revenge. Excited isn't even the word for how I feel about the second series. The anime has proved so successful that there is also a live action movie set for release in Japan!

4) Clannad

[Image courtesy of  'dualshockers']

Not many films, TV shows, anime or books reduce me to literal tears. My eyes may glaze over a little, but no physical tears will fall. 'Clannad' is one of the few exceptions to this. This anime is known within the 'anime world' for being one of the saddest, and I can vouch for that. The story is based around a boy named Tomoya Okazaki who meets Nagisa, a quiet girl who has been held back a year in school due to a severe illness. The two become friends and Tomoya agrees in helping Nagisa achieve her goal of reviving the school's drama club alongside the help of four other girls. I'm not going to give too much away, but you'll definitely need a box of tissues at the ready by the end of the first series.

5) Fairy Tail

[Image courtesy of  'animetvn']

It wouldn't feel right if I didn't include this anime in my top 5. 'Fairy Tail' was the first anime that I ever started watching and I am still watching it to this day. Whenever I hear the 'Snow Fairy' intro song I can't help but feel a tad bit emotional. The series is about the wizard guild, Fairy Tail, where each member possesses a different type of magic. Their magic comes in handy when taking job requests in order to earn a living. The guild is known for being rowdy and for causing mayhem and it's usually down to the pink haired, fire eating Natsu. The series is currently ongoing and there are over a hundred episodes to date so if binge watching isn't your thing then you may want to give it a miss, but it's definitely worth the time.

Are you an anime fan, and if you are, what are your top 5? I'm always looking for more anime to add to my never ending 'to watch' list.

Until next time,
Elijah xo

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