Craft Buddy x Harry Potter review : Wizarding World At Your Fingertips

 

Instead of planning a big holiday abroad this year, we've decided to go for two smaller trips over the summer, taking in a weekend at Disneyland Paris and another in London, to go to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio. Juliette in particular is a big Harry Potter fan and has seen all the films and even read the books so she's very excited. When the opportunity came up to review Craft Buddy's latest Harry Potter Crystal Art collection, I knew she'd be excited about that too. I wasn't wrong !

The first product that we discovered was from the Harry Potter Crystal Art Bag Charms range. Craft Buddy have recently added two new designs to their collection of sparkling bag charms, featuring Harry Potter's beloved snowy owl, Hedwig, delivering mail or the popular young wizard himself, zooming around on his flying broomstick.

 

We got the Harry Potter design which Juliette was very impressed with. The bag charms are perfect for attaching to backpacks, handbags or bunches of keys, making them harder to lose and rendering them instantly recognisable. 

Inside the pack, you get a Crystal Art Bag Charm with an adhesive template, a pick up pen, a tray, Jelly Wax, a clip-on hanger, bags of crystals and ziplock bags for the storage of spare crystals. I thought this would be fiddly and complicated to use but Juliette jumped straight in and found it very simple. You just need to stick the tiny resin rhinestones in place following the painting-by-numbers technique. The instructions say that it is suitable for fans aged 6 and over, with adult supervision, so this would be perfect for keeping crafty little fingers busy over the summer holidays. The £4.99 price tag is pocket money friendly too.

The second product that we got to try out was the Crystal Art Pin Badge kit. These come as blind bags so you have no idea which kit you will receive, adding some extra excitement. There are 16 characters available, so you could end up with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Hedwig, Hogwarts Crest, Lightning Bolt, Golden Snitch, Ravenclaw Badge, Slytherin Badge, Gryffindor Badge, Hufflepuff Badge, Harry Potter Name Badge, Hermione Grainger Name Badge or Ron Weasley Name Badge. Juliette thought they all looked good and she would have been happy with any of them.

Inside the pack, you get a metal pin badge with an adhesive template, a detachable metal badge stand, 2 removable pin backs, a sealed paper wallet with a tool kit, a pick up tool, Jelly Wax, bags of coded crystals and ziplock bags for spare crystals. The enclosed tool is simple to use and allows you to precisely stick each little resin rhinestone in place following the lettered guide. 

The completed 6cm-tall pin badge can be attached to jackets, bags, pencil cases, hats and accessories or displayed on the little strut stand on your bedroom desk or shelf. Priced at £7.99, they are perfect as gifts, party treats or stocking fillers, but they can also be swapped and shared to help you complete the full mystical set.

Both of these products provide a fun, creative and easily achievable project that children (and even grown-up fans) would be proud to show off or put on display. As everything needed is included in the kit and nothing messy like glitter or glue is needed, they would be ideal for tucking into mum's handbag or a child's backpack for using at a pyjama party, a visit to granny's house or a play date or even for keeping the kids busy during a weekend away or a summer holiday.

The new Harry Potter releases will be available at craftbuddyshop.com and join the successful and hugely popular Craft Buddy range, which has over 40 different products to date.

Disclosure : We received the products in order to share our honest review.

Degustabox June 2026 review : Picnic & On The Go

 

The current heatwave has left us scratching our heads for things to eat that wouldn't make us feel even hotter. Fruit and ice poles seem to have featured heavily on the menus lately but I still needed to find something nutritious but heat-busting to keep our tummies filled. I was hoping the current Degustabox would help me out with quick and simple meal ideas and it ticked all the right boxes. I'll show you what was in the box in a second. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are two products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. 

 

Fragata Marinated Stoneless Olives with Olive Oil & Lemon (RRP £1.70 - other Degustaboxers got the Olive Oil & Hot Chili variety) are perfect for nibbling on with a drink or for adding to salads, taboulé, olive and chorizo cake or omelettes. The lemon adds zinginess and freshness that can help lift the flavour of salads and other dishes, adding a citrus zing reminiscent of summertime and Mediterranean cookery. Very tasty. Available in local convenience stores.

Tilda Jamaican Spiced Pumpkin Rice (RRP £1.25) is this month's product of the month. This new limited edition recipe was developed in collaboration with Original Flava and the rice is mixed with pumpkin, thyme, scotch bonnet and fragrant spices. It can be eaten on its own as a light meal, incorporated into a Jamaican rice bowl or used to accompany Brown Chicken Stew or Jerk Chicken. I found this a bit too spicy but Sophie loved it, despite the heat. Available in major supermarkets and at Tilda.com.

Jacob's Cream Crackers (RRP £1.70) are a product that have been around for donkey's years - I remember nibbling on them when I was a kid - but I haven't eaten them for years. The smooth, crispy, flaky texture can be paired with all sorts of toppings - a simple slice of cheddar, maybe with a dollop of pickle or a sliced cherry tomato, is a classic choice but we've also tried them with tuna and mayonnaise, ham and cheese, pesto chicken, BBQ chicken, smoked salmon and pâté. The kids even wanted to try them with Nutella and banana but I wasn't so sure about sweet toppings. They may be on to something though ! We've enjoyed using these as a light lunch in place of our usual sandwiches during the hot weather. Available in all major supermarkets.

Ambrosia Devon Custard and Ambrosia Chocolate Flavour Devon Custard (RRP £1 per pot) is a thick, rich, creamy custard perfect for spooning over apple pie, apple and blackberry crumble, bananas in custard or many other desserts. I usually make custard from powder but these ready-to-eat versions are so quick and simple to use plus they avoid the risk of burning the custard. (One of my saucepans burns custard every time I make it so I greatly appreciate the ready to use version.) The custard is made in a Devon creamery with West Country milk using no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. This was our first time trying the Chocolate Devon Custard and we were all fans. We liked it cold but it can be warmed up and poured over sponge cake or chocolate brownies too. As the advert says, Devon knows how they make it so creamy ! Available in all major supermarkets.

Mission Sourdough Wraps and Mission High Fibre Wraps (RRP £1.80) are two new varieties in the range. Each pack contains four wraps, which is the perfect quantity for us and saves waste. They can be eaten with hot or cold fillings, turned into fajitas, burritos or enchiladas if you're planning on a Mexican feast. Each of the High Fibre Wraps contains 10g of fibre and they both taste great and offer a soft, sturdy texture. Available in Sainsbury's, Asda and Ocado, plus Tesco for the Sourdough wraps.

Nescafé Espresso Concentrated Iced Mocha and Iced Decaf (RRP 2 x £5 - subscribers received one or the other) is a liquid, high-strength coffee designed for making 16 servings of instant, barista- style iced coffees (lattes, americanos) at home without machines. It's available in a range of varieties: Classic, Caramel, and Vanilla, alongside these new flavours, Mocha and Decaf. Simply mix 30ml of the concentrate with milk or water to create your perfect iced coffee in seconds. I'm not a coffee drinker but I passed these on to Juliette who was very chuffed. Available in the supermarket coffee aisles.

Kallo Beetroot & Balsamic Veggie Cakes (RRP £1.40) are light, crunchy veggie cakes, made from lentil and pea puffed crackers, which are high in protein and fibre. They are gluten-free, suitable for both vegetarians and vegans and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are low in calories, making them a guilt-free snack. I have to be honest,  I wasn't convinced, but Sophie was happy to try them, topping them with a dollop of houmous or cream cheese. She gave me a taste and they were better than I expected. Sophie loved them and polished them off. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Harry Bromptons Peach Iced Tea (RRP £1.80) is a lovely, refreshing, summery drink that the girls adored. Brewed with the finest organic Kenyan tea ethically sourced from the Great Rift Valley and infused with the juice of ripe peaches, it is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. It contains only 70 calories and is vegan, gluten free and a Great Taste Award winner. The girls much preferred it to their usual big brand iced tea drinks because they thought it tasted more natural. Available in all major supermarket chains.

Rio Mare Insalatissime Mexican Style Tuna Salad (RRP £2.99) is lovely as a simple meal when the temperatures soar. Tuna is combined with red beans, sweetcorn, peppers and spices and can be enjoyed on its own, with bread or mixed in to rice. The can doesn't contain the water or oil that is often found in tinned tuna so it is ready to eat in a second. Perfect when you want something to eat with minimum effort. It is also free from added preservatives. Available in Waitrose, Morrison's, Asda, Ocado and Amazon.

A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout. 

 for more information : 

 http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website 

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook 

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter 

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK 

 Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.

Degustabox May 2026 review : BBQ & Garden Party

 The temperatures have soared over the last couple of weeks so we've been feeling much less tempted to cook and eat big meals. Sandwiches and salads have featured heavily on the menus lately, so when the latest Degustabox arrived, I was intrigued to see if anything would tickle our fancy. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are four products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was tucked away inside this month's box.

   

Get More Vits Mango & Passionfruit Vitamin D drink (RRP £1.50) is a tasty, refreshing drink that offers more than just a fresh, fruity flavour. Natural flavours of juicy mango are combined with tropical passionfruit that give you a natural boost when you're flagging in the heat. Unless it's not the flavour that zips you up - it could be the 200% of your daily vitamin D and 15% of your calcium needs that helps give you a boost. Whatever it is, it tastes great so it's perfect for quenching your thirst with some extra health benefits. It's available in 500ml or 1 litre bottles, in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op, Ocado, WH Smiths and Booths.

Maggi Global Kitchen Spaghetti Bolognese with Beef (RRP £3) is one of a new range of ready meals that can be prepared in just 2 minutes, making them perfect for Pierre when he's home alone and needs something simple to prepare for lunch. Each recipe is high in protein and fibre and low in saturated fat. I wasn't overly impressed with spaghetti bolognese as a global kitchen option, as it is something regularly cooked in the UK even without trying to be exotic, but there are other dishes available in the product range, including tikka masala, chickpea korma, mushroom risotto, teriyaki noodles and sweet and sour chicken, so there is something to appeal to everyone. Available in Morrisons.

 Mornflake Mighty Oats Organic Porridge Oats (RRP £3) are made from 100% wholegrain British oats grown on organic farms with nature in mind. They are naturally high in fibre, a source of protein, vegan-friendly and heart-smart, helping to lower cholesterol as part of a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. I love porridge as a filling, wholesome breakfast or warming snack in the winter but it's not something that comes up high on my list of favourite summer food. A quick look on the Mornflake website gave me lots of hot weather options though, including Raspberry and White Chocolate Oat Cookies, Hong Kong Style French Toast, Tiramisu Cake and Pear and Ginger Oat Crumble. I'm sure they'd go down well whatever the temperature ! Available at Co-op, Asda, Ocado, Nisa, Booths, Grape Tree, Amazon and the Mornflake website.

 

Bisto Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce (RRP £2.95) is just as simple to prepare as gravy. Just put four tablespoons of granules in a bowl or gravy boat, add boiling water and stir - that's it ! You get a rich, tasty sauce perfect for adding to potato wedges, roast chops, beefburgers, sausages or any BBQ leftovers and rice for a quick and simple meal that even the kids could prepare. You get 19 servings in a pack, depending on how thick you make it, so it's perfect for experimenting with over the summer. Available in Tesco, Morrisons, Iceland and Ocado.

Fragata Manzanilla Olives Filled with Manchego Cheese (RRP £2) are perfect for nibbling on as a snack in front of the telly or with pre-dinner drinks. They have a firm texture and offer a very Spanish-inspired taste.We love sharing a bowl of olives, particularly as Sophie finds that they can be useful for helping to lower her blood sugar levels when her diabetes is playing up. (This is just something she has found works for her though and may have no medical basis whatsoever !) We also like serving some of the olives with cherry tomatoes, red pepper strips and quiche for a heat-busting lunch in the summer. Available in Morrisons.

A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout. 

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.

Book review : A Change In Plans - Mike Martin

 

Settling down with a new Sgt Windflower mystery always feels like sharing a hug with a well-loved family member that you haven't seen for a while or sitting down for a natter with a long-lost friend. Despite constantly finding himself in dangerous situations and scary crime scenes, Winston Windflower's home life is a reassuring bubble of good food, family discussions, looking after the pets and cheeky childish mischief. It was a bit of a shock to see that his two daughters, Stella and Amelia Louise, are approaching the pre-teen years, with Stella starting to put in her moody demands for her first telephone ! Time has flown but this is book 17 in the series so it's hardly surprising that they are growing up.

In this book, Winston is dragged into a case involving a hit-and-run accident that, as often happens in Grand Bank and Marystown, turns out to be something deeper and darker. As a murder investigation is launched, Winston and his team of Mounties join forces with the police in Southern Ontario to take down an international drug-smuggling ring. Things don't really go to plan and an undercover Mountie, Fil Romano, is kidnapped. As always, Winston depends on his family, his friends and his departed loved ones through his dreams, to help give him the strength to fight on and help keep his beloved Newfoundland a safe place to live.

I always love the way that Windflower fully represents both sides of his life, taking out the bad guys and protecting the innocent civilians and colleagues of Newfoundland with a bullet-proof vest and a gun in his hand, but also taking his beloved dog on coastal walks, picking wild blueberries and discovering new music passed on by his friend Herb Stoodley.

As always, Sgt Windflower does it again. There is no need to lose any sleep as Grand Bank is in safe hands !

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £17.95

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 18 April 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990896391
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990896392

Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in order to share my honest opinion.

Degustabox April 2026 review : Snacking & New Recipes

Another Degustabox has arrived at the Madhouse and this month's theme is Snacking & New Recipes.  If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are five products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was tucked away inside this month's box.

 

I was surprised by the packaging of the Eisberg Be Free 0.0% Sparkling White (RRP £2) as it comes in a can rather than a bottle, making it easier and safer for packing and transporting for picnics or outdoor eating. The can was created with artist Samuel Thomas to create a design that evokes sun, sea, sky and freedom - perfect for alfresco dining and summer parties. The fresh and fruity wine has flavours of peach and citrus and it's 0.0% alcohol-free so anyone, even drivers and teetotallers, can enjoy a can. Available on Amazon.

Seabrooks Tomato Ketchup Flavour Crinkle Cut Crisps (RRP £1.50) have been crafted in Yorkshire since 1945. Back as a limited edition, the sweet, sharp and savoury Tomato Ketchup flavour is very moreish and the crinkle cut texture gives the crisps extra crunch in every bite. I was surprised to see that these products managed to avoid the HFSS regulations (see the introduction for more details) but I investigated and discovered that they are made using sunflower oil, as well as being reformulated to avoid MSG, all e-numbers and unnecessary artificial ingredients. Available in all major supermarkets.

Angel Delight Bubble Jelly (RRP £2.85) is a new product that combines the joyful jigglyness of jelly, with a Bubble Tea inspired twist - delicious popping boba pearls –  so there's a burst of flavour in every bite. We received Lemonade Jelly with Strawberry Boba but there are two other flavour combinations available : Strawberry Jelly with Strawberry Boba and Mango Jelly with Passionfruit Boba. I was expecting this to be horribly sweet but it has a tart, tangy taste that I really enjoyed. The boba pearls are fun and add an intense burst of flavour. It's a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults and, as it comes in at under 100 calories, it is perfect for lunchboxes or snacking, either straight from the cupboard or chilled in the fridge. Available at Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Ocado.

 

Whitworths Nutty Kitchen Italian Supermince (RRP £3.20 - also available in Mexican or Original flavours) is a 100% natural product that won Meat-Free Product of the Year 2026. Made from nothing but chopped walnuts, lentils and quinoa, it can be used in place of mince for anything from lasagne and bolognese to chilli and cottage pie. I was dubious but it actually tasted better than I expected. Sophie is keen to cut out meat and include more vegetarian options in her meals so she was a big fan. Available on Ocado and the Whitworths website.

Namdong Kimchi Jjigae K-Noodles Pot (RRP £1.60) are designed to provide Korean flavours but include a separate chilli sachet so you can choose the spiciness level that suits your palate. Jiggae means stew in Korean and, alongside the noodles, the pot includes Savoy cabbage, spring onions and spices. The Kimchi flavour noodles are vegan-friendly but the pots are also available in Chicken or Beef varieties. Available in all major supermarkets.

Alpen Original Muesli (RRP £2.99) is a product that I haven't eaten for about twenty years and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it tastes just as I remember it. It is a mixture of toasted wheat flakes, creamy oats, juicy raisins and crunchy nuts. It's high in fibre, wholegrain and 100% natural ingredients. It's delicious with milk for breakfast, sprinkled over yogurt for a quick and healthy snack or dessert or it can be incorporated into flapjacks and cookies. It's a tasty way to start the day. Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, Amazon, Ocado and Co-op.

A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout. 

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.

Children's book review : Formula Fast : Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing - Matt Ralphs

Formula Fast from Phaidon, by Matt Ralphs with illustrations by Dragan Kordic, is an illustrated guide to Formula One racing, exploring the world's fastest sport through superhuman drivers, legendary tracks and cutting-edge cars. I used to vaguely follow Formula One about forty years ago and my daughter Juliette is a big fan now, so I was pleased to see that the book includes names that we are both familiar with : Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Desiré Wilson but also Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

The book is an exciting, eye-catching look at the sport that will appeal to readers aged 8 and upwards. Each page is bright and colourful with simple to follow, short texts that even beginner readers will be able to deal with.

The book cleverly combines fascinating facts, detailed illustrations and technical insights to give an overview of the engineering, strategy and human skill behind Formula One. From record-breaking pit stops and high-tech steering wheels to the training that helps drivers withstand extreme G-forces, readers will discover how teams prepare for race day, how car design has evolved and how safety, diversity and sustainability are shaping modern F1.

The book includes a timeline of key developments that charts the sport's global rise and a glossary of terms that clearly explains the sport's essential technical vocabulary. Whether you are a big fan of the sport or just have your interest piqued by the title, everything is clear to understand and makes the sport more impressive. It is also educational, linking Formula One to STEM learning through real-world examples of physics, engineering and design.

Here are just a few of the fascinating facts to whet your whistle :

- The world record for the fastest pit stop is 1.8 seconds.

- Drivers can lose up to 3kg in sweat during a single race.

- Formula One cars act like upside-down airplane wings to "stick" to the track.

- Races take place on every continent except Antarctica.

- The first F1 drivers raced without helmets or seatbelts.

There are plenty more facts and figures inside the book that your kids will love to share with you !

RRP : £16.95

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phaidon Press
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 Jan. 2026
• Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1837290164
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1837290161
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 740 g
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 25 x 1.2 x 30.5 cm

Formula Fast is available on amazon or in all good bookstores.

Disclosure : We received a review copy of the book in order to share our honest opinion.

Degustabox March 2026 review : Hello Spring & Ready for Easter

The latest Degustabox recently arrived, with the theme Hello Spring & Ready for Easter.  If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are four products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value. Here's what was hiding inside this month's box.

  

Urban Noodle Soba Noodle (RRP £1.50 - other Degustaboxers received Ramen Noodles or Udon Noodles) are Japanese style noodles, designed for rich broths and hearty bowls. They are made with quality ingredients and are free from artificial flavours, offering a satisfying texture and authentic nutty taste. They are ready to eat in 3-5 minutes and are simple to prepare. Soba noodles can be incorporated into hot soups or refreshing cold dishes, paired with a rich broth or light soy-based dipping sauce. I have a couple of Japanese-inspired recipes using soba noodles on my blog that you might like to try out : Pork Yakisoba and Teriyaki Duck with Soba Noodles. Available on Amazon.

Kanzen Meal Japanese Curry Rice (RRP £3.50) is designed as a healthy, nutritionally-balanced meal option with a healthy colour scheme on the traffic light labelling. Each meal contains more than 20 g of protein, 26 types of vitamins and minerals and controls the amount of fat, sugar, saturated fatty acids and salt that are of concern. It is quick and simple to prepare by just adding hot water. The meal is a rich, full-bodied and spicy curry, packed with the concentrated flavours of beef, the savoury sweetness of onions and tomatoes and a blend of spices such as red chilli, cumin and coriander. Available online.

 

Sweet Freedom Fizz Pineapple & Coconut (RRP £1.50 - other subscribers received Lime & Mint, Raspberry & Cranberry or Mango & Mandarin) is a low calorie drink containing no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavours and no refined sugar. They are sparkling waters with a hint of natural flavour rather than a full-on, sweetened drinks flavour but they are quite refreshing. Their other plus point is that they contain carefully selected ingredients to support your wellbeing. Lime & Mint contains kola nuts and guarana, both natural sources of caffeine to help you feel energetic and alert. Pineapple & Coconut contains dandelion leaf and baobab which support good digestion, gut health and general wellbeing. Raspberry & Cranberry contains acerola fruit which is rich in Vitamin C, supporting immunity, skin health and digestion. Mango & Mandarin contains schisandra berry (also known as the ‘wonder berry’) which supports nervous system functioning, helping to deal with stress. The drinks are sweetened with a brand-new-to-the-UK-market natural sweetener, cocoa juice, which is sweet with tropical notes. Available on www.sweetfreedom.co.uk and amazon.

Nescafé Espresso Concentrated (RRP £4.99) is the ultimate iced coffee hack, guaranteeing a great tasting drink using the milk of your choice in seconds. It is comparable to the iced coffee you can buy in coffee shops, made with no fuss in your own home. I'm not a coffee drinker but the girls are excited to try this out. Available in all major supermarket chains.

 

Paxo Quick Cook Sage & Red Onion Stuffing Mix (RRP £2.65) is a great new way of making the nation's favourite roast dinner accompaniment. Just 13 minutes in the air fryer or 18 minutes in the oven are all that are required for great tasting stuffing that is crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The flavours are rich and satisfying, perfect for adding some extra oomph to your Sunday roast dinner. Available at Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.

Bisto Signature Chicken Ready To Use Gravy (RRP £3.50) is another updated way of providing the perfect roast dinner accompaniment. Slowly simmered with succulent meat juices and natural ingredients, the result is a rich gravy with maximum flavour. Just pour it into a jug and warm in the microwave or heat on the hob. It's more expensive but delivers a smoother texture and richer flavour that the regular gravy made from granules. Available at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout. 

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.

What's Cooking At The Madhouse ? menu plan 28/2/26

I haven't posted a menu plan for almost a year. We went on to buying Too Good To Go bags which make it hard to plan meals in advance but this week, we stocked up the fridge when we got back from visiting the family so I decided to try to use up some of the spices and seasoning sachets that are taking up space in the cupboard. Many of them came in Degustaboxes so they aren't necessarily things we would have bought but let's see what I can manage to use up. Here's the plan for the coming week.

Saturday

lunch- cheesy courgette gratin with chicken gyros

dinner- meatballs with Ikea meatball sauce and mash

Sunday

lunch- pork filet mignon with roast potatoes, stuffing balls, green beans and gravy

dinner - Nadiya's Punchy Chicken and Rice One Pan (with red peppers, onions, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes)

Monday

lunch-  school canteen for me (Sophie and Pierre will be going to get his braces changed)

dinner - noodles with chicken, veggies and sweet chilli sauce (supposed to be for sweet chilli halloumi but we don't fancy saucy halloumi)

Tuesday

lunch- risotto with bacon, onions, mushrooms

dinner-  couscous (sausages, chickpeas, onions, red peppers, carrots and couscous)

Wednesday

lunch- smoked sausages and onions with pasta

dinner- cheeseburgers with garlic and herb wedges and coleslaw

Thursday

lunch- school canteen for me (leftovers for Sophie and Pierre)

dinner- slow cooked pork for pulled pork with rice (needs to be set off before I go to work in the morning)

Friday

lunch-  pasta carbonara

dinner - chicken burgers with rösti (potato fritters)

Saturday

lunch- takeaway or leftovers

dinner-  croziflette (tartiflette made with crozets pasta)

Sunday

lunch- roast chicken dinner

dinner - breaded fish with homemade chips and green beans

***Click on my Menu Plans tag to see all my other weekly menu plan blogposts.***

Degustabox February 2026 review

The latest Degustabox recently arrived and we excitedly pulled out the contents to see what was hiding inside. If you're a regular blog-reader, you may be thinking that it looks like there are fewer products in the first Degustabox picture compared to normal. Well, you'd be right and wrong for thinking so. The UK has introduced new HFSS (High Fat, Sugar and Salt) regulations and, as a result, certain HFSS products can no longer be promoted on social media in any form. This means that some products included in the monthly box cannot be sent to influencers for content creation purposes so regular Degustabox subscribers would receive more products that are not shown. There are seven products in this month's box that I won't be mentioning just to give you an idea of the box value.

 

 

The first product comes from a big brand that we are big fans of : Bisto Smooth Peppercorn Sauce (RRP £2.95). I love the taste and convenience of their gravy granules so I was keen to see what we'd think. Well, it was a big hit. We love the taste and the smooth, creamy texture of the sauce which can be made in minutes to accompany steak and burgers or sausages, chicken and pork chops. You just need to add boiling water and stir so it requires minimal effort and really perks up your plateful. It is free from artificial colours and preservatives and each tub contains 19 individual servings. Available in all major supermarkets.

Snyders of Hanover Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Pieces (RRP £2) are a deliciously crunchy snack bursting with a sweet and savoury flavour that we all loved. Created by America's number one pretzel brand, they are also available in Hot Buffalo Wings, Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño flavours. They would be a great addition to packed lunches or can be enjoyed in front of a movie on the sofa. Available on amazon, in Ocado and in quality convenience stores.

Filippo Berio Squeezable Olive Oil (RRP £7.99 each) offers a convenient new format for the popular olive oil range. The easy pour cap and squeezable plastic bottle make pouring, squeezing and drizzling simple and mess-free. We already knew and loved the fresh taste of the Classico oil, perfect for cooking  on a daily basis (I use it in a frying pan with sausages, steaks, pork chops, chicken or whatever else needs cooking but also drizzled over potatoes in the oven for perfect roasties) but we also discovered their Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Finishing and Hot & Fiery Chilli Flavoured Olive Oil which is great for perking up meat, vegetables and chilli con carne. Available on amazon or the Filippo Berio website. 

Truly Nuts Buck Naked Whole and Raw Brazil Nuts (RRP £3.99) are sustainably sourced Amazon-harvested nuts, offering wholesome nutrition (including high selenium and healthy fats) and a positive environmental mission. We loved the crunchy, almost creamy texture and fresh taste. Other subscribers received Deep Thoughts Dark Chocolate and Sweet Talk Milk Chocolate varieties, which also sound very tasty. Available in WH Smiths.

Wagamama Firecracker Curry Sauce (RRP £2.75) is a simple and cheaper way of recreating some of your favourite in-restaurant meals. The Firecracker sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce with sriracha and chilli, perfect for recreating prawn, chicken or tofu firecracker curry. The jar contains 2-3 servings and has a hot three-chilli rating. Other subscribers received Coconut and Lemongrass Curry Sauce. Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Tuk-In Lime Pickle Bombay Trail Mix (RRP £1.50) ofers the zesty, acidic flavour that you would expect of lime pickle. The ingredients include a range of superfoods. Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and the packs are high in fibre, a source of magnesium and vitamin E, with 7g of protein in every bag. I'm not keen on the taste of lime pickle but the kids enjoyed the zesty flavour and crunchy texture.  

A subscription to Degustabox costs £12.99 per month including delivery, with each box having a value of much more than that, but the great news is, I have a discount coupon code for you which means you'll get the first box for just £9.99 - enter code PKUFE at the checkout. 

for more information :

http://bit.ly/DBhomepage - website

http://bit.ly/DBUKfacebook - Facebook

http://bit.ly/DBUKTwitter - twitter

Also now on Instagram @DegustaboxUK

Disclosure : We received the box in order to write an honest review. As a Degustabox blogger, I receive all of the products that go into the monthly boxes, but subscribers may not get exactly the same selection.