A super quick post today to share with you my 'The Goodness Project' box. Here is a link to one with very similar products to the ones shown below. I am over the moon with this as a nice little treat. 

So thumbs up to my boyfriend for 'thinking outside the box' and getting me this fabulous gift. Who thought my boyfriend would introduce me to a new health food brand! Usually i'm the one being like 'ooh look at this' or 'you should try this'. So this christmas present was a massive surprise to me. I really was happy to receive this gift and rifle through the lovely packaging to find all the little bits and bobs I received. It definitely makes a nice present for someone else or a gift from yourself, to yourself. So, ladies... fella's... definitely pass this gift idea on to your other half. 

The Goodness Project offer 3 different healthy food snack boxes.. natural/organic, vegan or gluten-free. I received the vegan one of course. There's a box to suit any dietary preferences (sorry for being an awkward vegan but now you know what to get me ;)).You can choose to do a monthly subscription (mini or maxi versions) or get a 'one off' box like I did. I love the fact they do one off boxes - I don't like to commit to month subscription boxes so this means I can treat myself to a big hamper of vegan snacks when I feel like it, when i'm in the financial position to do so. Of course you could just go and buy yourself these vegan snacks individually but, these hampers feel so luxurious and specials. It feels like a treat. I feel like this is a great gift idea, especially if you're struggling to find the perfect foodie gift. This is a fuss free way to shop. It's also a nice way to try new products you haven't tried or even heard of before.


 
There are so many boxes to chose from.. chocolate lovers there is one for you. The one I received is a bit more varied which is good otherwise I would just eat chocolate all the time. I love the mix of sweet and savoury so there is a snack for every occasion. Including the 'Netflix and chill' corn peanuts.

My favourite part of the box has to be the iChoc, Vivani white chocolate bar (sounds divine!) and the humongous Vego bar. What is not to love about this chocolatey selection. I will be munching my way through these very soon. I love how most of these snacks are travel friendly.. so I can take them on my weekend trips and to lectures with me. Those cashew nuts by Quibbles make the best aeroplane snack.

Mince pies

Graze Mince Pie Flapjack 

Aldi Dark Chocolate Lebkuchen

 

 Hot chocolate

In a christmas mug, of course. Technically this a drink not a snack but still, it's festive OK. As soon as christmas time comes around i crave warm mugs of hot chocolate topped with vegan whipped cream. 

Nakd 'Christmas Pud'

Today i want to share my favourite vegan snacks. Some are healthier than others, some are great for on-the-go and some are for sharing. But there's lots for everyone! It just shows how being vegan isn't difficult, there's SO many options! So if you're thinking of being more vegan.. this is a good place to start, odds are you eat a lot of these things already. I hope you find some new snacks to enjoy, let me know your favourite treats in the comments below!

Aldi

Pea Snacks

Chocolate Orange Rice Cake Bars

Biscuits

Oreos - Mint, Chocolate, Original.. 

Bourbon Creams (usually own brands e.g. Asda,  Sainsbury's)

were vegan? This not-so-healthy snack is usually reserved for lazy weekends with a cuppa tea and a film. Probably best to leave the packet in the cupboard and just take a few with you.

Graze 

Dark Chocolate Cherry Tart

Cranberry & Hazelnut Toasts with Cocoa Dip

Misc

Banana Ice-cream/Chocolate Pops

Homemade Brownies/Blondies

Carrot Sticks & Hummus 

How to:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas well. Leave to drain while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Put the nuts into a food processor/blender until they are chopped into small chunks. Then remove and put aside.
3. Next, place the chickpeas, maple syrup, peanut butter & flavourings in the food processor and blend until smooth.
4. Finally, fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips.

I love this recipe. They're perfect with a cuppa, a cosy blanket and a good book to read. They're perfect as a little after dinner snack, although it is hard to stop at just one. They're insanely more-ish. The mix of hazelnut, mixed spice and chopped nuts make them perfect for autumn.

How to:
Place the banana in the freezer for 30mins whilst you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Blend your choice of nuts until finely chopped.
Melt the chocolate in a bowl over boiling water or in the microwave.
Next on a clean surface (i used baking/greaseproof paper), use a spoon to cover half the banana in the melted chocolate. Be sure to sprinkle of the nuts as you go as the chocolate with set pretty fast!
Finally put the banana back in the freezer for 10-15minutes to completely harden.

I thought i'd share with you my recent purchases i picked up whilst in Edinburgh for the day which, resulted in my arm nearly falling off as i rushed to the train station. It wasn't a good look. But, i adore shopping in Edinburgh. It always ends with me spending far too much money...

1. Melt half the chocolate and all coconut oil in a bowl over a pan of boiling water. Once the water has started to boil turn the heat down while the chocolate melts. Stir occasionally.
2. Chop up the Nakd bar of chop into little chunks while the chocolate is melting. 
3. Take the chocolate off the heat and stir in the rest of the chocolate.
4. Add in the chopped up Nakd bar, desiccated coconut and any other ingredients. 
5. Spoon into the chocolate mould and leave to set in the fridge. 

I thought i'd share with you what chocolate treats i got this Easter.. and another present i got to help me burn it all off afterwords. First off, i'm a dark chocolate lover. I found these goodies in Aldi and couldn't resist. I can safely say the truffles are truly amazing, four in a row was not enough. The Easter egg i'm yet to dig into to, i'll leave that for when i am home from Malaysia.

Now i seen these in Tesco on offer a few weeks ago so put a pack away for Easter. There is a mix of dark and milk chocolate in different flavours so you can see which one you like best. I've had these before, they're so cute and mini, a perfect portion size. I use these for a snack of when baking (perfect amount for one!). My favourite is the butterscotch flavour.



This top is from Primark (Selfridges in the Trafford Centre) and was a bargain at £4. It'll look good in the summer months with a bright sports bra. I also got some plain black 3/4 leggings to go with for £6. To complete the outfit is a plain black pair of trainers, now usually i just get Nikes or Fila but, i thought i would try these for in the gym. They are super, super comfy because they are memory foam and i love how sleek they look. Can't go wrong with a pair of plain black trainers. At the bargain price of £12 i got the full outfit for £22. Not. Complaining. Big thanks to my mum for always kitting me out in the gym. Gotta look good. Plus i never take my gym clothes off, i pretty much what them everyday so i'd rather have a new sports bra or leggings than an actual dress or something nice. I'm sure a lot gym bunnies will agree.